Identity isn't just what you call yourself. It's what happens after you say it. For most of my life, I identified as Deaf or hard of hearing. But as my vision changed, I started naming something else too: I'm Deafblind. I have Usher syndrome. Both are true. But how I say them, when I say them, and who I say them to? That's where things get complicated.

I see it all the time: posts with incredible information that half the audience literally cannot read. The text is too small. The colors don't contrast. There's no alt text. It's not because people don't care, it's because accessibility isn't part of the process. Here's how to fix that on Instagram and LinkedIn without adding hours to your day.

In this blog, I unpack why true inclusion isn't realistic—and why equity is a more effective, human-centered goal. Based on my appearance on the Big Brave Business podcast, this post shares honest insights on accessibility, disability, and how business owners can build more equitable experiences for everyone.

“Accessibility is not sexy... but it is a must-have. It’s part of your business foundation.” That’s the truth. And yet, I see so many business owners still treat accessibility like an afterthought or worse, like an overwhelming, all-or-nothing project they don’t have time for.

Let’s get real: most small business owners aren’t skipping accessibility because they don’t care. It’s because they don’t know where to start—and they’re already juggling way too much.

As someone who is DeafBlind and runs her own business, I know exactly how frustrating it is to be excluded from valuable content. And I also know it doesn’t have to be that way. I created Mabely Q to help businesses like yours build with accessibility in mind—without it being overwhelming.

I can’t tell you how many times someone hears me speak, gets fired up about accessibility—and then spirals into this:

“Oh no. I have to burn everything down and start over.”

Let’s pause right there.