What began as a personal goal-setting exercise has blossomed into a thriving LinkedIn community of over 900 passionate accessibility advocates. Launched in January 2024 by Crystal Scott, CPWA, the Accessibility Book Club was born from her desire to read more and deepen her knowledge of accessibility—and the incredible response from the #A11y community has turned this idea into a movement.
The Spark of an Idea
Every December, Crystal reflects on the year and sets ambitious goals for the next. In late 2023, she decided to channel her passion for reading into something that could benefit others. With curiosity and a bit of apprehension, she reached out to her LinkedIn network and the #A11y Slack community. The enthusiasm she encountered confirmed what she had hoped: this was an idea worth pursuing.
She curated an annual reading list, featuring a book each month that explored themes ranging from accessible development to inclusive design, leadership, coaching, and even a disability activist memoir. This list became the backbone of the Accessibility Book Club’s first year, offering members diverse perspectives on accessibility and inclusion.
2024: A Year of Growth and Connection
Throughout the year, the Accessibility Book Club hosted two standout virtual meetings with guest authors:
- June: Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew.
- September: The Web Accessibility Cookbook by Manuel Matuzović.
These events were more than discussions; they became forums for direct engagement with thought leaders, fostering rich conversations and invaluable learning experiences.
As the club grew, it attracted members from diverse professional backgrounds—designers, developers, advocates, and more—united by a shared passion for accessibility. Together, they’ve built a supportive, insightful community committed to making the world more inclusive.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With nearly a year of success under her belt, Crystal has exciting plans for the Accessibility Book Club in 2025. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- A New Website: The upcoming Accessibility Book Club website, powered by Webflow, will feature a blog, a digital bookshelf, and the much-loved annual reading lists.
- Enhanced Content: Co-manager Ricky Onsman is curating resources to make the website a hub for accessibility enthusiasts.
- Honoring Contributors: Special thanks go to the club’s inaugural co-manager, Jon Farrell, whose dedication and enthusiasm have helped shape the club’s culture of curiosity and growth.
A Call to Action
Crystal encourages all members to embrace the 2025 reading list, participate in discussions, and continue building their accessibility expertise. In a fast-evolving field like technology, staying informed is essential—and what better way to learn than from the minds who have captured their insights in books?
Here’s to reading, learning, and thriving together in 2025. Cheers to a brighter, more inclusive future!
If you haven’t yet joined, now’s the perfect time to be part of the Accessibility Book Club. Together, let’s keep growing and making a difference—one book at a time.
Author
Crystal Scott, CPWA
Web Accessibility Engineer