Humans are hardwired to communicate – to share ideas, connect with others, and build understanding. Yet too often, the messages crafted and content created unintentionally exclude the very people they are meant to reach. With more than 2.5 billion people requiring one or more assistive products ranging from glasses and hearing aids to mobility scooters, and 1 in 6 of the global population having a significant disability, businesses cannot afford to ignore swathes of customers, or neglect the needs of a significant proportion of their staff.
When we design for accessibility, we create better experiences for everyone. This is the call to action of Accessible Communications, the new book by independent communications consultant and accessibility advocate, Lisa Riemers, and Matisse Hamel-Nelis, an award-winning communications and digital accessibility consultant.
The timing of this book is pivotal: legislation is expanding, technology is rapidly evolving, employee expectations are changing, and organisational culture is shifting. Yet many communicators still lack the confidence or knowledge to navigate this landscape effectively. Accessible Communications fills that gap, providing both the foundational understanding and the practical skills needed to create truly inclusive communications.
Divided into three parts, Riemers and Hamel-Nelis expertly break down what can feel like an overwhelming topic into manageable steps. Beginning by laying the groundwork, Accessible Communications provides in-depth coverage of evolving legislation in the communications industry, and both the business and ethical cases for compliance. Part two of the book delves into how businesses can embed accessibility into their workflow through practices such as adopting plain language and inclusive design. The authors include actionable guidance and checklists for effective communication in a variety of formats, including emails, documents, videos, and social media. Finally, Riemers and Hamel-Nelis look towards the future to help organisations stay ahead of the curve.
The book is also grounded in real-world examples, from those encountered by professionals in their daily life, to large organisations like Microsoft, Coles Supermarket, and more.
The path to accessibility may seem insurmountable at first, but with Riemers and Hamel-Nelis as their guides, readers quickly discover that it is not only achievable and rewarding, but it makes business sense. When accessibility is an organisation-wide priority, not just a siloed initiative, communications become clearer, more impactful, and build consumer trust. With every email that reaches more people, every document that's clearer to understand, and every video that includes everyone, organisations can build a more inclusive future.
Accessible Communications by Lisa Riemers and Matisse Hamel-Nelis is available in the UK on Amazon and all good bookshops from 3rd October 2025
