Small Business Week 2025
May 8th, 2025 - In support of Small Business Week 2025, San Francisco Disability Business Alliance hosted a pivotal panel discussion emphasizing the critical role that accessibility plays in the growth and success of small businesses: Breaking Barriers - Accessibility as a Growth Strategy for Small Business
This gathering was held at the San Francisco Main Public Library, a truly fitting venue with an outstanding team who ensured that everything—from tech to hospitality—reflected a strong commitment to accessibility and community support. Attendance was possible in-person and virtually via zoom. The location was fully accessible with accommodations including ASL interpreters, CART services, and assisted listening devices were provided.
We were honored to welcome a diverse and accomplished panel of accessibility leaders. Katie Tang, Director of the SF Office of Small Business, leads the “Beyond the Front Door” initiative. Michael Hingson, 9/11 survivor and Chief Vision Officer at accessiBe, challenges us to rethink inclusion. Joshua Klipp, attorney and musician, advocates for accessible small business practices. Eli Gelardin, from the Office of Accessibility and former CEO of the Center for Independent Living, brings decades of leadership in disability advocacy. Andre Lamont Wilson, artist and educator at Ability Now, has empowered entrepreneurs with disabilities for over 35 years. And finally, our keynote speaker, a global accessibility leader at Amazon, ensures inclusive design across major platforms like Alexa and Prime Video.
Through a wide-ranging discussion, the panelists shared powerful personal testimonials, practical insights, and a remarkable sense of humor. They gave us a holistic view of how accessibility can be integrated meaningfully and sustainably into small business operations.
You can read about the main take-aways of the panel on our blog How Accessibility can be integrated Meaningfully and Sustainably into Business Operations.
To conclude the event, attendees were invited to meet with the speakers in a community room across the auditorium, network with one another and discover the artistic talents of a few small businesses exhibiting their products. Michael Hingson signed his book “Thunder Dog” for the San Francisco Public Library.
