Accessible Communications - by Lisa Riemers & Matisse Hamel-Nelis

About the Book

Understand how to design inclusive and accessible communications that meet legislative standards and work for everyone.

Book Synopsis

Creating accessible communications is no longer an optional extra but a business necessity. With so many rules and regulations it can feel like an insurmountable challenge.

The cost of ignoring accessibility can be significant. It has never been more important for communicators to embrace true accessibility in their work, but doing so can feel time-consuming and difficult. This practical and easy-to-follow guide empowers professionals to feel confident creating truly accessible communications across various formats, from emails and documents to videos and social media. With the emphasis on practical content examples that professionals encounter daily, and a holistic approach, this book will become the ultimate companion to anyone looking to communicate with colleagues, customers, shareholders and stakeholders.
Written by two leading consultants, this book equips communicators to develop campaigns and strategies that build business reputation and consumer trust. It provides in-depth coverage of evolving legislation in the area, as well as a forward-looking approach that goes beyond compliance and looks towards clarity and inclusivity. With real-world examples like Microsoft, Coles Supermarket and others, this book provides guidance to ensure that all communications are more accessible, impactful and effective.

Review Quotes

"Accessible Communicationsis your go-to book to learn about accessibility and inclusivity from the experts. Lisa and Matisse's inspirational and practical guide will fundamentally change how you view information. The advice, checklists and guidance are incredibly valuable, you'll want to keep this book within reach."-- "Rachel Miller, Founder, All Things IC and author of Internal Communication Strategy and Successful Change Communication"

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A must-read for all communicators.
Accessible Communications is a practical guide that offers clear, actionable steps and frameworks to help you embed accessibility and inclusion into everyday practice.

"-- "Ann-Marie Blake, Co-Founder, True Communications"

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Buy this book if you want to ensure your corporate communication is impactful and implemented in the most inclusive way.
You'll get a roadmap for making accessibility a strategic advantage, helping you to engage better, reduce organisational risk and build brand reputation.
Demystifying laws and standards and packed with advice on how to avoid missteps through testing, training and continuous monitoring, Riemers and Hamel-Nelis have created a straightforward action plan for equitable communication.
A recommended read for anyone in the creative industries and management teams who believe accessibility is a shared endeavour.

"-- "Sarah Waddington CBE, CEO of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)"

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I've had the privilege of reading more than two dozen titles in the digital accessibility space. Accessible Communications is one of the most well-rounded and strategically aligned books I've come across, for communications professionals and content creators.
This book isn't just a guide; it's a strategy for embedding accessibility into modern communications. I highly recommend it for any communications professional serious about reaching and respecting all audiences.

"-- "Crystal Scott, CPWA, Founder of the Accessibility Book Club"

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If you feel like you don't know how to 'do' accessibility, or how to talk about it with others, this is the book you need.
It's practical, it's easy to follow and it's just so interesting. You'll soon feel confident that your content is more inclusive and is all the better for it.

"-- "Christine Cawthorne, Director, Crocstar"

"

Practical, clear, and long overdue
Accessible Communications is packed with practical advice on what accessibility really means, why it matters, and how to get it right - without jargon, judgement or overwhelm.
What I especially appreciated is how actionable it is. Whether you're writing an email, creating a video, or posting to social, the authors offer concrete examples and common pitfalls to avoid.
If you're a communicator who wants to reach more people, avoid costly mistakes, and build trust through inclusive, thoughtful content, this is the handbook you didn't know you needed.

"-- "Sharon O'Dea, Co-founder, Lithos Partners"

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This book will help you remove barriers, build bridges, enhance engagement, and above all reach your audience to deliver your messages. This book should become a standard for every person that includes communications as part of their work.
If you want your ideas, concepts, and words to be understood by all, this book shares how and why to reach that goal.
In our world where voices and needs are diverse, this book reminds us that accessible communication is essential.

"-- "Samantha Evans, CAE, ICE-CCP, MBA, Certification Director, IAAP/G3ict and Accessibility Advocate"

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What makes this book stand out is how it models what it teaches. It communicates with clarity, compassion, and purpose-meeting the reader where they are and guiding them gently, yet confidently, through the complex world of accessible communication.
This book offers insights and tools that are valuable for anyone committed to reaching, engaging, and respecting diverse audiences. A must-read for those who want to elevate their craft while honouring the full spectrum of human experience.

"-- "Priya Bates, ABC, MC, IABC Fellow, President, Inner Strength Communication Inc., Co-author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity"

"It's finally here - a practical guide to making your communication truly accessible and inclusive. Matisse and Lisa have compiled everything you need to know to enhance the power of your communication - not just for people with disability, but for everyone who engages with your work. Forget boring theory, instead think helpful tools, tips, and case studies that demonstrate how important accessible communication is. Whether you're a strategic communicator by profession, or anyone who communicates as part of your job (which is everyone!), this book will open up your eyes to opportunities to reach even more people in ways that cut through."-- "Melanie Loy, SCMP, Founder and CEO, Hey Mel! Communications & Training"

"It's such a good read. I didn't expect to be hooked on a book I thought to be a reference guide for my work. As practical as it is, I was delighted to think new thoughts as Lisa and Matisse laid out the way forward, supported by genuine insights and robust references. Review your house style guide against chapters 4 and 5."-- "Wedge Black, Intranet content consultant"

"Lisa and Matisse have written an insightful, clear, and useful guide to accessible communications. This warm and charming duo reframes accessibility as a driver of innovation. Their approach makes it easy to understand the challenges people face in communication. Then they provide detailed guidance, tools, and case studies to clarify their points. The takeaways, the tools, the checklists are practical and clear. So many "I didn't know that" moments; I can't wait to get started!"-- "Kari E. McLean, MS-IMC, CMP"

About the Author

Lisa Riemers is an independent communications consultant and accessibility advocate who helps clients connect their people and tell their stories. Based in London, UK, Lisa advises large and complex organizations including world-leading universities, charities, insurers, business-to-business (B2B) companies and the UK government.

Matisse Hamel-Nelis is an award-winning communications and digital accessibility consultant and a PR professor at Durham College. Based in Toronto, Canada, she also founded and hosts the PR & Lattes podcast and is the past Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).