Aligna’s Blog: Designed for Access
Aligna’s Monthly Insights: “Designed for Access”
Where law, systems, and inclusion meet in practice
-
Introducing the Nonprofit Character Oracle
A highly unscientific guide to the people, patterns, and personalities of nonprofit life I’ve always enjoyed making a good bingo card: conference bingo, strategic planning bingo, accessibility bingo, ableism bingo, board retreat bingo. “How many times will someone say ‘stakeholder engagement’ at this government meeting?” bingo. You get my hobbies now. Only second to my…
-
Your Nonprofit Deserves a Good Ending
Every nonprofit deserves a good ending. However, keeping Board members and others engaged through painful and draining discussions and logistics is difficult. I’ve had more than one Board member in the past tell me they just didn’t want a nonprofit to close on their watch– that it would feel like a personal failure, even if it was the most sustainable and strategic decision for the organization and the community.
-
Before You Start a Nonprofit, PAUSE
People start nonprofits for good reasons. I have been one of those people. I was in my mid-20s and I received an award of $10K. Instead of going on a vacation, I started a nonprofit. Like those other people, I saw a gap. I cared about an issue. Hey, maybe I even had experience in…
-
Adventures in Japan with Disabilities
In mid-February, my family and I visited Japan for nine days, traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. It was our first trip together to Asia, as well as my first time traveling internationally by air with a portable electric wheelchair. I was inspired to take the trip not just because of a shared love for…
-
Why Access Fails in Organizations—and How to Design Systems That Work
Hardly anyone really intends to fail at access. At the very least, organizations that I know, don’t. They do what they think will work: new policies, statements, committees, and training. They try to address compliance and they throw good intentions behind their work. However, access– which often just feels like a basic building block towards…
Get the Blog Delivered
Sign up for the blog. We’ll deliver monthly.