How Accessibility Drives Brand Loyalty (and Profits)—Maxwell Ivey | Ep 117

Building a brand is about more than compliance and checklists—it's about genuine communication, connection, and creating a welcoming experience for everyone. In this episode, I sit down with Maxwell Ivey, known as The Blind Blogger, a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility consultant with over 15 years of expertise.

We dive deep into inclusive design, alt text, accessible tools, and the business benefits of accessibility. You’ll learn how adopting accessible practices enhances user experience, strengthens your brand, and boosts organic traffic—plus how AI is reshaping accessibility (for better and worse). Whether you’re a founder or a designer, this episode will shift how you think about accessibility and inclusion.

Connect with Maxwell Ivey

Website: https://theaccessibilityadvantage.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellivey/

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Timestamp Chapters

00:00 Redefining Accessibility: From Compliance to Connection

01:04 Why Business Owners Must See Accessibility as Self-Interest

03:21 How Alt Text Impacts SEO and User Experience

05:08 Accessibility Improvements Help All Users

06:02 Accessibility as True Collaboration, Not Just Guidelines

08:49 Why Empathy and Conversation Matter in Inclusive Design

12:18 Real-World Accessibility Gaps: Booking, Email, and Platforms

14:15 Calendly’s Accessible Front End vs. Back End

15:26 The Fragility of Accessibility in Evolving Platforms

17:23 Businesses Building for the Majority and Missing the 5%

18:08 How Accessibility Features Like Dark Mode Improve UX

20:30 Boosting Brand Loyalty Through Accessibility

22:00 Social Consciousness and Inclusive Brands

23:33 AI’s Double-Edged Role in Accessibility

25:11 Practical AI Use Cases to Enhance Accessibility

28:19 How AI Prompts Improve Shopping and Booking Experiences

31:25 Concerns About AI and the Future of Work for People with Disabilities

34:32 The Risk of AI Reducing Accessibility Job Opportunities

36:46 Why Brands Need Accessibility Experts at the AI Table

38:01 Connect with Maxwell Ivey and The Accessibility Advantage