Headline of the Month: Big news in inclusive design this week. The Access Coalition has released a suite of open-sourced tools to transform the retail experience. Inside: The Inclusive Spaces Playbook, the Inclusive Spaces Framework - open-sourced materials for all to use. Check out the Restroom Update in the Framework Checklist (it’s a game-changer).
Hello Readers!
I am very happy February is on the way out and March is rolling in. As the snow melts, I am ready for bulbs to bloom, warmer days, and that feeling of revival. January and February have been truly awful on so many fronts. Many of us are feeling demoralized.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we “show up.” For many, that means the exhausting, critical work on the front lines—fighting for rights, funding, and basic access. But showing up also means building the world we want to live in through proactive planning and inclusive strategies. We need the reactive fight, but we also need the proactive blueprints. No matter how you show up, as an advocate, a strategist, or a supporter, the point is that we are in this together, each bringing a unique lens to the table.
In the spirit of proactive building, I am thrilled to share a massive milestone. This week, The Access Coalition, a powerhouse group of eight retailers including Starbucks Coffee Company, Walmart, and CVS Health, released a suite of open-sourced tools to transform the retail landscape. These aren’t just documents; they are the new industry best practices for accessibility and belonging.
The Resource Drop
The Press Release: Meet the coalition members and see the vision.
Inclusive Spaces Framework Checklist: Moving beyond the “floor” of the ADA. Don’t miss the major update: a deep dive into accessible restrooms.
Inclusive Spaces Playbook: A step-by-step guide for any organization to start their inclusive design journey.
The Full Resource Hub: All materials in one place.
Please take a look and share these widely. Let’s make accessibility the default, not the exception.
Enjoy the articles I collected this month. There is always more to share than room. Please don’t hesitate to send reports, articles, or updates - I am happy to include them in the next newsletter.
Finally, happy rare disease day! Technically Saturday, hopefully this day will help shine the spotlight on those of us with rare diseases - difficulties getting diagnosed and getting appropriate care. Read more about the day here.
Onward!
Kim
Welcome to the newest section of the newsletter. I’m providing a short, quick accessibility tip of the month. These tips will work for any organization of any size. If you have a great tip to share, reach out! I’ll name and tag you with your tip in future newsletters.
This month’s accessibility tip is about organizational strategy. For many companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and others, disability inclusion and accessibility are considered “the right thing to do” and embedded into social impact work. While it is true that disability inclusion and accessibility are the right things to do (and legally required!), this perspective continues to silo disability and accessibility work. Instead, accessibility should be viewed as a business and organizational imperative and driver of innovation. Starting from the c-suite, accessibility viewed through a business lens can and will improve overall outcomes for the organization. For more, check out this HBR article on disability focused design and innovation, including practical strategies (How Designing with Disability in Mind Sparks Innovation, Harvard Business Review, 02.09.2026).
Trump gave the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening. Below is some of the coverage since the long speech.
5 Takeaways from Trump’s State of the Union Address [NPR, 02.25.2026].
Fact-Checking Trump’s State of the Union Speech [NYT, 02.25.2026].
President Trump’s State of the Union Variety Show [The Atlantic, 02.25.2026].
RFK Jr.’s Days of Going Wild on Health May Be Over [Politico, 02.22.2026].
See below in Talk of the Town for link to an event at New America earlier this month about RFK Jr’s policies.
DHS Shutdown Begins as Funding Expires Without a Deal in Congress [CBS News, 02.14.2026].
ICYMI Field Hearing: Work, Dignity, and Choice in Disability Employment [House Committee on Education and Workforce, 02.13.2026]. Witness testimonies are linked, including Dr. Laura Owens (Democratic witness).
House Passes GOP Elections Overhaul [Politico, 02.11.2026].
American Association of People with Disabilities Response to House Passage of the SAVE America Act [AAPD, 02.13.2026].
Defining Disability Under the ADA: An Interview Exploring Federal Court Trends [American Bar Association, 02.04.2026]. Strongly recommend reading about these concerning trends when it comes to disability definition in legal cases.
Congress Ends Shutdown, Approves $1.2T in Funding – and sets up DHS Cliff [Politico, 02.03.2026].
ICYMI: New America hosted a virtual event earlier this month. Check out the recording! Disability Under Threat: Confronting Harmful Rhetoric and Policy at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [New America, 02.04.2026].
Accessibility Isn’t the Problem. Exam Design Is. [The Crimson, 02.09.2026].
Snowstorms are Hell for Wheelchair Users – But They Don’t Have to Be [Mother Jones, 02.03.2026].
Why Disability Is the Ultimate Stress Test for Artificial Intelligence [Forbes, 01.31.2026].
Disability, IDEA, and the Impact of Federal Cuts [New America, 01.29.2026].
Release: CAP Highlights Work Ahead to Fully Implement New, Strengthened Disability Protections (toolkit linked in release!) [Center for American Progress, 02.11.2026].
Accessibility Advocates Discuss Their Work After Report Shows 1 in 4 Chicago Adults are Disabled (podcast) [WBEZ Chicago, 02.18.2026].
When I compile the newsletter, these are open roles, but changes to status occur quickly. Please note, I do not have any additional information beyond the links provided about these positions, and I do not have affiliations with these jobs. If you have a job to share, please contact me to post in the next newsletter.
Making Space has many opportunities for individuals seeking creative roles available on their page. Making Space seeks to connect disabled professionals with career opportunities and help employers retain talent. The roles range from in person, to hybrid, to remote and some are full time, part time, or contract. Check out the opportunities here.
ACLU is seeking a Deputy Project Director in the Disability Rights Project. This position is based in San Francisco, CA or Washington, DC. A J.D. and active State Bar membership is required. Read more about the position.
The MacArthur Foundation is hiring for a Director of AI Opportunity. This full time position is based in Chicago in a hybrid environment. Learn more here.
Pivotal is seeking a Senior Director of Strategic Philanthropy & Platforms. This senior, full time role is based either in Seattle or DC. Learn more about this position here.
The Southern Poverty Law Center is underway with a search for a President & Chief Executive Officer. The job description includes key skills, vision for the future, and compensation. Learn more here.
Inside Higher Ed Careers has two postings for disability specialists. The first is at Frederick Community College (read more) and the second is at Lake Tahoe Community College (read more).
CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) has several positions open, internships, and more. Learn more about all positions here.
The Center for Democracy & Technology seeks a senior-level Director of Research. This position will set research priorities for the organization. Read more about the position here.
Fellowships & Internships
Coelho Law Fellowship application is open for the Summer 2026 cohort. Applications are due March 8. Read more about applying here.
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Ranking Member is seeking summer 2026 interns. The deadline to apply is March 15. Potential internship focus areas include health, education, labor, pensions & tax policy, disability, and oversight. Learn more here.
Connect with Kim today to share content for this newsletter or learn more about services offered by Unlock Access.
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