ACT—the Accessibility Coalition for Transformation—is an informal network connecting people and organizations working to advance accessibility.
ACT brings together different forms of accessibility knowledge—from lived experience and community advocacy to civic, organizational, journalistic, and technical expertise. By sharing information and relationships across those intersections, we can support common goals and strengthen grassroots action.
Grassroots action and local leadership
Lasting accessibility change often begins with people closest to a barrier. They bring direct knowledge of the problem, its consequences, and the community in which it occurs.
ACT’s role is supportive rather than directive. It does not replace local leadership, claim credit, or turn every effort into an ACT initiative. Community-led work remains accountable to the people affected and rooted in the places where change is needed.
Purpose
ACT exists to make useful connections that help accessibility work move forward—turning common purpose into informed, collaborative action.
A network, not an institution.
ACT is intentionally lightweight. It is a communications network—not a formal membership organization or governing body. ACT does not direct participants, control their advocacy, or require agreement on every issue. People and organizations participate in ways consistent with their own priorities, responsibilities, and authority.
This structure allows ACT to focus on what it can do best:
- Connect people
- Encourage constructive discussion
- Identify opportunities for collaboration
- Help effective local work reach a wider audience
Participants
ACT connects accessibility allies, advocates, activists, and accomplices. These roles can overlap, and people may participate differently depending on the issue.
Values
- Nothing About Us Without Us: Center disabled people and lived experience.
- Access is a civil right: Treat accessibility as essential to equitable participation.
- Connection: Help people find one another and share useful knowledge.
- Practical action: Turn awareness into realistic opportunities for change.
- Shared responsibility: Invite individuals and institutions to help remove barriers.
- Respectful accountability: Challenge barriers while building constructive relationships.
- Nonpartisan collaboration: Build broad support around disability rights, dignity, and access.