#711: Making accessibility a priority with Make Paciello, AudioEye

The 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was July 26, so today's episode is a special one.

Most companies obsess over SEO, performance, and conversion rates—but overlook 25% of their audience entirely. Why do so many businesses miss the opportunity to serve users with disabilities, and what are they leaving on the table?

Today I’m joined by Michael Paciello, Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye. Michael is a pioneer in digital accessibility and a longtime advocate for creating inclusive online experiences. While many business professionals focus on growth and efficiency, Michael makes a compelling case that accessibility is not just about compliance—it's a powerful business opportunity. He’s here to help us understand how accessibility can improve everything from reach to reputation to revenue.

About Mike Paciello

Mike Paciello is the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc., a digital accessibility company. Prior to joining AudioEye, Mike founded WebABLE/WebABLE.TV, which delivers news about the disability and accessibility technology market. Mike authored the first book on web accessibility and usability, “Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities” and, in 1997, Mr. Paciello received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his work in the creation of World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

He has served as an advisor to the US Access Board and other federal agencies since 1992. Mike has served as an international leader, technologist, and authority in emerging technology, accessibility, usability, and electronic publishing. Mike is the former Founder of The Paciello Group (TPG), a world-renowned software accessibility consultancy acquired in 2017 by Vispero.

Mike Paciello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-paciello-88a7a0306/

Resources

Audioeye: https://www.audioeye.com https://www.audioeye.com

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