Empowering accessibility: GitHub's journey building an in-house Champions program

GitHub has launched the Accessibility Champions program to foster a culture of inclusivity and accessibility within its platform, focusing on empowering developers, including those with disabilities, through a decentralized approach. The program began with a small group of engineering champions, gradually expanding to a diverse community from engineering, design, and content teams. Participants receive training on digital accessibility fundamentals, such as WCAG guidelines and inclusive design principles, utilizing a tailored curriculum delivered asynchronously. Feedback has been crucial in shaping the program, leading to the introduction of interactive sessions, monthly meetings, and roundtable discussions with users with disabilities. This iterative and collaborative approach has allowed GitHub to refine the program, ensuring it meets participants' needs while promoting teamwork and continuous improvement. By sharing its experiences, GitHub aims to inspire other organizations to prioritize accessibility and inclusion, demonstrating the broader impact of its initiatives on the tech community.