In early 2023, I had the privilege of being a caregiver to a wonderful older woman named Pam. Pam used a wheelchair and lived with Multiple Sclerosis. We spent our days laughing, cooking together, and taking the dogs for walks. She was sharp, curious, and deeply engaged with the world around her.

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Although Pam was highly intelligent, using a computer was often a challenge for her. She relied on a small laptop, and due to both the screen size and the effects of MS, reading text and typing search queries could be difficult. Many times, she asked me to navigate websites for her because the text was too small, buttons were hard to click, or the layout was overwhelming.

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An ADA compliance widget would have made a meaningful difference in Pam’s daily life. With built-in accessibility tools, she could have enlarged text, adjusted contrast, or used text-to-speech to consume information without strain. Features like keyboard navigation would have reduced the physical effort required to interact with websites, allowing her to engage more independently.

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Most importantly, an ADA compliance widget would have preserved Pam’s independence and dignity. She didn’t lack intelligence or curiosity—she lacked accessible digital spaces. Watching her struggle with something that should have been simple made a lasting impression on me.

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This is why I do what I do. Accessibility isn’t about checking a box or avoiding lawsuits. It’s about making sure people like Pam can fully participate in a world that increasingly lives online. It’s about removing barriers so no one has to ask for help just to read, search, or be heard.