Episode Summary
In this episode, Emily sits down with Jodie Greer, the founder of Be People Smart Consulting, to unpack why disability inclusion and accessibility matter in business and social media.
Jodie’s insights offer a practical guide on how making social media inclusive doesn’t just widen your audience; it builds a genuine culture of belonging.
From straightforward language tips to optimising visual elements, Jodie lays out accessible strategies that ensure everyone can connect with your content regardless of ability.
Jodie’s advice?
It’s about making small, thoughtful changes that have a significant impact.
We talk about the realities of accessibility, from the importance of image descriptions to practical steps both small businesses and large corporations can take to adapt.
Whether you’re running a small operation or part of a big organisation, this episode is loaded with tips that can help you up your game in digital communication.
Timeline Summary
[00:46] - Jodie introduces Be People Smart Consulting and its mission to promote disability inclusion and accessibility in business.
[01:24] - You could miss out on the vast audience by not making social media content inclusive.
[02:47] - Captions: why they’re vital not only for the deaf community but for anyone who prefers consuming content differently.
[03:40] - Tips for making social media posts accessible—keeping language clear and using emojis smartly.
[07:55] - Common mistakes businesses make, like relying on acronyms and neglecting proper colour contrast.
[11:42] - Understanding what "good enough" accessibility means—why it’s more about progress than perfection.
[18:45] - Jodie’s top five tips for making everyday social media communications more accessible.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Introduction and Jodie’s Work at Be People Smart
Jodie Greer, founder of Be People Smart Consulting, shares the mission behind her organisation: supporting businesses in attracting, retaining, and developing talent through disability inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
Her focus is on fostering a culture where everyone feels included and valued.
The Case for Inclusive Social Media
We explore how inclusive social media practices aren’t just about doing the right thing—they can also significantly expand an audience.
With one in five adults identifying as disabled, excluding accessibility features means losing a sizeable chunk of potential followers.
And it’s not just about disabilities; people have diverse ways of engaging with content, and inclusive practices can accommodate these preferences.
Tactics for Accessible Social Media Posts
Jodie explains the importance of using clear, simple language, short paragraphs, and being careful with emojis.
She shares why avoiding emojis as bullet points is critical for screen readers and visually impaired users.
Jodie also emphasises the value of image descriptions and captions for making visual content accessible.
Overcoming Common Accessibility Mistakes
Jodie highlights frequent mistakes, such as using acronyms and ignoring colour contrast.
She offers practical advice on tools and techniques to improve accessibility quickly, ensuring your message reaches more people.
Achieving ‘Good Enough’ Accessibility
Perfection in ‘accessibility’ is a myth. Jodie discusses what "good enough" looks like and stresses the importance of continuous improvement.
She also shares how small businesses, even without the resources of big corporations, can make significant strides with simple, effective measures.
Quick Tips for Accessible Social Media
Jodie shares daily actions you can take: keep language simple, use high-contrast colours, and ensure image descriptions are meaningful.
These minor adjustments help make your content more inclusive and engaging without sacrificing appeal.
Balancing Reach and Accessibility
Emily and Jodie discuss the fine line between maximising reach and ensuring accessibility.
They delve into the challenges of adapting video content and working with AI-generated transcripts, sharing solutions for finding a practical middle ground.
Links & Resources
PaSHN is a community for anyone who wants the world to be disability inclusive and accessible.
Register your space for European Coworking Day, May 2025
Get your pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025
Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
Connect with Jodie on LinkedIn
One more thing
Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.
Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.
It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.
Making Social Media Truly Inclusive with Jodie Greer