Imagine a workplace where the same innovation that opened doors for those with disabilities transforms spaces for all. Where addressing burnout and expanding access aren’t competing priorities—they’re the same solution.

My research proves this isn’t just possible—it’s already within reach. When we turn captions on by default, something remarkable happens: cognitive load drops and retention soars across your entire work space. We are proving this in real workplace and civic contexts—training modules, compliance videos, client outreach pathways, internal communications—and the results are transformative. Like curb cuts in our city intersections that were designed for wheelchair users but have now revolutionized cities, default captions create infrastructure that works better for all.

This is about more than metrics. Yes, retention increases across an organization and cognitive fatigue decreases. But the deeper impact is cultural: you’re building organizations where accessible networking isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of how you communicate, learn, and grow together. Where everyone from neurodivergent employees, second-language speakers, and burned-out managers thrive as a result of the same design choice.

I’ll show you the experimental evidence from my communication and information sciences research lab and demonstrate implementation strategies that deliver measurable ROI while transforming how your organization thinks about accessibility. Because the future of work isn’t just accessible—it’s better for everyone. And it starts with defaults you can change tomorrow.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how default communication choices create hidden cognitive costs across your workforce.
• Apply the curb-cut framework to audit your organization’s communication infrastructure.
• Leave with a roadmap for changes that improve retention, reduce fatigue, and advance equity – all to enhance your organization’s outcomes – simultaneously.