Why Title II Still Matters

I want to start by saying this loud and clear: I believe in what DEI stands for. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to a healthy, functioning society. I’ve stood with those fighting for it, and I’ll continue to show up wherever I’m needed. No hesitation.

But here’s the issue that’s been gnawing at me: the moment we started slapping “A” on the end of DEI—turning it into “DEIA”—we did something that may have set the disability community back.

Not because Accessibility isn’t important. It is. Critically so. But because our mission—our reality—is entirely different. Not better. Not worse. Just different.

Accessibility Is Not a Subcategory of DEI

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine I walk into a packed stadium to support the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms. The crowd is electric. LGBTQIA+ and trans folks are out in full force. Everyone’s fired up for progress. Then, at the end of my speech, I tack on, “Also, we need ramps for wheelchair users and accessible digital programs.”

What happens? Confusion. Blank stares. Maybe a few polite nods. Not because they don’t care, but because it’s a different topic. It’s like showing up at a climate rally to talk about broadband expansion. Valuable? Yes. Aligned? Maybe. But it’s just not the same conversation.

That’s what’s happening when Accessibility is lumped into DEI. It disappears into the noise.

We’re Talking About Infrastructure, Not Identity

Accessibility isn’t about how you identify, who you love, or what pronouns you use. It’s about whether I— a blind person—can read your public website. It’s about whether a Deaf person can follow your livestream. Whether a person with mobility challenges can even get in the building.

This is civil rights law. It’s codified in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This isn’t about politics. It’s about access. Plain and simple.

And Yet, We’re Watching It Get Erased

With DEI programs under political attack, Accessibility is becoming collateral damage. Agencies are quietly defunding accessibility roles. Websites are being scrubbed of inclusive language. But the law hasn’t changed. DEI may be polarizing, but Title II is still in full effect.

If your documents aren’t readable, your meetings don’t include captions, or your online services can’t be used with assistive tech, you’re not just behind the times—you’re out of compliance.

And yes, I’ve heard the excuses: “We’re rebranding,” “We’re restructuring,” “We’ll get to accessibility later.” But later never comes if it’s buried under three letters that were never meant to carry it in the first place.

Give Accessibility Its Own Lane

It’s time to stop forcing Accessibility to ride shotgun in a vehicle that wasn’t built for it. DEI and Accessibility deserve equal attention, but they require different strategies. Different language. Different expertise.

So no, I’m not saying Accessibility is more important than DEI. I’m saying it’s different. Different enough that we need to stop pretending they belong under the same policy heading. Different enough that we need leadership and funding that doesn’t vanish when the political winds shift.

Title II Still Matters

Whether you’re a city government, a school district, or a state agency, Title II still applies. This isn’t optional. This isn’t a trend. It’s federal law—and it’s your responsibility.

So yes, show up for DEI. But don’t forget to stand up for the ADA too. Because until disabled people have full and equal access to public life, none of us are really doing the work we claim to care about.