Small Business Week
Panel Discussion at the Library
Breaking Barriers - Accessibility as a Growth Strategy for Small Business
Thursday, 5/8/2025
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Keynote Speech followed by Panel Discussion
Virtual or In-person at the San Francisco Main Library
Join us to discuss how inclusive practices can contribute to small business success.
With 1 in 4 individuals in the U.S. living with a disability, accessibility is more than compliance—it’s a growth strategy. Panelists will share how inclusive physical spaces and digital products can expand customer reach, increase revenue and demonstrate the return on investment of accessibility. The discussion will also cover legal requirements and practical steps for integrating accessibility into daily operations.
PROGRAM
1:00 pm: Registration
1:10 pm: Welcome from Peter DeHaas, SFDBA Founder and Executive Director
1:20 pm: Keynote Speech from Amazon
1:30 pm: Panel discussion
Why Accessibility Matters for small businesses
What is an Inclusive Customer Experience
How to implement Accessibility
Basic Resources and beyond
Case studies
Legal and Compliance Considerations
2:30 pm: Q&A
2:45 pm: Networking. Drinks and snacks will be offered.
This is a hybrid event. Registration is required for Zoom attendance. Registration for In-person attendance is optional, but preferable.
"All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability."
Meet our panelists
-
Kiran Kaja
Speaker, Disability Advocate, Inventor, Principal Product Manager at Amazon Worldwide Stores Accessibility
-
Micheal Hingson
NY Times best-selling author of Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust. Blind since birth and a survivor of the 9/11 attacks, Hingson delivers keynote speeches globally and hosts the Unstoppable Mindset Podcast.
-
Katy Tang
Executive Director, Office of Small Business, City and County of San Francisco.
-
Eli Gelardin
Director of the Mayor's Office on Disability and Accessibility with 21+ years of experience in disability rights, advancing accessibility, equity and inclusion. In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed him to the California State Rehabilitation Council.
-
Joshua Klipp
Attorney, disability access advocate and the Principal, Founder & Certified Access Specialist (CASp) of Made Welcome. Made Welcome offers accessibility consulting and solutions for workplaces, local governments and event planners.
-
Andre Le Mont Wilson - Moderator
Small Business Program Manager at Ability Now. Through this role, Wilson manages, coordinates and assists half a dozen small businesses operated and owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
This event is sponsored by
Want to learn more about Small Business Week?
This year's theme for San Francisco Small Business Week, Rising Together, emphasizes the importance of building a strong community among small businesses to foster long-term sustainability and success.
Check the full schedule of events HERE
The San Francisco Public Library will be hosting multiple events and you can check the agenda HERE. All its locations are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the library for special accommodations (such as ASL).