Accessibility in PR and Communications

PR Explored: The Podcast for Public Relations and Communications Pros

In this episode of PR Explored, host Michelle Garrett, a public relations consultant and writer, interviews Matisse Hamel-Nelis, founder and principal of Matisse Nelis Consulting. They discuss the importance of digital accessibility in public relations and communications. Matisse explains her background, her work in teaching, and her PR & Lattes blog and podcast.

Matisse emphasizes the importance of making digital content accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. They discuss practical steps for ensuring content such as videos, PDFs, and social media posts are inclusive.

Matisse shares her journey into the realm of accessible communications and highlights several companies leading by example. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of including accessibility in strategic planning, training, and overall communication efforts.

Matisse encourages starting small and progressing with intention, ensuring that all audiences can fully engage with and benefit from the information shared.

00:00 Welcome to PR Explored

00:20 Meet Matisse Hamel-Nellis

03:39 The Importance of Accessibility in PR

04:18 Defining Accessibility in Communications

06:02 The Market Impact of Accessibility

08:46 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Accessibility

13:51 Learning from Mistakes

16:45 Practical Tips for Accessible Communications

22:21 Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes

23:58 Testing and Engaging for Accessibility

25:33 Importance of Integrated Audio Descriptions

26:00 Camel Case vs Pascal Case

26:49 Brands Leading in Accessibility

29:34 Making Trends Accessible

32:17 The Growing Importance of Captions

34:31 Encouraging Accessibility in Organizations

39:08 Starting Your Accessibility Journey

42:52 Progress Over Perfection

45:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

Matisse Hamel-Nelis' site: https://matissenelis.com/

Michelle Garrett's site: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Follow the host:

Website: www.michellegarrett.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prstrategist/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PRisUs

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PRisUs

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@prwritergal

Michelle's book - B2B PR That Gets Results - is available now

Book a no-obligation call to talk about your needs here.

About the host: Michelle Garrett is a B2B PR consultant, media relations consultant, writer and author of B2B PR That Gets Results, an Amazon Best Seller. She helps companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Michelle’s articles have been featured by Entrepreneur, Content Marketing Institute, Muck Rack, and Ragan’s PR Daily, among others. She’s a frequent speaker on public relations and content. Michelle has been repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals.