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Welcome to 2026! As we step into a new year, we’re energized by what lies ahead – helping more companies become accessible and inclusive, and launching the careers of talented blind and visually impaired professionals through our workforce development programs!
But before we race forward, it’s worth pausing to reflect.
When I look back on the past year at Ablr, what stands out most isn’t just the projects we delivered or the milestones we hit, it’s the stories. Stories of Candidates discovering confidence and career direction. Stories of companies learning to see accessibility not as a requirement, but as an opportunity. Stories of people being given choices they didn’t previously have.
From day one, storytelling has been central to Ablr’s brand and mission. We believe deeply that accessibility isn’t just about a line of code, and disability inclusion isn’t about checking a compliance box. It’s about real people and real experiences.
That belief is why our accessibility work prioritizes manual testing and usability, not just automation. It’s why we’ve built multiple workforce development pathways for both adults and students – so individuals can choose the careers and futures that work best for them! Choice matters – and I believe every choice carries a story worth telling!
Over the past year, we’ve tried to share many of these stories through our social channels (be sure to follow us @Ablr360 on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn), Access Granted podcast with Mike, and our newsletters (with a new one thoughtfully curated by Logan! You can sign up for our newsletter on the Ablr website). The response has been incredibly encouraging. It’s a reminder that people connect most when they can see themselves in the story (if you don’t believe me, check out the response to our latest collaboration with Sam from The Blind Life!
Until now, I’ve often used the Ablr blog and newsletter to share my own reflections and experiences. But as our community grows, so does the number of powerful stories that deserve the spotlight!
One of those stories is Kerstin Brown, an Ablr Works alum who is now working with Ulta Beauty, one of our esteemed partners. Kerstin’s journey from workforce development Candidate to professional accessibility tester is exactly why Ablr exists! Her recent podcast conversation with Nicko from Ulta is a great example of what’s possible when companies invest in inclusive talent and accessible practices. You can find Kerstin’s conversation with Nicko Sahlas from Ulta Beauty on the ACB Media Network website!
And she’s just one of many!
In 2026, you’ll see more stories like Kerstin’s shared here – stories from Candidates, Partners, Team members, and more who are shaping a more accessible and inclusive future together!
Don’t worry, I’ll still be sharing my own thoughts and perspectives along the way. But if you’re interested in more of my personal reflections on leadership, resilience, vision loss, and seeing the world differently, I invite you to visit www.JohnGSamuel.com to explore my blog and sign up for my personal newsletter, where I share stories and insights that live outside my day-to-day work at Ablr!
And if your organization is ready to move from intention to action – whether you’re looking to build accessible digital experiences, strengthen disability inclusion across your workforce, or develop and hire talented professionals, Ablr is here to help!
Let’s create impact that goes beyond compliance, and stories that are worth telling!