Understand Root Causes Of Resistance

Research indicates that overcoming DEI resistance requires an understanding of why people are resistant in the first place. When it comes to DEI, there are three types of threats that emerge, including status threat, merit threat, and moral threat. The researchers noted three types of resistance that are common, including denying, defending, and distancing. One of the strategies suggested by researchers for overcoming DEI resistance is stressing to detractors how DEI, at its core, is beneficial for everyone and how it is not a zero-sum game that only benefits some. Look specifically for DEI interventions that have been implemented in your workplace—how have these interventions improved employees’ experiences and how can you articulate this for the DEI detractors?

Education Is Vital

Much of the DEI resistance can be dispelled with accurate information. In general, there is a lack of understanding and awareness regarding what DEI is and how DEI, when done right, can positively impact organizations and institutions.

Some widely held myths perpetuated by the DEI opposition include:

• Education about the origins of DEI and success stories focused on how DEI has positively impacted workplace experiences are necessary and vital to highlight to combat DEI resistance. DEI practitioners must also be candid and honest about DEI failings and instances where it has led to negative outcomes. Ensuring that employees and leaders alike are equipped with accurate information about DEI is vital for dispelling DEI myths and resistance.

Get Leadership Buy-In

There is a wealth of empirical studies that highlight the pivotal role that leaders play in driving DEI efforts in the workplace. Any programs to better workplace equity will fail if there is no leadership buy-in. To gain the resources, funding, and support that is needed for DEI interventions to thrive, leaders must be on board. Leaders set the tone for the organization’s culture and can create a powerful example for employees to follow—when leaders are committed to cultivating workplaces built on fairness, access, and equity, it can make employees less resistant to DEI efforts.

Empower DEI Champions

Organizations and institutions should be focused on empowering DEI champions to mitigate DEI resistance. A 2025 article by the University of Pennsylvania: College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) indicated that one of the strategies that can be utilized for DEI impact is to empower DEI champions, who can then serve as a bridge between leaders and employees. This should include actions like providing DEI champions with the power, resources, and funding necessary to address systemic barriers and granting them the ability to rectify issues they identify. One of the reasons why chief diversity officers and others in similar positions fail is because they are put in place merely as figureheads, without being given the tools to thrive in their roles and impact change. Provide DEI champions with what they need to drive workplace change and they will be better equipped to combat resistance and lead workplace efforts that improve employee experiences.

Communicate DEI Progress

According to 2024 research from Catalyst, workplace transparency can be a powerful way to address DEI backlash. Catalyst research noted that “when an organization shines a light on its DEI activities and willingly shares successes and setbacks, employees can more easily assess whether the organization is being authentic and truly working toward meeting DEI goals.”

Conclusion

DEI resistance is likely to continue into 2025 and beyond. By understanding the root causes of resistance, educating employees and leaders, gaining leadership buy-in, empowering DEI champions, and communicating DEI progress, changemakers can combat the DEI resistance that is impacting workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to overcome DEI resistance?
A: Understanding the root causes of resistance, educating employees and leaders, gaining leadership buy-in, empowering DEI champions, and communicating DEI progress are all effective strategies for overcoming DEI resistance.

Q: What are the most common myths about DEI?
A: Some common myths about DEI include the belief that DEI is only for certain groups, that DEI is a zero-sum game, and that DEI is not important for organizations and institutions.

Q: What is the role of leadership in driving DEI efforts?
A: Leadership plays a pivotal role in driving DEI efforts in the workplace. Leaders must be committed to cultivating workplaces built on fairness, access, and equity in order to make DEI efforts successful.

Accessibility in the workplace is no longer a novelty, but a necessity. With the increasing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, companies are recognizing the value of making their products and services accessible to everyone. But what does the future of accessibility look like?

Emerging Trends

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML are revolutionizing the accessibility landscape by enabling more personalized and accurate solutions. For example, AI-powered chatbots can assist users with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing, by providing real-time captions and translations.

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is in the field of image recognition. AI-powered image recognition can help users with visual impairments navigate through complex environments, such as airports or shopping malls, by providing them with detailed descriptions of their surroundings.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

VR/AR technology is also changing the accessibility game by providing new ways for people with disabilities to interact with information and environments. For example, VR/AR can be used to create immersive experiences for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to explore and interact with virtual environments in a way that is not possible with traditional technologies.

Additionally, VR/AR can be used to provide people with physical disabilities with new ways to interact with the world. For example, VR/AR can be used to create virtual prosthetics that allow individuals with amputations to regain a sense of control and independence.

5G and Internet of Things (IoT)

The advent of 5G and IoT is expected to further enhance accessibility by providing faster and more reliable connectivity. This will enable people with disabilities to access information and services more easily and quickly, regardless of their location or device.

For example, 5G and IoT can be used to create smart homes that are more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Smart home devices can be controlled remotely, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to control their environment without having to physically interact with devices.

Technologies to Watch

Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech

Speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling people with disabilities to communicate more easily and effectively. For example, speech-to-text technology can be used to transcribe spoken language into written text, allowing individuals with speech or language impairments to communicate more easily.

Text-to-speech technology can also be used to provide audio descriptions of visual content, such as images and videos, allowing individuals with visual impairments to access information and entertainment more easily.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

BCIs are a type of technology that enables people to control devices with their thoughts. BCIs have the potential to revolutionize accessibility by providing individuals with severe physical or cognitive disabilities with new ways to interact with the world.

For example, BCIs can be used to enable individuals with locked-in syndrome to communicate more easily. BCIs can also be used to provide individuals with paralysis or other motor impairments with new ways to control devices and interact with their environment.

Accessible Gaming

Accessible gaming is a growing trend that is making it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy video games. Accessible gaming technologies can be used to provide gamers with disabilities with new ways to play, such as using eye-tracking technology or voice commands.

Accessible gaming is not only important for gamers with disabilities, but also for the gaming industry as a whole. By making games more accessible, developers can tap into a previously underserved market and create new revenue streams.

Conclusion

The future of accessibility is bright, with emerging trends and technologies that are making it possible for people with disabilities to interact with the world in new and innovative ways. From AI-powered chatbots to BCIs, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for positive change is immense.

As the accessibility landscape continues to evolve, it is important for companies and organizations to stay ahead of the curve and adopt new technologies and trends. By doing so, they can ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

FAQs

Q: What is the most promising emerging trend in accessibility?

A: The most promising emerging trend in accessibility is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI-powered technologies have the potential to revolutionize accessibility by enabling more personalized and accurate solutions.

Q: What is the future of accessible gaming?

A: The future of accessible gaming is bright, with emerging technologies such as eye-tracking and voice commands enabling gamers with disabilities to play in new and innovative ways. As the gaming industry continues to adopt accessible technologies, we can expect to see more inclusive and accessible games in the future.

Q: How can companies and organizations ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone?

A: Companies and organizations can ensure that their products and services are accessible to everyone by adopting new technologies and trends, such as AI-powered chatbots and BCIs. They can also work with accessibility experts and organizations to ensure that their products and services meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Q: What is the most important thing that companies and organizations can do to support accessibility?

A: The most important thing that companies and organizations can do to support accessibility is to make it a priority. This can be achieved by allocating resources and budget to accessibility initiatives, and by incorporating accessibility into the product development process.

Adaptive Fashion: A Movement Reshaping the Industry

Adaptive fashion is a movement reshaping how the world approaches style and inclusivity. For decades, the one billion individuals living with disabilities have been excluded from mainstream fashion conversations, often left without clothing options that meet both their functional and aesthetic needs. However, the rise of accessibility-focused brands challenges these norms, proving that fashion can be empowering and practical. This shift isn’t just about designing for necessity—it’s about celebrating individuality and fostering a sense of belonging.

Slick Chicks: A Pioneer in Adaptive Fashion

Slick Chicks, the adaptive undergarment brand designed to empower individuals with disabilities, is marking a milestone year. After successfully breaking into Target stores through a strategic “crawl, walk, run” approach last year, the brand is preparing to enter 1,225 new retail locations in quarter two of this year. At its core, Slick Chicks remains steadfast in its mission: creating fashion that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment.

Helya Mohammadian, founder of Slick Chicks, comments, “For far too long, people with disabilities have been overlooked in the fashion industry, but that’s a huge missed opportunity. People with disabilities make up a significant portion of the global population, and the demand for inclusive, accessible fashion is only growing. By creating products that meet their needs, we’re not just helping individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered; we’re tapping into a vast, underserved market with enormous potential for growth and impact.”

Behind The Accessibility Brand

Mohammadian’s breakthrough moment came after her sister faced complications from a C-section. During her post-surgery recovery, simple tasks like bending over became incredibly difficult, leaving her feeling both physically and emotionally drained. In trying to support her sister, she uncovered a much larger issue: many people struggle with the basic act of getting dressed. This realization became the foundation for Slick Chicks.

In 2022, the company launched with QVC and went on air with QVC Live. It was the first time an inclusive model and intimate brand was featured on QVC Live. This experience laid the foundation for her expansion into Target stores.

Scaling a Business Focused on Inclusivity

While Slick Chicks has found success, scaling a business focused on inclusivity comes with its own set of challenges. “The biggest challenge has been trying to keep up with demand while ensuring we don’t compromise on quality or accessibility,” Mohammadian shares. As the company grew, the team leaned heavily on distribution partnerships to manage the pressure and meet customer needs.

Making Fashion More Accessible

Making fashion more accessible is a moral imperative and a business opportunity that brands can no longer ignore. By addressing the unique needs of people living with disabilities, fashion companies can foster inclusivity while tapping into a growing market with immense potential.

• Design functional and adaptive clothing—Brands can incorporate features that address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities, such as magnetic or Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands, and adjustable hems. Creating clothing that is easy to put on and remove, even for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity, ensures functionality without sacrificing style.
• Include representation in marketing and design—Accessibility isn’t just about the product; it’s also about visibility. Brands can feature models with disabilities in their campaigns and involve people with disabilities in the design process. This creates more authentic products.
• Improve retail accessibility—It is required to ensure that physical and online shopping experiences are accessible. This includes offering detailed product descriptions, sizing guides, and compatibility with assistive technology on websites to make online shopping seamless for all customers.

Conclusion

Regardless of ability, everyone deserves to feel confident, empowered, and sexy in their clothing. Slick Chicks’ journey isn’t just about commercial success—it’s about creating systemic change within the fashion industry.

FAQs

Q: What is adaptive fashion?
A: Adaptive fashion is a movement that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment in the fashion industry, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Q: What is Slick Chicks’ mission?
A: Slick Chicks’ mission is to create fashion that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

Q: How does Slick Chicks address the unique needs of people with disabilities?
A: Slick Chicks addresses the unique needs of people with disabilities by designing functional and adaptive clothing, including features such as magnetic or Velcro fasteners, elastic waistbands, and adjustable hems.