From Inclusion to Exclusion: How Twitter’s Slashing of Accessibility Teams Impacted Millions

In late 2022, a major shift occurred in the social media landscape that still resonates across the disability community today. Following the acquisition of Twitter, the dedicated Accessibility Experience Team was disbanded—a move that Disability Scoop reported led to immediate and widespread criticism from users and lawmakers alike.

The accessibility team wasn't just a technical unit; it was the "conscience" of the platform. Formed in 2020 after the platform faced backlash for launching audio tweets without captions, the team spent two years building industry-leading features, including:

• Alt-Text Badges: Providing visual indicators for image descriptions.

• Automated Captions: Ensuring video and live audio content reached the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

• Screen Reader Optimization: Maintaining the code required for blind users to navigate the "digital town square."

When the team was eliminated, the human expertise required to maintain these inclusive features vanished. According to reports from Disability Scoop, the impact on users was devastatingly practical:

1. Broken Features: Live audio captions (Spaces) began to fail, and screen reader navigation became increasingly fragmented.

2. The API Shutdown: Third-party bots that helped "unroll" threads or describe images were priced out, removing essential workarounds for disabled users.

3. The "Exclusion" Effect: For many, the platform moved from being a tool for advocacy to a source of frustration and burnout.

The disbanding of this team sets a dangerous precedent for the tech industry: that accessibility is a "disposable luxury" rather than a fundamental right. For users with disabilities, it is a reminder that digital inclusion requires constant vigilance and a dedicated seat at the table.

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