Meet Lauren Miller | Accessibility (A11y) Specialist/Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is that authenticity will always get you far. In every space I’ve worked, whether it’s been in accessibility, education, or leadership, I’ve found that being honest about who I am, what I value, and how I approach my work has opened more doors than trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me.

Early in my career, especially in professional or academic settings, I sometimes felt like I had to tone down parts of myself to be taken seriously. But over time, I realized that the more I leaned into my truth, the stronger my impact became. So I may not have always been the most polished, but I made sure that I was always “me”. When I spoke from experience, when I shared stories about my own journey, or when I used my voice to advocate for students with disabilities or underserved communities, people listened and they connected. And most importantly, they responded with trust and respect.

Authenticity has also helped me build genuine relationships. It’s the reason I’ve been able to mentor others, form strong partnerships, and create environments where people feel safe and seen. My work in accessibility is personal! I do this not just because it’s my job, but because I understand how critical it is for people to feel included and supported. When others see that passion and realness, they are more likely to collaborate, support the mission, and push for lasting change.

It’s not always easy to be authentic, especially in slow-moving systems. But my career has taught me that by standing your ground and leading with sincerity, you get results. The more people do this, the more community is built, more trust is built, and more people are inspired to do the same.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an accessibility specialist, disability ally, and consultant, my mission is to make accessibility a natural part of how we design, communicate, and show up in the world. My belief is that accessibility should be everywhere, not just in government or education, but also in the everyday places where it’s so often forgotten. In everything I do, whether it’s advising a college, consulting a business, or supporting a community event, I approach access with equity in mind.

The thing that sets me apart is my professional experience and lived experience. It’s not just about legal compliance or technical fixes for me. I focus on creating welcoming, inclusive environments where everyone, especially people with disabilities, can participate fully and with dignity.

While much of my work has been in higher education, particularly within the California Community College system, I’ve also expanded my consulting into the broader community. Outside of education, I’ve worked with entrepreneurs, event organizers, and small businesses on making their websites, physical spaces, stores, and events more accessible. From advising on accessible event design to reviewing digital platforms for usability, I help others see accessibility not as a burden, but as an opportunity to reach and serve more people.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. My job has required me to navigate spaces where accessibility wasn’t thought through, advocate when I’m the only one speaking up, and handle the fatigue of being one of the few. However, I’ve stayed grounded because of my passion, my mentorship community, and the students and people I serve who inspire me constantly.

The thing I’m most proud of is showing people that accessibility isn’t a checkbox, it’s a culture. The goal isn’t just to make accommodations, it’s to design with intention and care. I want the world to know that accessibility is for everyone, and it should show up everywhere, from classrooms to websites, from stores to festivals. My motto is Accessibility from the heart, and that’s exactly how I approach this work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Tuesday – Disneyland!

I would definitely start with a day at Disneyland. We’d ride everything from Space Mountain to It’s a Small World, eat churros & turkey legs, and stay late for the fireworks.

Wednesday – Point Fermin in San Pedro

The next day would be a visit to Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. I’d pack us some snacks or grab food nearby, and we’d sit near the cliffs just watching the waves crash. Then walk over to the Korean Bell of Friendship for a calm moment and a few good photos with the view.

Thursday – Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village in Long Beach

We’d head to Aquarium of the Pacific and check out all the sea creatures. After that, we’d wander around Shoreline Village, grab some food, play some games at the arcade, and just people-watch with some ice cream.

Friday – Inglewood and the Crenshaw District

This is our fun night out! We’d start with dinner and wine at 1010 Wine and Events in Inglewood. They’ve got amazing Black-owned wines and a really good vibe. After that, we’d head to The District by GS on Crenshaw for music and dancing.

Saturday – Farmers Market & Hermosa Beach Pier

I would start our morning at the Bixby Park Farmers Market in Long Beach. I love supporting local vendors, and there’s always great fruits and snacks available. That evening, we’d go to the Hermosa Beach Pier, have dinner at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila, and then walk across the way to The Lighthouse Café for live music and dancing.

Sunday – Leimert Park

After sleeping in, we would spend the afternoon at Leimert Park. I’d show my friend the drum circles, the vendors, and all the things that just makes Leimert feel so alive.

Monday – Wind Down in Marina del Rey

After a full week, we would chill in Marina del Rey, most likely at Burton Chace park and just lay in the sun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shout out to a few people and communities who have shaped my journey and keep inspiring me. First and foremost, my mom, dad, and brother, who have all since passed, were my greatest cheerleaders. They laid the foundation for everything I’ve become with their love, support, and belief in me. In particular, my brother was a powerful example of what it means to live boldly and with purpose. As an entrepreneur who created space for artists and creatives in Long Beach, he encouraged me to always follow my passion. He passed away doing what he loved, and that legacy of purpose-driven work stays with me.

I also want to acknowledge my village that showed up for me after they passed, such as my sister, aunts, cousins, and group of wonderful friends. Their unwavering support and kindness have been a source of strength and comfort during difficult times. They remind me every day that I am not alone on this journey, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I also want to recognize my students from my time working in Disability Services. They taught me just as much as I ever hoped to teach them. Their resilience, determination, and honesty about what real support looks like pushed me to grow and show up better every single day. They reminded me why this work matters.

To my incredible circle of community college leaders, mentors, and advisors, thank you for challenging me, encouraging me, and reminding me of the power of collaboration and shared purpose. I want to especially acknowledge Dr. Airek Mathews and Dr. Pilar Nova for pouring into me, leading by example, and always pushing me to take up space and use my voice.

And finally, my deepest gratitude goes to my three amazing boys. They are my daily motivation, my grounding force, and my constant reminder of why I keep pushing forward. Everything I do is with them in mind.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcmillera11y/