Creating an Inclusive and Accessible Car Community

The car community is at its best when it’s open to everyone. Cars spark passion, memories and conversation but that sense of belonging can sometimes be harder to find if content and events aren’t accessible. And, accessibility doesn't just mean wheelchair access, though this is important too, it means finding a safe space for everyone to enjoy themselves and thrive.

My own perspective comes not just from working in the automotive space but from living with ADHD and spending time alongside children and adults with disabilities. Those experiences have shaped how I think about inclusion. And, that accessibility should never be an afterthought. It should be at the forefront of any idea.

In the UK, around 16 million people are considered disabled, and about 58% of adults in 2023 reported that they felt socially excluded at some point that year. There is literally no need for us to exclude anyone from the car scene. I've seen first-hand how small changes can open doors for people, whether it’s a simple caption on a video or a clear description of an image.

So, what changes can we make to ensure inclusivity and accessibility thrive?

8 steps to creating an inclusive and accessible car community

Accessibility doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, we can make our car communities and shows more welcoming through our phones in just a few minutes. By having accessibility at the forefront of our minds, whenever we create our virtual car content, enables us to start thinking more specifically about how we can encourage it during our physical events too.

Here are some easy ways to start:

1. Add clear alt text to photos

Alt text is a short written description that explains what’s happening in an image. It helps people using screen readers picture the scene through descriptive language. Instead of just describing your post using the words “red car,” for example, you might write “a classic red sports car with chrome bumpers parked under blue skies.” Even better if you can add more details to it, such as where the photo was taken, any people in the photo and what they are doing and even expressions on people's faces,

I try to add alt text wherever possible because it means no one misses out on the details that make a car special. Even on reels, I'll try and make the caption as descriptive as possible so anyone consuming the content gets as much information as possible. Oh, and on your beautiful carousel images, don't forget to describe them too!

2. Use captions on videos

You might be able to hear the engines roar, the crowds cheering or people laughing, but not everyone hears it or understands it clearly. Captions make videos accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and they also help anyone watching with the sound off.

When I can't sleep, and fancy a little scroll, I really enjoy watching longer-form videos to settle my mind on one thing. Of course, with my partner fast asleep, I can't just have the videos loud, I need them on silent with sub-titles. I also enjoy using sub-titles for a more immersive experience, especially when my ADHD is playing havoc and I'm really struggling to hear or understand the joke, sub-titles help to bridge that gap for me.

Adding captions is one of the quickest, most effective changes you can make. On TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook, any video can have captions automatically applied, you just need to sense check it and move on from there.

3. Write thoughtful descriptions

When sharing a car online, go beyond “look at this beauty.” Of course, it's fine as a hook, but if you take the time to describe it further down, it can go a long way for your content consumers. After all, you might have someone who wants to know the make and model of car, but finds communication difficult. By adding the details, you are bridging the gap for your consumers.

Describe the colour, the shape, the setting, all in the same way you would alt text. A detailed description helps people who can’t see the image clearly still enjoy the content. It also makes content consumption easier for people who wish to know more about the car and are yearning to do their own research. Besides, it gives newcomers to the car world more context so they can connect with what you’re sharing.

4. Keep fonts and colours clear

Design is exciting but it’s easy to lose people if text blends into a background or fonts are too decorative. Sometimes, even too many animations or graphics can make the most seasoned consumers switch off. Not only can it feel messy, but it can also distract your audience and completely detract from the brand

High contrast and clean fonts mean more people can read your content easily, whether it’s a social post or an event flyer. Many people are colour sensitive, meaning that they struggle to read certain colour combinations. You might have heard before that people with dyslexia struggle to read black text on white backgrounds, often choosing a much subtler background like salmon or pastel blue instead. I'm also someone who struggles with black text on white backgrounds, mostly because of my light sensitivity. Whilst you won't find a solution that works for everyone, you can ensure inclusion by including some of the other points above and below too.

5. Choose welcoming language

Accessibility isn’t just about visuals, it’s also about words. Jargon and overly technical descriptions can feel like a closed door to someone who’s new or still learning. Writing in a clear and approachable way opens up the conversation.

I, for one, really dislike when people in the automotive industry deliberately try to confuse consumers and people by using technical terms or in-jokes. I've witnessed a few pieces of content designed to "try and confuse the girls", basically creating a culture that women don't understand cars. It's counterintuitive too, because you're just locking out a whole section of the internet that just craves good content without the loopholes.

6. Experiment with audio options

Sometimes a voiceover or short audio description can bring your post to life for people who find listening easier than reading. It doesn’t have to be polished, even a quick recording can make your content feel more human and more accessible. If you want the more natural feel, you can always try ad-libbing your voiceover, though it's worth remembering certain phrases and terms won't resonate with everyone, and that's okay. You could also try something more scripted to help you pace your voiceover.

Trending audio is always great too, but many people are locked out of visual trends that don't include a description or an explanation about what's happening. Everyone can get involved in trends, especially if you invite them to with clear instructions and actions on what they should do. If you're creating an online car community, like me, you want to avoid nuance (my luck because I don't detect it easily) and quick actions your audience can take to get more involved.

7. Listen to your audience

Everyone experiences accessibility differently. Asking your community simple questions like “Would captions help?” or “Would you like more descriptions of photos?” can guide you in the right direction. Listening is one of the strongest tools for inclusion.

The truth is, you won't cater to every need, and that's okay. What you might do though is make more people aware of accessibility and inclusivity. I'm also someone who doesn't always get it right, though I try and aim to whenever I can. I often fall into the trap of describing car colours and forgetting to reference the make and model (which would be helpful). I've also realised there are people who aren't even aware of the accessibility features on our platforms, so the more usage the merrier.

8. Think with accessibility in mind

Accessibility works best when it’s not an afterthought but part of the process from the start. When you’re planning a post, recording a video or designing an event flyer, pause and ask: “How can I make this easier for more people to enjoy?” That small shift in mindset helps you catch barriers before they appear. Over time, it becomes second nature, not an extra step, just the way you create.

What could start as adding alt-text today could turn into more descriptive language and captioned content. Though it's a dream to one day learn British Sign Language, you can make do with captions and content that's easy to follow and not too fast. Once you've honed your skills, you can expand further and further, ensuring you're not just supporting those with screen readers, but those who may be colour sensitive, neurodiverse or need content with simplified language. Once you embed it in your way of thinking, it no longer becomes an afterthought, rather it's engrained into your approach to creating content.

Why small steps matter

The car community thrives on passion, connection and shared stories. If even one person feels left out because they can’t access content, then we all lose something.

From living with ADHD to working alongside people with a wide range of disabilities, I’ve learned that accessibility is never about ticking boxes. It’s about empathy and the willingness to make space for everyone. These small, everyday actions, alt text, captions, clear design, can transform how people feel included in our shared automotive world.