Defining The Future Of Accessibility: Inclusive Digital Environments For Every Client, Every Time

Olya Kenney is a mentor, practice leader and our Senior Digital Accessibility Manager. Since Olya joined Rocket Companies® in 2016, she’s made a remarkable impact on the growth and development of the organizational accessibility program, promoting inclusivity of digital products and environments and driving disability-friendly culture. Meet Olya and learn more about her story!

From a young age, I explored technological innovations to create better experiences for all. As a teenager, I volunteered at an animal welfare program where innovative prosthetics were used to improve the quality of lives. Some of the findings from our work later contributed to exoskeleton research helping people with disabilities.

As with many amazing inventions that revolutionized the industry in the past, I learned that disability can be an engine for innovation when empathy and care inspire people to think and design in an inclusive manner to create equitable experiences for all. By supporting the needs of differently-abled people, we empower diversity and truly celebrate people for who they are!

At the age of 16, I immigrated to the U.S., which deepened my appreciation of inclusive environments. For over 12 years, I worked full-time leading accessibility initiatives. At the same time, I earned a bachelor’s degree focusing on inclusive design, a master’s degree exploring innovative technologies and an MBA.

In 2016, a recruiter reached out introducing me to the Rocket brand. Impressed by ISMs and the culture, I started my journey with Rocket as a UX Specialist leading charge for accessibility.

In this amazing organization, as a result of dedicated and strategic efforts, my work grew in impact and influence. I successfully collaborated with leadership to create my current position of Senior Digital Accessibility Manager.

In my role, I lead a variety of efforts aimed to establish accessibility discipline across the organization. I set standards, build enterprise-wide relationships and align various teams and business areas around a shared vision for accessibility.

By promoting inclusive digital experiences and disability-friendly culture, I guide the organization to grow in accessibility maturity. I work on policies and governance to shield the clients and organization from risks and empower people with accessible tools that enable them to reach their full potential.

My advocacy on behalf of our users expands the reach of our products making them accessible to every client, every time.

In my daily work, I establish the value of accessibility within and beyond Rocket Companies. For instance, to promote accessibility competency outside of the organization, I initiated the accessibility section of the Rocket Medium blog by publishing The Power of Accessibility article.

This article captures the impact of company culture stating: “One of our company philosophies, which we call our ISMs, is simply, “Do the right thing.” This can be applied in so many different ways, but it’s especially relevant in the realm of accessibility. We know that when we focus on building accessible products, we’re doing the right thing for our clients, our community and our business overall.”

Human-centered approach is what drives my innovative work in alignment with our culture! It inspired me to bring gifted team members together to pilot large-scale organizational accessibility automation solutions. Through effective partnerships, I shape the processes that support people relying on assistive technologies, American Sign Language, Braille, etc.

ISMs are our guiding forces. They motivate us to become agents of positive change while making the right judgement calls aligned with our culture. By being client-centric, we practice inclusive design, research and testing, thus creating accessible experiences for all.

Our ISM “Innovation is rewarded. Execution is worshipped.” inspired me to lead multiple innovative initiatives over the years by forming cross-functional teams to expand and transform the way people learn, automate and approach UX.

Among them is Empathy Generator. While exploring the adoption of a ground-breaking accessibility idea, its successful execution resulted from the remarkable work of my peers, impact of my thought leadership and the supportive culture of our organization!

As highlighted by Great Places to Work blog and Innovation by All research, I assembled a gifted cross-functional team leading it to develop a mixed and virtual reality accessibility tool that helps people experience what it’s like to have disabilities through simulation. Through empathy-building and gamification, it teaches people how to make digital experiences, products and communication more inclusive for people with disabilities.

I’m a mentor, career coach and a life-long learner. Since joining our company, I continued my education, earning multiple certifications in accessibility, UX and leadership.

For example, in 2021 I accomplished a UX Master Certification from NN/g and completed our Aspiring Leaders Program. In my daily work, I use my expertise to develop and facilitate training opportunities and workshops that increase accessibility knowledge and standards for our entire enterprise.

When mentoring and developing people, I keep them informed of industry trends, best practices and accessibility requirements. I advocate that empathy is key to serving as a voice for our clients. My guidance and work across the organization helps teams build stronger relationships with our clients, along with more powerful products and services. By becoming more thoughtful and considerate toward our clients, we drive meaningful business outcomes and do the right thing for all.

As a solution-focused leader, I empower team members by delegating responsibility while encouraging them to innovate and learn from each other. I encourage my peers to embrace diversity in all its expressions and support it through strategy and commitment. 

When we love our clients and team members, we care about their needs, hopes and dreams and celebrate what makes them unique. There are many ways you can help people. Among them is making our processes and designs inclusive and accessible. 

If you discover your personal purpose serving a common good, you will successfully grow in your career and realize your true potential.