Accessibility is no longer a niche topic. It is a global priority. As tech giants invest in inclusive design and new regulations take shape around the world, recognition for those leading the charge has never been more important.
That is why we are proud to share that Josh Basile, accessiBe’s Community Relations Manager and founder of SPINALpedia, has been named to the inaugural Forbes Accessibility 100 list. This first-of-its-kind recognition highlights changemakers who are advocating for and building a more accessible world.
Meet Josh Basile
A trial attorney, disability rights advocate, and C4-5 quadriplegic, Josh brings lived expertise and unmatched perspective to the accessibility space. At age 18, he sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed below the shoulders. Instead of letting that limit his future, he chose to expand what was possible — not just for himself, but for others navigating similar challenges.
He went on to found SPINALpedia, a social mentoring platform and video archive for the paralysis community. Today, its archive has categorized 40,000 community created videos broken down by physical functionality to support the millions of families around the world impacted by paralysis. The platform empowers people to share their knowledge, tips, and triumphs, offering a searchable and supportive environment shaped by lived experience.
Josh also founded the Determined2Heal Foundation, which helps families adjust to life with paralysis by providing life-changing supports to navigate Independent living, government benefits, and employment. The nonprofit also takes families on adventures, activities, and to play a sport Josh invented called AdapTee Golf.
Josh is passionate about removing eligibility thresholds limiting workers with disabilities who require access to Medicaid to survive in the community, and wish to work without limits and marry those they love. His advocacy leadership has transformed Medicaid buy-in laws for workers with disabilities and successfully led to the removal of income and asset limits in multiple states.
He serves on the board of the United Spinal Association, is a dedicated ambassador for the Help Hope Live and the High Fives Foundation, and is an active advisory board member of the Disability:IN DC Chapter.
Why this matters
This recognition, announced during a global event at Cannes Lions, signals a powerful shift in how the world views accessibility. It is no longer a conversation happening on the sidelines. It is a driving force behind product innovation, leadership priorities, and digital transformation.
For the first time, Forbes is honoring 100 individuals who are shaping the future of accessibility. After six months of research and more than 500 expert interviews, the final list includes leaders across business, design, technology, and disability advocacy.
Josh’s impact at accessiBe
Josh joined accessiBe in 2021 and has played a key role in strengthening our connection to the disability community. He’s contributed to product releases, moderated events, supported Global Accessibility Awareness Day campaigns, hosted accessiBe’s Spotlight Sessions podcast, and regularly collaborates with the nonprofit program to amplify partner voices.
Most recently, he moderated the kickoff meeting for accessiBe’s Inclusive Product Advisory Board, bringing together accessibility leaders from across the nonprofit world to provide direct, ongoing feedback directly to accessiBe’s Product team that will inform our product roadmap.
“When disability communities help lead the way, the future of accessibility becomes not only more innovative, but genuinely usable,” Josh said during the advisory board kickoff.
Ronit Amitay, VP of Product at accessiBe, added:
“Josh is a cornerstone of our accessibility journey. His perspective constantly challenges us to do more, listen better, and create tech that works for everyone.”
Where this work is headed
With accessibility top-of-mind across the industry — from Apple’s new eye-tracking UI to Salesforce and Microsoft’s inclusive design investments — it’s never been more important to center lived experience in product development. At accessiBe, we believe accessible technology must be shaped by the people who use it every day. Josh’s leadership helps turn that belief into practice.
We are honored to celebrate this recognition with Josh and look forward to everything ahead.
