Megan Smith

Megan Smith is the Head of People Accessibility at Amazon, a role she has held since July 2018. She is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and has dedicated over a decade to advancing accessibility in various professional settings. Her journey into this field is deeply personal; she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes progressive vision loss, at the age of six. This experience has fueled her passion for advocating for accessibility and inclusion in the workplace.134

Professional Background

Before joining Amazon, Smith held several roles focused on customer experience and diversity at Florida Blue. She served as a Customer Experience Roadmap Manager, where she implemented strategies to enhance customer engagement and accessibility. Additionally, she worked as a Diversity Analyst, focusing on cultural intelligence and diversity integration within the organization.45

Contributions at Amazon

At Amazon, Smith leads initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive work environment for employees with disabilities. Her team focuses on ensuring that all aspects of the employee experience—from recruitment to daily operations—are accessible. She emphasizes that accessibility goes beyond compliance; it involves creating effective and enjoyable experiences for all employees.23 Notably, she has spearheaded programs for neurodiversity and has been instrumental in launching Amazon's first Neurodiversity Summit.34

Advocacy and Philosophy

Megan believes that true inclusion requires understanding the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. She advocates for including individuals with disabilities in accessibility discussions and decision-making processes to ensure that solutions are comprehensive and effective.13 Under her leadership, Amazon aims to bridge the gap between accessibility and equity, striving for a workplace that meets the unique needs of all employees.25

In summary, Megan Smith's work at Amazon reflects her commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace culture, driven by her personal experiences and professional expertise in disability advocacy.