Brendan, who’s been at Amazon for over a decade, recalled the original motivation behind creating AmazonPwD was based on two words; Belonging and Representation. Brendan stated that "AmazonPwD gives us the ability to have a voice at Amazon. One that will help us improve our workplace inclusivity and help us feel like we belong here.” The group's foundation is in creating a psychologically safe space for people that may need different types of support in order to bring their ideas to life.
Too often we think we are done designing a product without asking if it is accessible. That’s what we are working to change...
Having that voice and a seat at the table allows Amazon to hear the voice of current and future customers that are living with a variety of disabilities. The group itself is an umbrella that encompasses many specific communities based on how members identify.
Under the Accessibility umbrella there is also a group called AUX, which Brendan works directly with. This is a community of designers from all areas of the company that come together and aid in the larger mission of designing more inclusive products and services for all Amazon customers.