Interview with Rina Wharton - Senior Accessibility and Usability Consultant Team Lead at AbilityNet

Updated June 2026

What is your name and job title?

Rina Wharton, Senior Accessibility and Usability Consultant Team Lead.

Rina Wharton, smiling at the camera

Can you tell us about your career in accessibility to-date?

I applied for a Junior Accessibility and Usability Consultant role at AbilityNet in 2019. At the time I was in the second year of a degree in Computing and IT at the Open University. I continued my studies whilst being employed at AbilityNet and completed my degree in Autumn 2023. 

Everyone in the team helps to support the development of others. The path for development is set out from the day you join and you have clear goals to work towards. This has been really helpful to me as I know where I need to focus my efforts, and what is required to develop in my role. 

To date, during my time at AbilityNet I have learnt a huge amount, having started with minimal, self-taught knowledge and little-to-no experience. After about 18 months I progressed from a Junior Consultant to a Mid-level Consultant. 12 months on I was promoted to a Team Lead. 

Looking back to when I first applied in 2019, initially I enquired thinking I might get some interview practice - I never expected to be offered a role! I'm proud to reflect on my achievements and development to-date and the opportunities I continue to be presented to further this.

What are your key responsibilities and activities as part of your current role?

My main responsibilities day to day are supporting both my team and the wider team through checking people’s work in quality assurance (QA) and peer review and answering questions posted by others. I also deliver training and guidance on my lived experience with neurodiversity. I undertake testing for clients and help manage the maintenance and development of AbilityNet’s internal systems. 

I recently took on additional responsibilities supporting the wider team. I am working directly with the head of accessibility to progress internal projects, improving our systems and processes. The role involves problem-solving and helping the team to continue working effectively.

What is AbilityNet to you?

AbilityNet is an amazing place to work; everyone is incredibly friendly and willing to support you when you need help. They have given me the flexibility I need to be able to be in the 30% of adults with autism, in employment. I’m supported to work in a way that is sustainable for me, which I was unsure that I would be able to do. AbilityNet has given me the opportunity to live an independent life, doing something that I love.

What made you want to work at AbilityNet? What are the perks in your opinion?

Because AbilityNet works with disabled people, I felt that they would understand the challenges that someone with a disability would face in the workplace. The team is very understanding, supportive and friendly and there are many people you can ask if you need any help. I have been given the flexibility I need to work in a way that works for me, so that I can achieve my best. I have developed skills, both personally and professionally, through the opportunities offered in my role. During my time at AbilityNet, my role has evolved to follow my interests, and I have been able to pursue projects which have been both engaging and challenging. This enabled me to develop those skills.

How are you able to incorporate your professional training and background into your role as a consultant?

Before starting in this role, I was studying for a Computing & IT BSc Hons Degree with the Open University, from which I graduated with First Class Honours. The course provided me with training in interaction design and core software development skills – all of which have been beneficial during my time at AbilityNet.  

Most of my knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) criteria was self-taught. This knowledge has been incredibly useful in helping me to understand what I am looking at during audits, rechecks, QA and while delivering training. 

Whilst I have been at AbilityNet, I have continued my self-learning, which the charity has supported and encouraged.

What’s the best thing about working at AbilityNet?

The best thing about working at AbilityNet is the friendly, approachable and immensely helpful team of consultants that I am part of. I also enjoy supporting clients to create more inclusive online content and experiences. As an autistic person who works in their special interest, I find my job very rewarding - both for myself and for the results I see our clients’ achieving. I often info-dump at people about my special interests, sharing far more information than they were expecting, or wanted. One of my favourite parts of my role, is being asked to info-dump to colleagues and clients and then being thanked afterwards. I feel genuinely appreciated for exposing this part of my true self.

Interested in working in digital accessibility?

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