TechShare Pro 2024: Day One

TechShare Pro | Day One | Day Two | TSP Archive

Disability and Accessible Advertising Summit

13 November 2024

All times UK GMT.

Visit the TechShare Pro website to watch the recordings 

10:00 Welcome and Scene Setting

Join us for the opening session of AbilityNet TechShare Pro as we celebrate the 8th year of this leading accessibility conference, hosted for the second time by HSBC. This kickoff will introduce key themes and set an inspiring tone for two days of impactful discussions on accessibility and inclusion.

Speakers:

• Amy Low, AbilityNet
• Mali Fernando, HSBC

10:10 Disability and Brand Advantage

How does disability inclusion deliver competitive advantage for brands? And how are agencies responding to the need for authentic representation and accessible media campaigns? in this session senior leaders from brands and agencies will explore the business case for accessibility, highlighting how inclusive practices drive innovation, enhance brand reputation, and reach untapped markets.

Speakers:

• Jonathan Castleman, HSBC
• Amy Low, AbilityNet
• Hamish Goulding, HSBC
• Danny Josephs, XFuse
• Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500

10:45 Spotlight: Channel 4 Paralympics

Dive into Channel 4’s groundbreaking coverage of the most recent Paralympic Games and explore how it challenges societal perceptions of disability. This session will also highlight the impactful Considering What? campaign, shedding light on innovative strategies used to reshape narratives and promote greater inclusivity through media and sport.

Speakers:

• Dom Hyams, Purple Goat
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet
• Jodie Ounsley, Paralympian
• Zac Shaw, CACI Digital Experience, Paralympian
• James Hamilton, Channel 4

11:15 COFFEE BREAK

11:15 Hosted Networking on Zoom

Drop in for some informal networking online. Meet other online attendees for a chat about the sessions so far. This session has automated captions only.

11:45 Spotlight: Primark

Discover how Shani Dhanda, named the UK’s most influential disabled person in 2023, collaborated with Primark to transform its approach to adaptive clothing. This session will showcase the journey, insights, and strategies behind making fashion more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Speakers:

• Shani Dhanda, Broadcaster and disability influencer
• Charlie Magadah-Williams, Primark
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

12:00 How to Deliver Authentic Storytelling

This session will draw on the personal experience of people with disabilities to offer practical guidance on how to deliver authentic narratives and storytelling that is inclusive, respectful, and impactful, whilst also challenging stereotypes. Speakers:

• Shani Dhanda, Broadcaster and disability influencer
• Ali Hanan, Creative Equals Brooke
• Brooke-Jade Millhouse, podcaster and influencer
• Tom Buckman, documentary producer, Future Studios
• Den Salazar, motion graphics

12:30 LUNCH

13:00 Online-only Lunch and Learn Programme

Multiple options for online-only workshops and discussions.

All sessions will be recorded and shared afterwards.

13:00 IAAP Drop-In Session

Are you interested in learning more about the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) certification and/or membership? As part of a free session at TechShare Pro, you’ll be able to hear from current members and certified professionals on why they are active IAAP members and what the certification has meant to them. During the Drop-in Session, the panel will answer all your questions about IAAP membership and how it has helped them from a personal and organisational point of view. The session will be moderated by IAAP representative to the EU, Susanna Laurin, and is taking place on Wednesday 13th November at 1pm for 45 mins. This informal discussion is open to everyone interested in accessibility – beginner or advanced, so make sure you sign up now for the online link or you can visit the session in person at TechShare Pro. Please note this session will have automated captions only.

13:00 Building a Culture of Accessibility: our journey

Explore how Jadu, a leader in digital services, built a strong culture of accessibility within their organisation. This session will share key strategies, challenges, and successes in making accessibility a core value. Gain insights into fostering inclusive practices and empowering teams to prioritize accessibility in everyday work.

13:00 Crafting Captions that Connect

Are your captions doing enough? Whilst AI can handle the basics, imagine captions that capture not just dialogue, but the whole story. In this session, we'll crack the code on choosing the right caption style, making speaker changes crystal clear, and using simple techniques to add those vital audio cues that bring your content to life. Learn how to craft captions that capture everything from from dramatic whispers to crucial sound effects and transform your videos from watchable to genuinely engaging.

13:00 Neurodiversity and brand communications

Uncover how embracing neurodiversity can transform brand communications. This session will explore strategies to create content that resonates with neurodiverse audiences, emphasising inclusivity and engagement. Learn from experts about adapting communication styles, fostering understanding, and leveraging the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals to enhance brand impact and authenticity.

13:00 Inclusive Media Production

Inclusively Made invite you to join them for an informative session on inclusive media production.

14:00 Main stage restarts

14:00 Spotlight: Assume That I Can

Go behind the scenes of the impactful Assume I Can advert, which challenges stereotypes about disability and celebrates everyone's potential. We'll hear about the creative process from the client and creative team, and speak to the star of the ad about what the message means and why it has been such a success.

Speakers:

• Martina Fuga, Coordown
• Luca Lorenzini, Small
• Madison Tevlin, Influencer
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

14:15 Delivering Accessible Communications Campaigns

This session provide practical insights into planning and executing inclusive strategies, from content creation to delivery. Learn how to ensure your campaigns are engaging, effective, and reach diverse audiences, including disabled people.

Speakers:

• Michelle Yeadon, RMA
• Eileen Hanna, Diageo
• Bobi Carley, ISBA
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
• Alison Orsi, AbilityNet  

14:45 Spotlight: How Apple Includes Disability in its Ads

Alice Tonge is creative force behind some of Apple's most iconic ads, many of which include disability as a theme. This session will discuss the creative concept, its impact on representation in media, and how it inspires inclusivity. Discover how effective storytelling can empower individuals and challenge perceptions of disability.

Speakers:

• Alice Tonge, Apple
• Sarah Herrlinger, Apple
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

15:00 Workflows for Accessible Production

This session will guide you through best practices for integrating accessibility into every stage of your project, from planning to execution. Learn techniques to collaborate efficiently, meet accessibility standards, and deliver content that is inclusive and impactful for all audiences.

Speakers:

• Caroline Desrousier, Scribely
• Emma Gardner, With Not For
• Craig Collinson, HSBC
• Doug Koppenhofer, Crawford Technologies
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

15:30 COFFEE BREAK

15:30 Hosted Networking

16:00 Spotlight: Cadbury's BSL Fingers

Meet the team behind Cadbury's BSL Chocolate Fingers ad, a groundbreaking campaign celebrating British Sign Language and inclusivity.

Speakers:

• Xanthe Fuller, VCCP
• Anastasia Lutskovskaya, Modolez
• Luke Collins-Hayes, NDCS
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

16:15 A Global Perspective on Disability Representation

Explore the diverse landscape of disability representation across different cultures and regions. This session will examine varying perceptions, media portrayals, and advocacy efforts worldwide. Learn from international experts how inclusive storytelling can foster understanding and respect for disabled individuals, paving the way for global change and empowerment.

Speakers:

• Irene Mbari-Kirika, Inclusive Africa
• Gina Badenoch
• Dinesh Sharma, HSBC
• Natsumi Wada, SOLIT Japan
• Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

16:45 Spiderman, Sony Lens and Feedback Loop

Sony Film Studios has a new talent development programme LENS that is bringing disabled talent into the entertainent industry. One of the most recent projects created a new movie about Spiderman's Mental halth. Leran more about the programme and how it led to the creation of this trailer.

WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFPLRIdn1pk

Speakers:

• Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Sony
• Mark Walker, AbilityNet

17:00 How do we change culture and practice?

This session will look back on the day and identify what we can all do next to shift cultural norms, improve inclusion, and promote authentic portrayals of disabled individuals.

Speakers:

• Dom Hyams, Purple Goat
• Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500
• Amy Low, AbilityNet
• Mali Fernando, HSBC
• Hector Minto, Microsoft
• Lisa Bowcott, McCann World Group

Visit the TechShare Pro website to watch the recordings 

TechShare Pro | Day One | Day Two | TSP Archive