TechShare Pro 2024 | Day One: Accessible Ads Summit | Day Two: Accessibility Leadership Day | TSP Archive
TechShare Pro 2024
Day Two: Accessibility Leadership Day
14 November 2024
Day Two at TechShare Pro 2024 focused on the need for accessibility experts to become leaders in their organisations. Not just waving the flag for accessibility but embedding change in how things are done.
Every session featured people with a huge amount of experience sharing their thoughts on what can change the way people do things - including one of the co-founders of GAAD, which has arguably done more than anything on the planet to shift perceptions of accessibility outside our community.
We heard many different ideas about how to change the way we work. How Teach Access is embedding accessibility in higher education, how the Figma Accessibility plug-in connects with designers, or how to inclusive thinking makes user research more valuable.
But for most people in the community accessibility is passion, not just a job. The session on burnout reflected on why so many accessibility experts feel exhausted by the constant effort to make change happen - and different ways to manage the stresses and ill-health which is all too common.
Key takeaways include:
- changing culture and processes needs us to look beyond testing and think about how to change processes and mindsets;
- accessibility specialists need to build skills in communication and strategy;
- think about working outside your silo - make an effort to speak to marketing or procurement about what they do and how you can help them with their pain points;
- the European Accessibility Act is a perfect opportunity to put accessibility on the table at senior level - and for accessibility experts to seize the opportunity for change;
- we are part of an amazing community who believe in helping one another for the good of all.
Watch recordings of all the sessions here
- Panel sessions are 30-minute sessions with industry leaders from all kinds of organisations;.
- Spotlights tell the story behind changes that move the dial for accessibility;
- Lunch and Learn sessions offer practical tips on key topics.
We've been fighting for accessibility for so long... how do we make last change happen?
This session looks at the many ways that change can happen, from building awareness to new ways of working and culture change.
- Jennison Ascuncion, Co-Founder, GAAD
- Romana Pugh, BBC
- Paul Smyth, Barclays
- David Williams, Sony
- Susanna Laurin, IAAP
- Mark Walker, AbilityNet
What is your accessibility strategy for 2025 and beyond? This session will help you think about how to set achievable goals, connect with stakeholders and implement change over time.
- Amy Low , AbilityNet
- Becks Brindley, NatWest
- Matthew Luken, Deque
- Heather Hepburn, Skyscanner
- Jared Clayton, HSBC
Teach Access is a US-based initiative integrating accessibility into education curricula, especially in higher education. Learn how its work with academia and industry is embedding best practice in accessibility in a wide range of design and development disciplines.
- Kate Sonka, Teach Access
- Regine Gilbert, Teach Access
- Lucy Woodcock, AbilityNet
Learn how to effectively manage and expand an accessibility champions network within your organisation. This session explains how champions networks and other employee networks can help build a culture of accessibility that thrives on shared knowledge and advocacy.
- James Jacobs, Jadu
- Kris Banks, HSBC
- Charlie Turell, Ministry of Justice
- Mim Mahdaoui, Stepstone
- Ted Drake, Intuit
- Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
How can AI technologies enhance accessibility solutions, improve user experiences, and foster inclusion for individuals with disabilities?
Learn about current innovations, potential challenges, and the ethical considerations of using AI in creating accessible environments.
- Dylan Barrell, Deque
- Carol Massay, BASDA
- Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
Is your organisation prepared for the European Accessibility Act's first big deadline in June 2025? We'll speak to change managers and technical experts about the challenges they face and the strategies they are adopting to ensure compliance and embedding lasting change.
- Vayia Malamidou, AbilityNet
- Michelle Jacques
- Mike Fooks, elsevier
- Ulrike Haltrich, Sony
- Mark Lapole, eBay
- Mike Pluke
Explore effective strategies for preventing burnout in this essential session. Learn to recognise the signs, manage stress, and maintain work-life balance while promoting mental well-being. Gain practical tips from experts on fostering a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes self-care and resilience for individuals in high-demand roles.
- Charlie Turrell, Ministry of Justice
- Gareth Ford-Williams
- Mim Mahdaoui, Stepstone
- Bryn Anderson, Sainsburys
Discover the transformative potential of Auracast broadcast audio technology. Learn how this innovation enhances accessibility by delivering clear, direct audio streams in public spaces, improving experiences for individuals with hearing impairments. Explore real-world applications and the future impact of Auracast on inclusive, accessible audio environments.
- Alastair Moore, RNID
- Frankie Garforth, RNID
- Mark Walker, AbilityNet
Learn how diverse perspectives can enhance the quality of your research outcomes, providing a better understanding of your customer's needs and improving your products and services. Explore best practices for incorporating underrepresented voices and fostering collaboration across a range of service areas.
- Ashley Peacock, AbilityNet
- Chris Bailey, HSBC
- Yasmin Keats, Open Style Lab
- Aleksandra Melnikova, Cosmic Velocity
- Ioana Tanase, Microsoft
A behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Figma Accessibility Plug-In by the design team at eBay. Discover the collaborative process between designers and accessibility experts, the challenges faced, and the solutions crafted. Learn how this tool empowers designers to create more inclusive and accessible user experiences effortlessly.
- Anna Zaremba, eBay
- Will Sutton, AbilityNet
Having accessible websites and apps doesn't close the gap for many of the most excluded people in the community. Learn why digital inclusion programmes are a vital way to close the digital divide for disabled and older people.
- Amy Caton, BT Group
- Paul Bepey, Deloitte
- Amy Low, AbilityNet
Explore Apple’s commitment to accessibility in this enlightening session. Discover innovative features and tools designed to enhance the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Learn how Apple integrates accessibility into its products and services, ensuring inclusivity while empowering users to harness technology for greater independence and engagement.
- Sarah Herrlinger, Apple
- Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet
In this concluding session of TechShare Pro 2024, we will celebrate the insights and discussions from the past two days. Join our panel of accessibility leaders as they reflect on key takeaways, share their visions for the future, and inspire collective action to drive lasting change in inclusive design and technology.
- Mali Fernando, HSBC
- Christopher Patnoe, Google
- Romana Pugh, BBC
- Heather Hepburn, Skyscanner
- Hector Minto, Microsoft
- Mark Walker, AbilityNet
Learn how to implement effective accessibility solutions on a limited budget in this practical session.
Discover creative strategies and low-cost tools that can make a significant impact.
Gain insights from AbilityNet on prioritising accessibility initiatives that enhance user experience without breaking the bank. Empower your organisation to be inclusive!
- Jessica Cahill, AbilityNet
Discover innovative ways to enhance AI usability while minimising bias in this engaging session.
Explore metaprompting and other strategies for creating responsible AI applications in this session hosted by Microsoft.
Learn how to design AI systems that are more inclusive, accessible, and effective for all users, ultimately reducing ableism in technology development.
- Ioana Tanase, Microsoft
Join Crawford Technologies for a discussion on AI and document accessibility.
Thank you
A huge thank you to the many people who took part in the day, including:
A huge thank you to many people who took part in the day, including:
Alastair Moore, RNID; Aleksandra Melnikova, Cosmic Velocity; Amy Caton, BT Group; Amy Low , AbilityNet; Anna Zaremba, eBay; Ashley Peacock, AbilityNet; Becks Brindley, NatWest; Bryn Anderson, Sainsburys; Carol Massay, BASDA; Charlie Turell, Ministry of Justice; Chris Bailey, HSBC; Christopher Patnoe, Google; David Williams, Sony; Dylan Barrell, Deque; Frankie Garforth, RNID; Gareth Ford-Williams; Heather Hepburn, Skyscanner; Hector Minto, Microsoft; Ioana Tanase, Microsoft; James Jacobs, Jadu; Jared Clayton, HSBC; Jennison Ascuncion, Co-Founder, GAAD; Jessica Cahill, AbilityNet; Kate Sonka, Teach Access; Lucy Woodcock, AbilityNet; Mali Fernando, HSBC; Mark Lapole, eBay; Mark Walker, AbilityNet; Matthew Luken, Deque; Michelle Jacques; Mike Fooks, elsevier; Mike Pluke; Mim Mahdaoui, Stepstone; Paul Bepey, Deloitte; Paul Smyth, Barclays; Regine Gilbert, Teach Access; Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet; Romana Pugh, BBC; Sarah Herrlinger, Apple; Susanna Laurin, IAAP; Ted Drake, Intuit; Ulrike Haltrich, Sony; Vayia Malamidou, AbilityNet; Will Sutton, AbilityNet; Yasmin Keats, Open Style Lab.
TechShare Pro 2024 | Day One: Accessible Ads Summit | Day Two: Accessibility Leadership Day | TSP Archive