The Digital Accessibility Podcast

Paul Braddock - Lead Designer and A11y Specialist @ ASDA

What does accessible retail really look like when the customer journey stretches from smartphone to supermarket aisle? In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Paul Braddock, Lead Designer and Accessibility Specialist at ASDA, to explore what accessibility means in retail and why creating inclusive experiences needs to extend far beyond websites and mobile apps. Paul shares his journey from graphic design into UX and accessibility, beginning with a deceptively simple question: when organisations say they're designing for "everyone", who does that actually include? He discusses how that question shaped his approach to inclusive design and ultimately led to his work helping embed accessibility across digital experiences, customer journeys and the wider organisation. We discuss whether the European Accessibility Act has genuinely changed conversations around accessibility, why regulation can be a useful catalyst but shouldn't be the end goal, and how retailers can move beyond compliance towards recognising accessibility as part of good customer experience and good business. The conversation explores the increasingly blurred line between digital and physical accessibility, from online shopping and mobile experiences to stores, services and customer touchpoints. Paul explains why consistency matters, why accessibility needs to be considered throughout the entire journey, and how getting those moments right can help build trust and customer loyalty. We also explore the role of AI in accessibility, including its potential to support designers, improve efficiency and prompt accessibility considerations earlier in the process. Paul explains why AI should be viewed as a tool and a bridge rather than a replacement for people, with customers, colleagues and lived experience remaining at the heart of inclusive design. Finally, Paul shares his practical five Ps of inclusion; Procurement, Policy, Process, Practice and People – as a framework for organisations looking to embed accessibility more effectively and understand where to start. Whether you're an accessibility specialist, designer, developer, product manager, retailer, customer experience professional or digital leader, this episode offers practical insight into moving accessibility beyond compliance and making inclusion part of how organisations design, operate and innovate. Connect with Paul Braddock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braddockpaul/ Connect with Joe James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Website: www.PCRDigital.co.uk The Digital Accessibility Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedigitalaccessibilitypodcast Follow The Digital Accessibility Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67GtTL7QI7i9ZdbTqPK49g?si=cbe79a7b518b4440 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-digital-accessibility-podcast/id1689400288 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital

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Lucy Collins - Founder and Director @ WebUsability|CollectivA11y

Can AI help make accessibility more inclusive without replacing the people at its heart? In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Lucy Collins, Managing Director of Web Usability and founder of CollectivA11y, to explore how artificial intelligence can help organisations embed accessibility and inclusive thinking much earlier in the design and development process. Drawing on more than two decades of user research experience, Lucy shares the story behind CollectivA11y and why it was created to address one of the biggest barriers facing organisations today: making meaningful accessibility and usability research achievable at scale. She explains why the platform is built on ethically sourced lived experience, why AI should AMPLIFY rather than replace disabled people, and how it can encourage better conversations before products ever reach real users. We discuss the importance of shifting accessibility "left", the relationship between usability and accessibility, the risks of relying on compliance and audits alone, and why curiosity, empathy and better language are essential if we want organisations to move beyond fear and create genuinely inclusive digital experiences. The conversation also explores the opportunities and challenges presented by generative AI, synthetic users, inclusive research, and how emerging technologies could help create more personalised and accessible experiences for everyone when used responsibly. Whether you're an accessibility specialist, UX researcher, designer, developer, product manager, founder or digital leader, this episode offers practical insights into balancing innovation with lived experience and keeping people at the centre of accessibility. Connect with Lucy Collins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucycollinsuk/ Web Usability: https://www.webusability.co.uk/ CollectivA11y: https://collectivally.com/ Connect with Joe James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Website: www.PCRDigital.co.uk The Digital Accessibility Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedigitalaccessibilitypodcast Follow The Digital Accessibility Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67GtTL7QI7i9ZdbTqPK49g?si=cbe79a7b518b4440 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-digital-accessibility-podcast/id1689400288 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital

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Paul Bepey - Digital Accessibility Manager @ PwC UK

What does it really mean to experience the digital world without sight? In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe James is joined by Paul Bepey, Accessibility Lead at PwC UK, to explore digital accessibility through the perspective of someone who has been blind since birth. Paul describes himself as a visual thinker, challenging many of the assumptions people make about blindness and demonstrating that accessibility is about far more than simply meeting technical standards. Drawing on decades of lived experience alongside his professional expertise, he shares how inclusive design can transform the way organisations build products, services and digital experiences. We discuss the importance of designing WITH people rather than FOR people, why empathy and curiosity are essential skills for accessibility professionals, and how organisations can move beyond compliance to create experiences that genuinely work for everyone. The conversation also explores the exciting opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, wearable technology and the future of assistive technology, alongside Paul's thoughts on resilience, humour, innovation and why diverse perspectives are critical to creating better products. Whether you're an accessibility specialist, UX designer, developer, product manager, digital leader or someone beginning their accessibility journey, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what true inclusion really looks like. Connect with Paul LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbepey/ PwC UK: https://www.pwc.co.uk/ Connect with Joe James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Website: www.PcrDigital.co.uk The Digital Accessibility Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedigitalaccessibilitypodcast Follow The Digital Accessibility Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67GtTL7QI7i9ZdbTqPK49g?si=cbe79a7b518b4440 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-digital-accessibility-podcast/id1689400288 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital

Ted Drake - Head of Accessibility and Inclusive Design @ Intuit

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Ted Drake In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Ted Drake, Global Head of Accessibility and Inclusive Design at Intuit, where he leads accessibility strategy across products used by millions of people worldwide. Ted shares his journey into accessibility, from building websites in the early 2000s with no formal coding background to becoming one of the most respected accessibility leaders in the industry. He reflects on how curiosity, creativity, and a passion for inclusive experiences helped shape his career and approach to leadership. Throughout the conversation, we explore what it really takes to embed accessibility at scale inside a global technology organisation, and how accessibility leaders can influence culture, product development, and long-term business strategy. We also discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in accessibility, including both the opportunities it creates and the risks the industry and its users needs to be aware of moving forward. We discuss: A non-traditional path into accessibility: How Ted transitioned from a fine art background into digital accessibility and inclusive design. Accessibility at scale: What it takes to embed accessibility across product, engineering, design, and organisational culture. Inclusive design leadership: Why accessibility should be viewed as a business and human-centered strategy, not simply compliance. Driving organisational change: How to influence teams, build momentum, and sustain accessibility practices inside large companies. AI and accessibility: The opportunities artificial intelligence presents for improving accessibility, alongside the potential risks and ethical considerations. The future of accessibility: Ted’s perspective on where the industry is heading and the importance of continuing to evolve accessibility practices alongside technology. Ted also shares valuable insight into the importance of persistence, collaboration, and maintaining a strong focus on the real people accessibility is designed to support. Follow Ted Drake: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draket/ Website: https://www.last-child.com/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): @A11yJoe PCR Website: www.pcrdigital.com Resource links: Your undivided Attention Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KI3PtZaWJbAWK89vgttoU?si=36e3beefc3ba49a9 Little, Yellow, Different, Ernie Hsiung: https://www.littleyellowdifferent.com/

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Becks Brindley - Digital Accessibility Lead at Natwest

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Becks Brindley In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Becks Brindley, Digital Accessibility Lead at NatWest, who leads accessibility strategy across one of the UK’s largest banking organisations. This episode introduces a slightly different format, with Becks also turning the tables to ask Joe questions! Creating a more open, two-way conversation that explores both in-house accessibility leadership and the external hiring landscape. Becks shares how accessibility has been part of her journey from the very beginning, from learning to code with accessibility in mind to now leading strategy at scale. She reflects on the importance of challenging the status quo, influencing stakeholders, and keeping accessibility grounded in its core purpose... utilising technology to enable people. We discuss: A career shaped by accessibility: How early exposure to accessible coding influenced Becks’ mindset and career path. Challenging the status quo: Building confidence to push back on inaccessible practices. Accessibility as a mindset: Why it should be embedded into everyday thinking, not treated as a task. Leading at scale: The realities of driving accessibility across a large organisation. Engaging stakeholders: Practical ways to start conversations and influence change. A two-way perspective: Insights into hiring, team building, and what good looks like across the industry. Becks also highlights that real progress in accessibility comes from persistence and continuous improvement and not perfection. Follow Becks Brindley: LinkedIn: Becks Brindley LinkedIn Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: Joe James LinkedIn Twitter (X): A11yJoe on X YouTube: PCR Digital YouTube Visit PCR Digital: PCR Digital Website

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Jane Abbott - Founder of WellDone Consulting

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Jane Abbott (Episode 26) In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe welcomes back Jane Abbott, Managing Director of PCR Digital and Founder of Welldone Consulting, a new consultancy dedicated to Mobile App Accessibility. Jane returns to the podcast to discuss why mobile accessibility now demands its own specialist focus, and how years spent recruiting accessibility talent, advising organisations, and working closely with designers and engineers led her to launch Welldone Consulting. With deep insight into both the commercial realities of product teams and the practical challenges of accessibility delivery, Jane offers a grounded, strategic view of where mobile accessibility is today — and where it needs to go next. We discuss: From recruitment to consultancy: How Jane’s long-standing work in web and digital accessibility highlighted a growing gap in mobile expertise, and why a consultancy model is the right next step. Why mobile accessibility is different: The key differences between web and native mobile accessibility, including platform-specific considerations across iOS and Android. What makes Welldone Consulting different: A focused, specialist approach to mobile accessibility, faster turnaround times, clearer commercial alignment, and hands-on expertise rather than generic audit-only services. Barriers faced by teams: The most common challenges product managers, designers, and engineers face when trying to build accessible mobile apps — from skills gaps to organisational mindset. The future of mobile accessibility: Jane’s vision for how mobile accessibility should mature, and what needs to change for inclusive mobile experiences to become the norm rather than the exception. Jane also shares why mobile accessibility shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought or a checkbox, but as a core part of building high-quality, inclusive digital products for a global audience. Follow Jane Abbott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeabbott/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Matt Roberts - When Accessibility Gets Personal

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Matt Roberts In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Matt Roberts, a designer, design leader, and accessibility advocate whose lived experience has profoundly shaped his approach to inclusive design. As a colourblind designer, Matt brings a personal and practical perspective to accessibility, challenging the idea that inclusion is a constraint on creativity. Throughout his career, spanning hands-on design roles and senior leadership positions, he has consistently embedded accessibility into design thinking, team culture, and decision-making. We discuss: A personal journey into accessibility: Matt’s path into design, how discovering accessibility changed his perspective, and how lived experience has influenced his professional values. Designing with colourblindness: The real-world challenges of colour-reliant design systems, what often gets overlooked, and how designing beyond colour benefits everyone. Accessibility by design, not retrofit: Why accessibility works best when it’s embedded from the very start of the design process, and how early decisions shape inclusive outcomes. Leadership and influence: How moving into leadership roles creates opportunities to scale accessibility across teams, and why mindset matters as much as tooling. Pushback and misconceptions: Common myths around accessibility, creativity, time, and budget, and how Matt reframes these conversations with stakeholders. Practical advice for designers: Small, achievable steps designers can take today to make their work more inclusive, even without specialist tools or large budgets. Matt also reflects on why accessibility should be seen as a core design skill, not a niche specialism, and how empathy, awareness, and better design choices can lead to more inclusive digital experiences for everyone. Follow Matt Roberts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattrobertsdesign/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Tanya Van Workum & Jan Jaap De Groot - ABRA

In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Tanya Van Workum and Jan Jaap De Groot of ABRA, a mobile accessibility consultancy based in the Netherlands. With deep experience across iOS and Android accessibility, Tanya and Jan Jaap share how their backgrounds in design, development, and lived experience have shaped ABRA’s mission to make mobile apps genuinely usable for everyone. Together, we explore what good mobile accessibility really looks like in practice, why it’s still so often overlooked, and how teams can move beyond compliance toward meaningful inclusion. We discuss: Building ABRA: How Tanya and Jan Jaap came together to form a mobile-first accessibility consultancy, and why they chose to specialise exclusively in iOS and Android. Why mobile accessibility is different: The unique challenges of touch interfaces, gestures, screen readers, and platform-specific behaviours that are often misunderstood by teams. From audits to empowerment: Why accessibility audits alone aren’t enough, and how education, collaboration, and developer confidence are key to long-term impact. Designers, developers, and responsibility: Where accessibility ownership should sit, and how cross-functional teams can work better together. The human side of accessibility: How working closely with disabled users changes perspectives, priorities, and product decisions. Common myths and mistakes: Including a few surprising misconceptions about mobile accessibility that Tanya and Jan Jaap see time and time again. We also touch on how organisations can embed accessibility earlier in the product lifecycle, what “good enough” really means in mobile accessibility, and why curiosity and humility matter just as much as technical knowledge. Follow ABRA: Website: https://www.abra.ai Connect with the guests: Tanya Van Workum (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-van-workum/ Jan Jaap De Groot (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-jaap/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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David Sloan - Chief Accessibility Officer at TPGi

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – David Sloan In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by David Sloan, Chief Accessibility Officer at TPGi/Vispero, and one of the most respected voices in inclusive design and digital accessibility research. With decades of experience across academia, consultancy, and industry, David shares his perspective on the evolution of accessibility; from its early roots in user research to its growing importance within business strategy and product design. We discuss: A lifetime in accessibility: David’s journey from academia at the University of Dundee to joining TPGi in the U.S., and what continues to inspire his work in digital inclusion. Research and real-world impact: How evidence-based approaches and user research can drive better accessibility outcomes, and why empathy alone simply isn’t enough. Accessibility maturity: The practical stages organisations go through on their accessibility journey, and how leadership and accountability shape lasting progress. Inclusive design culture: The role of education, mentoring, and community in building accessibility capability across teams and industries. The future of accessibility: How emerging technologies like AI and automation could support, or hinder, accessibility, and where the human touch remains vital. David also reflects on the ongoing need for cross-industry collaboration and openness, highlighting how knowledge-sharing within the accessibility community can create a lasting culture of inclusion. Follow David Sloan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloandr/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Chris Holloway - Head of Accessibility Recite:Me

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Chris Holloway In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Chris Holloway, newly appointed Head of Accessibility at Recite:Me, a technology leader renowned for its digital inclusion tools. Chris brings deep experience from his years at PwC and across the broader digital accessibility sector. He shares insights on building high-performing accessibility teams, demystifying reputation issues around accessibility overlays/toolbars, and how community and intent drive sector progress. We discuss: A journey through consulting and tech: Chris’s move from PwC to Recite:Me and what motivated him towards a career in Accessibility. Team building and community: How Chris hires and nurtures new accessibility talent, and the essential skills he seeks out. Overlay tooling and sector reputation: Why overlays spark controversy, lessons learned from past industry missteps, and how Recite:Me looks to drive meaningful change. Client engagement and sector transformation: How leading companies can genuinely embed accessibility instead of mere box-ticking. Practical tips for accessibility assessments, guidance on interpreting standards, and how Chris’s public content empowers practitioners and organisations via platforms like LinkedIn. Looking ahead: Chris’s hopes for the future of digital inclusion and the projects and changes that excite him for the year to come. Follow Chris Holloway: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-holloway-accessibility/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Amy Low - CEO of AbilityNet

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Amy Low In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe James is joined by Amy Low, CEO of AbilityNet, a UK charity that has been transforming lives through technology for over 25 years. Amy shares her unexpected journey into accessibility, moving from a career in commercial property and global operational leadership into the charity sector, where she now leads an organisation dedicated to making the digital world more inclusive. We discuss: A non-traditional path into accessibility: How Amy’s career in sales, operations, and transformation shaped her approach to leadership at AbilityNet. Empowering individuals and organisations: The role AbilityNet plays in supporting both disabled people and businesses to remove digital barriers. Embedding inclusion beyond products: Why accessibility is as much about people and culture as it is about technology. Opportunities in inclusive hiring and training: Where Amy sees the most potential for lasting change in the workplace. The impact of accessibility work: Practical ways to create measurable, positive outcomes for communities and organisations. This conversation offers a unique perspective from a leader who bridges commercial insight with social impact, showing how accessibility can be embedded at every level of an organisation. Follow Amy Low: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-low-abilitynet-accessibility-digital-inclusion/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Ben Ogilvie - Head of Accessibility at ArcTouch

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Ben Ogilvie In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe James is joined by Ben Ogilvie, Head of Accessibility at ArcTouch. With a background in software engineering and a career spanning both in-house and agency roles, Ben shares his thoughtful, systems-driven approach to scaling accessibility in complex digital environments. Now leading accessibility at ArcTouch, a global design and development agency, Ben supports teams and clients in embedding inclusive design practices across product lifecycles. We discuss: Transitioning from engineering to accessibility: How Ben’s development background helped him spot systemic accessibility issues early on and shaped his pragmatic approach. What makes accessibility sustainable: From patterns and tooling to strategy and documentation, Ben shares the foundational elements that make accessibility scalable. The role of agencies in accessibility maturity: How ArcTouch collaborates with clients to raise internal capability and shift accessibility left. Balancing perfection with progress: The importance of enabling teams, prioritising pragmatism, and avoiding "all-or-nothing" thinking in accessibility. Advice for aspiring accessibility leaders: How to gain traction, work across functions, and stay grounded in the work that matters. Whether you’re part of an in-house team or a digital agency, this episode offers clear thinking and grounded strategies for scaling accessibility with purpose and clarity. Follow Ben Ogilvie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benogilvie/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Henny Swan - Director at Tetralogical

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Henny Swan In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe James is joined by Henny Swan, internationally recognised accessibility expert and Co-Founder of TetraLogical. Henny brings decades of experience from organisations like the BBC, Opera Software, and W3C, and shares powerful insights on how inclusive design principles and accessible product thinking can transform digital services. We discuss: The evolution of accessibility – from early days at the BBC to shaping global standards through W3C, Henny reflects on progress made and what still needs to change. Inclusive Design Principles – co-author of this foundational guidance, Henny explains how they came to be and how teams can use them today. Mobile accessibility and emerging tech – Henny shares her take on designing for mobile-first environments and what emerging technologies mean for accessibility. Accessibility in product and policy – how embedding accessibility into the fabric of digital strategy, procurement, and leadership ensures sustainable change. Advice for accessibility leaders – practical steps for building influence, scaling efforts, and creating cross-functional impact in organisations. Whether you're scaling accessibility across teams or looking to create more inclusive digital experiences from the ground up, this conversation with Henny offers clarity, context, and inspiration. Follow Henny Swan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennyswan/ TetraLogical: https://tetralogical.com/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital Visit PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

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Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025 and beyond

🎙️ GAAD 2025 Special: 10 Accessibility Leaders, 1 Powerful Conversation To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025, host Joe James brings together an incredible panel of accessibility leaders from previous episodes of The Digital Accessibility Podcast for an unmissable group conversation. Guests from eBay, Skyscanner, Tetralogical, Nomensa, Testlio, Stepstone Group, CurbCutOS, and more share practical insights, inspiring stories, and candid reflections across three core themes: How innovation and AI are reshaping accessibility tools and workflows What true leadership and culture shift looks like in organisations embracing accessibility The power of collaboration, community, and continuous learning in driving change Whether you’re just starting out in accessibility or you're leading a programme yourself, this energising episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and honesty from the forefront of digital inclusion. Featuring: Ronny Hendricks (Nomensa), Craig Abbott (Tetralogical), Helen Burge (Testlio), Paul Van Workum (Abra), Mark Lapole (eBay), Mimouna Mahdaoui (Stepstone Group), Grant Broome (Access Inc.), Heather Hepburn (Skyscanner) and Jeremy Grandstaff (CurbCutOS) Tune in for insights, laughter, and a reminder that accessibility is not only possible — it's happening, and together, we’re making progress. #GAAD2025 #Accessibility #Inclusion #DigitalInclusion #A11y #TechForGood

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Zoe Portlock - Accessibility Lead at Hargreaves Lansdown

🎙️ The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Zoe Portlock In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, we sit down with Zoe Portlock, Accessibility Lead at Hargreaves Lansdown, who brings a powerful mix of user-centered design expertise, lived experience, and strategic leadership to digital accessibility in the financial services sector. From her role embedding accessibility into HL’s design and research functions to speaking at global events like axe-con, Zoe is helping shape a more inclusive approach to digital finance. We discuss: Building accessibility into process and culture – how Zoe has worked to make accessibility a standard part of HL’s products and services. Creating inclusive research – the evolution of HL’s accessibility panel and how it helped shift accessibility research into the core of their UX practice. The accessibility community – why connection with other specialists has been a critical part of Zoe’s journey, and which networks she recommends. Lived experience and leadership – how Zoe brings personal insight into her professional work, and how she balances advocacy with objectivity. Advice for new starters – practical tips for organisations just beginning their accessibility journey, and how to start small but meaningfully. Whether you’re building accessibility into a legacy system or designing a product from scratch, Zoe’s approach offers useful, realistic strategies for embedding inclusion into digital design. Follow Zoe Portlock: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoemportlock/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): @A11yJoe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital

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Episode 16 - Heydon Pickering, Inclusive Components

🎙️ The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Heydon Pickering In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, we sit down with Heydon Pickering, an influential accessibility advocate, author, and inclusive design expert. From his groundbreaking book Inclusive Components to consulting with industry giants like the BBC, Shopify, The Wellcome Trust, and Springer Nature, Heydon has been shaping the way developers and designers approach accessibility. We explore: Heydon’s journey into accessibility – how he became a leading voice in inclusive design and web accessibility. The impact of Inclusive Components – how his book has influenced modern web accessibility practices. Persistent accessibility challenges – why companies struggle with accessibility and practical solutions to overcome these obstacles. The balance between aesthetics and accessibility – how to design beautiful yet functional user experiences. Lessons from industry leaders – insights from working with major organizations on accessibility initiatives. Avoiding burnout in accessibility consulting – Heydon shares his personal strategies for managing workload and staying inspired. What’s next for Heydon – upcoming projects, initiatives, and his brutally honest take on the future of digital accessibility. If you’re a developer, designer, or digital leader looking to improve your accessibility mindset and skills, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Follow Heydon Pickering: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heydon-pickering-a2a22b9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heydonworks Website: https://heydonworks.com/ Inclusive Components: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/printed-books/inclusive-components/ Follow Joe James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter (X): @A11yJoe Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital

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Jonathan Hassell - CEO & Founder - Hassell Inclusion

In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Hassell, CEO and Founder of Hassell Inclusion. With a career spanning the BBC, ISO standards, and digital accessibility consultancy, Jonathan shares valuable insights on how businesses can successfully integrate accessibility into their strategies, products, and cultures. We explore: ✅ Jonathan’s journey in accessibility – from shaping BBC’s accessibility standards to leading Hassell Inclusion. ✅ Why accessibility standards matter – unpacking BS 8878, WCAG, and ISO standards, and how businesses can leverage them. ✅ The biggest challenges companies face in making accessibility a business priority—and how to overcome them. ✅ How to measure accessibility success – key performance indicators, governance models, and industry best practices. ✅ Common mistakes in accessibility strategies and why embedding accessibility early saves time and resources. ✅ The future of digital inclusion – upcoming shifts in AI, regulations, and leadership mindsets. 💡 If you're looking for practical strategies to embed accessibility into your company or want to understand the business case for digital inclusion, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. 🔗 Resource Links: 🔹 PCR Digital – Digital & Technology Recruitment 🔹 Hassell Inclusion – Digital Accessibility Consultancy 🔹 BS 8878 & ISO Accessibility Standards Overview 🔹 European Accessibility Act (EAA) 📢 Follow Jonathan Hassell: 🔹 LinkedIn: Jonathan Hassell 🔹 Twitter (X): @HassellInclusive 📢 Follow Joe James: 🔹 LinkedIn: Joe James 🔹 Twitter (X): @A11yJoe 🎧 Subscribe & listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Mark Lapole - Director, Accessibility - eBay

Join us in this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast as we sit down with Mark Lapole, Director of Accessibility at eBay. With over 15 years at eBay and a career spanning roles at Google and Thomson Reuters, Mark shares his insights into fostering an accessibility-first culture within a global organization. We explore: Mark’s journey into accessibility, from early web development to shaping eBay’s digital inclusion strategy. eBay’s approach to accessibility – from their open-source Mind Patterns & UI Core Components to their INCLUDE Figma plugin for designers. The challenges of building an accessibility champions program and why eBay’s initial attempts fell short. The role of external accessibility consultancies and how they support eBay’s internal team. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) – how eBay is preparing, the uncertainties surrounding enforcement, and what it means for global companies. Avoiding burnout in accessibility leadership – Mark shares candid reflections on personal challenges, balancing priorities, and supporting his team’s well-being. This conversation offers a practical and honest perspective on embedding accessibility into product development, navigating regulatory shifts, and the evolving role of accessibility professionals in tech. Resource Links: 🔹 PCR Digital – Digital & Technology Recruitment: https://www.pcrdigital.com/ 🔹 eBay Mind Patterns & UI Core Components: https://github.com/eBay/mindpatterns 🔹 INCLUDE Figma Plugin: https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/123456789 🔹 Disability:IN – Corporate Accessibility & Inclusion: https://www.disabilityin.org/ 🔹 European Accessibility Act Overview: https://bit.ly/4hlHMEm 🔹 TechShare Pro Conference: https://abilitynet.org.uk/techshare-pro Mark’s Social Media: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lapole/ Joe’s Social Media: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ 🔹 Twitter (X): @A11yJoe 🎧 Subscribe & listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Mimouna Mahdaoui - Senior Manager Stepstone Group

Mimouna Mahdaoui is a Senior Manager for Product & Social Impact at The Stepstone Group. Join us as Mimouna (AKA: Mim) shares her journey into digital accessibility, the power of empathy over sympathy, and practical steps to build inclusion into products and culture. Discover insights on combating imposter syndrome, the curb cut effect, and managing burnout in accessibility. Resource Links: PCR Digital, Digital and Technology Recruitment: https://www.pcrdigital.com/ Stepstone Group: https://www.stepstonegroup.com TechSharePro:https://abilitynet.org.uk/techshare-pro A beginners guide to Accessibility: https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/beginners-guide-digital-accessibility Employers network for Equality: https://www.enei.org.uk/resource/quick-guides/imposter-syndrome/ Gov guide on Unlocking Accessibility: http://bit.ly/4hlHMEm Mim's Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimmahd/ Joe's Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter: @A11yJoe

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Jeremy Grandstaff - VP of Business Development - CurbCutOS

Jeremy Grandstaff is the VP of Business Development at CurbCutOS. In this episode, Jeremy chats with Joe about his own journey and lived experience within Accessibility, ensuring that workplaces are disability confident, understanding the impact to a companies bottom line A11y has, upcoming regulation changes and the disposable income that companies are missing out on. Resource Links: PCR Digital, Digital and Technology Recruitment: https://www.pcrdigital.com/ CurbCutOS: https://www.curbcutos.com/ Jeremy's Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygrandstaff/ Joe's Social Media Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/ Twitter: @A11yJoe

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