The AbilityNet Podcast: Disability. Technology. Inclusion.

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Adi Latif, Accessibility and Usability Consultant at AbilityNet, and Debbie Bradford and Ian Milton from UK's Department for Work and Pension.  They joined TechSharePro 2022, to share recent updates to the Access to Work scheme:  New online portal for Access to Work payments Access to Work support for hybrid working Adjustments Passports for disabled students Health Adjustments Passports and job seekers Access to Work Passports for Disabled contractors and freelancers  You can access a blog article that also explains what the Access to Work scheme updates means.  Or access our free factsheet for the ins and outs of applying for an Access to Work grant:    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website.   Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this week’s podcast, AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion, and Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Portfolio, reflect on Apple’s Keynote on Apple, Accessibility, and Innovation.  In this session, we are joined by Sarah Herrlinger Apple’s Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives.  Sarah joined TechSharePro 2022, to discuss:   The connections between accessibility and innovation Accessibility features of Apple’s products Importance of accessibility at Apple The future of AI and whether it's the next big thing for accessibility  Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website.   Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions, and comments.

In this week’s podcast, AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion, and Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Portfolio, reflect on Google’s Keynote on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and accessibility at TechSharePro 2022.  In this session we are joined by Google’s Christopher Patnoe, EMEA Lead for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, John Mueller, Senior Search Analyst and Lizzi Sassman, Senior Technical Writer.  They joined TechShare Pro 2022, to discuss:  Google crawlers and accessibility practices What are the golden rules of Alt Text Recommended tools and workflows for SEO and accessibility The future of AI and its impact on accessibility (Artificial Intelligence) You can also access a webinar recording where experts from AXA and Skyscanner share their top tips and advice on how accessibility can improve SEO.  Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session.   Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

David Padmore is the Director of Accessibility for ITV and Matt Simpson is the Head of Technology within the Accessibility Services team for ITV. They join AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 4 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - David and Matt speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session David, Matt and Robin discuss: The significant changes in TV and the accessibility of digital media delivery in the past 20 year What people should expect from ITV's new streaming service, ITVX when it comes to accessibility and inclusion The specific challenges for accessibility on streaming platformsThe regulatory and legal obligations around accessibility ITV faced with its streaming services How ITV plans to deliver its services and the implications for digital inclusion in the future You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Natalie Tucker is the Senior Accessibility Lead at Spotify. She joins AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 3 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Natalie speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Natalie and Robin discuss: The role of digital inclusion played in the growth of SpotifySpotify's approach to accessibility when it comes to its audio and video content (Spotify uploads music videos as well as audio!)The inclusion improvements to help listenersHow Spotify plans to deliver its services and the implications for digital inclusion in the future You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Heather Dowdy is the Director of Product Accessibility at Netflix. She joins AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 2 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Heather speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Heather and Robin discuss: What impact the pandemic had on Heather's way of workingThe accessibility benefits and challenges of remote working The inclusion improvements to help viewersHow Netflix plans to deliver its services and the implications for digital inclusion in the future You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Hector Minto is the Director of Accessibility, Lead Technology Evangelist at Microsoft. He joins AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 1 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Hector speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE profile, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Hector and Robin discuss: What has changed significantly in accessibilityMicrosoft's recent additions to the specialist tech marketWhere does AI fit in with Microsoft's current strategyWhere will  Microsoft be focusing it's energies going forward in terms of legislation, awareness or tools You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Anita Mortaloni is the Director of Accessibility of Xbox at Microsoft.  She joins us as the December guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series, now on its 18th episode. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Anita speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Anita and Robin discuss: Xbox Adaptive Controller and gamingGaming's accessibility progressHow the digital community can learn from an inclusive approach to gamingThe future of gamingMicrosoft's Gaming and Disability Player Experience GuideDiverse experiences and abilities in gaming development
 You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Anita Mortaloni is the Director of Accessibility of Xbox at Microsoft.  She joins us as the December guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series, now on its 18th episode. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Anita speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Anita and Robin discuss: Xbox Adaptive Controller and gamingGaming's accessibility progressHow the digital community can learn from an inclusive approach to gamingThe future of gamingMicrosoft's Gaming and Disability Player Experience GuideDiverse experiences and abilities in gaming development
 You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Ted Drake is Global Accessibility and Inclusive Design Leader at Intuit, a financial software company that creates TurboTax and QuickBooks. He joins us as the November guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series, now on its 17th episode. In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Ted speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  In the free session Ted and Robin discuss: Accessibility Champions at IntuitTed's thoughts about the future of tech and digital inclusionIntuit's inclusion and diversity practices 
About Ted “Accessibility is more than making sure images have alternate text. I work with engineers, product managers, and designers to understand how accessibility impacts the users, set realistic deadlines, and create the solutions to provide a delightful experience to all users, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive ability,” says Ted, who leads the accessibility efforts for Intuit's desktop, web, and mobile products. Ted is the co-founder of the Intuit Abilities Network for employees and promotes Intuit’s diversity in hiring programmes. Prior to Intuit, Ted co-founded Yahoo’s Accessibility Lab and was a developer evangelist. Ted speaks regularly at technology conferences and is a co-chair of the 2020 and 2021 Web4All Conference for accessibility research. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Jonathan Mosen MNZM is CEO of Workbridge, an organisation that "gives employers access to skilled and capable workers, and gives people with disabilities a fair go in the workforce."  He joins us as the October guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series, now on its 16th episode. This podcast is  Jonathan speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  Workbridge is New Zealand's largest disability employment agency, and Jonathan is a veteran disability rights campaigner. A Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) and winner of the Impact Award for his contribution to the disability community, Jonathan’s advocacy has led to significant legislative change in New Zealand, including the passage of New Zealand’s world-leading copyright legislation which ultimately led to the Marrakesh Treaty. Additionally, Jonathan has held senior leadership positions at global assistive technology companies HumanWare, Freedom Scientific and AIRA. Jonathan also has lived experience of disability, being totally blind and hard of hearing. He hosts the 

weekly Mosen At Large podcast, which brings a global community together for a live radio show and podcast discussing tech, living with blindness and more. On this webinar recording, Jonathan and Robin discussed topics including: Disabled people in education and the workplaceChanges to disability rights and cutting edge technologyThe role assistive technology plays in the world todayLeadership, values and the needs of a diverse workforce You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Susanna Laurin, chairman and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Funka, and also Representative to the EU for the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) joined us as the September guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series, now on its 15th episode. Susanna speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  Susanna has more than 20 years experience in working with disability-related issues in senior roles, with several assignments for the European Commission. She led the expert group supporting the Commission during the transposition of the Web Accessibility Directive, and she is currently part of the team carrying out the review of the same legislation. On the webinar, Susanna and Robin discussed topics including: Development of the accessibility profession in Europe User testing for accessibilityThe challenges for accessibility enforcementIAAP's role in promoting the accessibility profession  You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

Ursula Dolton of British Heart Foundation (BHF), who has been championing digital improvements at the major UK charity, as its first ever Chief Technology Officer, joins us as our guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series. Ursula speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE, AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion.  Ursula is responsible for delivering BHF’s technology strategy in support of its charitable objectives. She has worked in technology leadership positions within major commercial organisations including at Cadbury, Citi Group and Jaguar Land Rover, and also the university sector. On the webinar, Ursula and Robin discuss topics including: How her charity, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, focuses on diversity and inclusion within its teams and recruitment processeshoning digital services for external customers and donorshow collaboration helps drive customer experiences, andthe changing role of a tech leader in the pandemic. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Richard Morton, Head of Accessibility at the UK Government's Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) as the latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Richard and Robin discuss topics including: accessibility policy changes over the past decade, the role of government in influencing accessibility developments,the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, andhow the government’s digital strategy might impact platforms going forward.  You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Larry Goldberg, Head of Accessibility at Verizon Media as the latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Larry Goldberg discusses topics including: How technologies can both enable yet also create barriers for people with disabilitiesHow to support the next generation of accessibility professionalsDigital accessibility trendsPushing the frontiers of future, inclusive experiences. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Jennison Asuncion and Joe Devon, co-founders of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) as the latest guests. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Jennison and Joe discussed their experiences creating GAAD, what they've learned along the way, and their plans for the future of inclusion and accessibility. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Emma Pratt Richens, Accessibility Specialist at the BBC, as our latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Emma and Robin discussed: Emma's decades of web experience including front-end web development, UX and accessibility-focused roles Developments in attitudes towards web accessibilityAccessibility, disability, and empathy while working from home during a pandemicTechnology's role within inclusive practices in the future You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500, as the latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Caroline and Robin discussed: recent highlights with The Valuable 500,learnings about diversity and digital inclusion from COVID and remote working,what the future looks like for people with disabilities, andwhat needs to change to create more inclusive organisations. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you will also find additional Q&As. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility, Policy & Initiatives at Apple as the latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, introduced by AbilityNet's Annie Mannion, Sarah discussed Apple's accessibility developments over the past year, its experiences with Covid 19, and how the organisation prioritises inclusion. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you can also find additional Q&As and shownotes. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.

In this audio extract from AbilityNet's monthly Accessibility Insights webinar series, we welcome Alejandro Moledo, Policy Coordinator at the European Disability Forum (EDF) as the latest guest. Robin Christopherson MBE Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital accessibility and digital inclusion. On this webinar, Alejandro discussed the recent EU legislation on accessibility (the European Accessibility Act), and accessibility issues across media, telecoms and emerging technologies (AI, robotics, smart environments) and more. You can download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website and view the video recording of the webinar on the AbilityNet website, where you can also find additional Q&As and shownotes. Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.