Social media has become a powerful tool for communication, networking, and brand promotion. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of digital engagement, accessibility is often overlooked.  

This blog shares three top tips that sheds light on key considerations for accessible social media beyond alternative text. 

1. Unveiling the Invisible Text Trap

When announcing collaborations or important information on social networks like Threads, Instagram or X/Twitter, be cautious with third-party text formatting tools. While they can make your post visually appealing by emphasising text like an artist or event name, they might render the text invisible or unreadable to users who can't see special characters. 

So, here's the golden rule: stick to the formatting options provided by the social network itself. If it doesn't support fancy styling, don't force it. By keeping it simple, you ensure your content remains visible and impactful to all users. 

Remember, the goal is to make the most important words in your announcement shine, not vanish into thin air! 

2. The Case for Camel Case Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for boosting your social media content, but they can sometimes backfire if not used carefully. Imagine you're promoting someone called Roy's album launch party with the hashtag #royalbumparty.  

In the world of hashtags, where words blend together, there's room for confusion. Without proper spacing or capitalisation, Roy-album-party could be misinterpreted as royal-bum-party.  

To avoid unintended consequences, embrace camel case. This means capitalising the first letter of each word within the hashtag, like this: #RoyAlbumParty. Not only does this eliminate ambiguity, but it also ensures readability for everyone, including screen readers. 

So, next time you're crafting hashtags, remember clarity is key! 

3. Decoding Emoji Etiquette 

Let's talk about emojis – those little characters that add flair to your social media posts.  

Are emojis accessible? Each emoji carries its own meaning, which most assistive technology like screen readers will convey to users. But here's where it gets tricky: what you think an emoji means might not align with its actual definition. Ever thought you were sharing a shocked face, only to find out it's a “hushed face”? 

Take the mind blown emoji, for example. Its official meaning? A “shocked face with an exploding head”.  

Now, let's discuss the red flag emoji . While it's commonly used to signal warnings, its official meaning has nothing to do with the colour red. Officially, it represents a “triangular flag on a post”. 

Using too many emojis can be tiresome for users, especially if they have lengthy descriptions and are being read out by a screen reader. To keep things engaging, limit your emoji use and place them towards the end of your post. This goes for hashtags and links too. 

So, before sprinkling emojis liberally, do a quick check on their meanings, perhaps on a site like Emojipedia. And remember, when it comes to non-essential elements in your post, less is often more! 

Embrace accessible social media

If your entire marketing team could benefit from accessible social media practices, explore our in-house training option.

Enquire about in-house accessible social media training

Alternatively, you can book onto our upcoming online training course. 

This blog is a loose transcription of AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro conference 2023 selection of bite-sized 'Lightning Talks' from accessibility experts, highlighting top tips and advice on accessibility topics.  

Paul Speller, expert accessibility consultant at AbilityNet, shares red flags to look out for in your online content so you can master accessible social media. Watch the video recording below.

In a positive new initiative, students across England have come together to champion digital accessibility in further education.

This new campaign, titled Access and Assistance for All, is a collaborative effort aimed at changing the way colleges approach accessibility, ensuring that every student has equal access to educational resources.

In this article, we highlight the details of this inspiring campaign, including its five key goals, and signpost the way you can actively participate.

Who created the Access and Assistance for All Campaign?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign includes 15 regional champions — young people who have collaborated with organisations such as The British Youth Council, University College London (UCL), The Thomas Pocklington Trust, and The Kent and Medway Progression Federation. Their collective vision is to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. 

What can colleges do to improve digital accessibility?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign provides five key goals for your college to adopt:

1. Making learning resources accessible: The campaign advocates for the transformation of all learning materials into formats that can be easily accessed by all students, including those using assistive technologies.
    
2. Encouraging accessibility champions: Each college is encouraged to appoint an accessibility champion who will champion the cause and grow the practice of digital accessibility within their institution.
    
3. Learn about assistive technology: The campaign seeks to ensure colleges are aware of assistive technology and provide guidance on accessing free accessibility tools. 
    
4. Use their Access and Assistance for All template: Colleges are encouraged to adopt the campaign’s template, ensuring consistency in accessibility efforts across institutions.
    
5. Raising awareness among college staff: The campaign aims to ensure that all college staff members are informed about the initiative and support its goals.

The campaign has been in development over the past year and is now gaining momentum. It has garnered national support from influential bodies such as Government Minister Robert Halfon, Ofsted, Natspec, and The Association of Colleges.

Why is assistive technology and digital accessibility important in colleges?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign addresses critical issues in digital accessibility within Further Education (FE) Colleges.

Research conducted by The Thomas Pocklington Trust revealed that some college websites were not compliant with accessibility regulations. Also in the findings: 63% of colleges’ accessibility statements were considered poor.

By participating in this campaign, colleges take action towards accessibility, and ensure that all students have equal opportunities and access to succeed in their educational lives.

How can colleges get involved

By signing up to the campaign Access and Assistance for All, it will help you work towards your accessibility maturity and a more inclusive and accessible educational experience.

What is accessibility maturity?

The journey to comprehensive digital accessibility, is often discussed in terms of ‘maturity’. Institutions and organisations frequently go on a journey, from establishing the need through an initial audit of a new website or learning portal, for example, which then grows to developing a dedicated accessibility job role, training entire teams, champions networks, user testing and beyond.

AbilityNet can support institutions wishing to seek assistance on assessing their digital accessibility maturity. You can access this offer through the Higher and Further Education (HE/FE) Accessibility Maturity Model. This interactive resource helps organisations determine their position on the accessibility spectrum and identify areas for improvement.

Accessibility eLearning courses

Further resources:

• Higher and further education training
• Digital accessibility in Higher and Further Education - 
• Higher education sector digital accessibility gaps highlighted in global report

We live in a neurodiverse population, which consists of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Types of cognitive differences and neurodivergent conditions include Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia and Tourette Syndrome.

In support of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are sharing a range of resources that will educate and help you embrace neurodiversity at work, at home, or in the classroom.

How to support people with neurodiversity in the workplace

By exploring the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, understanding neurodiverse differences people experience, and recognising the impact of unintentional barriers, you can better understand how to support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.

Gain valuable insights from AbilityNet's Accessibility and Usability Consultants Rina Wharton and Ashley Peacock, who shared their lived experiences of neurodiversity at TechShare Pro 2022. Watch the video recording below.

For additional insights on embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, tune in to an episode of the AbilityNet Podcast where Robin Christopherson talks to Matthew Bellringer. They explore the significance of neurodiversity within the workplace and share strategies for fostering an inclusive culture. Access the full conversation on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also download a text transcript of the episode.

How tech can help people living with Autism 

Autism "affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them" (National Autistic Society, June 2020). Technology offers a great deal of support and independence to autistic people. You can find out more in our Autism and Computing Factsheet (also available as an Easy Read download).

Tech tools for Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurodivergent learning difference that can affect reading and writing. It affects approximately 10% of the UK population according to the British Dyslexia Association.

From a webinar with the British Dyslexia Association, AbilityNet's Rina Wharton shared her thoughts about different Dyslexia simulators and what might help if you have dyslexia. 

Addressing Autism, Dyslexia, and neurodivergence in education and work

Learn from a webinar we hosted with University of Northampton and the University of Bedfordshire, on how to make accessibility improvements for students and staff with neurodivergent conditions including Autism, Asperger's, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome and Synaesthesia.

AbilityNet's Teresa Loftus, discussed the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) support available for neurodivergent students.She highlighted the issues some disabled people may face in the transition from education to work, including reasonable adjustments that may need to be provided, and how AbilityNet can help employers through its eLearning tools. 

Useful resources for neurodiversity 

• AbilityNet offers affordable high-quality online training courses to help you build skills in accessibility and inclusive design
• Our free online tool My Computer My Way is a great way to see how you can adapt a device to make it easier to use. 

Would you, or someone you know, like to know more about how the online world enhance your life? A fresh range of short instructional videos aimed at boosting digital skills among older people will help.

AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group are working in partnership to help improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people across the UK. 

As part of this project we are sharing simple digital tips in a new range of 'Bitesize Basics' videos, specifically designed to share step by step, straightforward digital advice with people over 65.

Topics covered in the Bitesize Basics videos

1. Staying Safer Online 
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Nutshell 
3. Introduction to the Internet 
4. How to shop online 
5. Emergency Contacts 

More videos will be added to the series soon, and you can view them all on the playlist on AbilityNet's YouTube channel.

Learn at your leisure

AbilityNet staff and volunteers have already been sharing their skills across the UK at a series of in-person workshops, but the videos enable the learning to expand beyond the towns covered in the project.

"We understand that not everyone can attend a workshop, so these easy to watch up to 10-minute formats offer a great way to watch and practice digital skills at your pace in the comfort of your own home or with friends in a group," says Rob McLean, Digital Inclusion Programme Officer at AbilityNet.

"Older people often face unique challenges when navigating the digital world, from learning new technologies to understanding internet safety. The short duration of these videos reflect a more relaxed learning pace, making digital education less daunting and more accessible," Rob advises.

Watch the AI in a Nutshell video:

Access the video transcripts

1. Download the transcript for Staying Safer Online video [Word]
2. Download the transcript for AI in a Nutshell video [Word]
3. Download the transcript for Introduction to the Internet video [Word]
4. Download the transcript for How to shop online [Word]
5. Download the transcript for Emergency Contacts video [Word]

Each video focuses on key topics, from basic computer use to staying safer online, ensuring that learners receive targeted information without feeling overwhelmed.

This approach empowers fostering independence and confidence in using technology to stay connected, and enables more people to learn how to manage health information, and access essential services.

AbilityNet's Digital Skills project with BT Group is supporting people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area.
(Available to people in and around London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff.)

Further resources

Factsheets: How to boost your online skills

Blog: 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Free disabilities sessions: educate your group about disability and technology via our sessions which we can deliver to your organisation.

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

How AbilityNet can Help

• Call AbilityNet's FREE Helpline on 0800 048 7642 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability

Do you or someone you know live with a disability?

Join us for a FREE webinar packed with inspiring stories and practical tools on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing lives for the better!

On Wednesday, 17 April 2024, from 1-2pm BST, we'll be joined by AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, Robin Christopherson MBE and special guests, including Microsoft and the Headway brain injury association.

In the How can AI help disabled people? webinar, we will:

• Uncover the secrets of AI: Learn how AI can make everyday tasks easier, from voice-controlled smart homes to cutting-edge prosthetics.
• Discover game-changing assistive technologies: Explore how AI is breaking down communication barriers and promoting independence.
• Be empowered by real-life stories: Hear first hand from disabled people about the power of AI to create a more accessible future for all.
• Gain insider knowledge: Get insights on the future of inclusive AI, with contributions from the Headway brain injury association about how AI is transforming the lives of people with brain injuries. More guests TBC.

This webinar is for you if you're disabled or work with someone who is disabled, or if you're simply curious about how AI can improve lives.

Catch up with the webinar recording

All those who register for the session will receive the recording after broadcast, so do sign up even if you can't make it on the day.

About Robin Christopherson MBE

A leading light in accessibility, Robin will share his personal experience with sight loss and how technology empowers him every day.

Robin's own experience of sight-loss gives him a first-hand experience of the power of digital tech to transform people's lives - and he loves nothing more than showing people how he uses computers, the internet, his phone, Amazon Alexa and many other technologies as part of his daily life.

Bring a friend, relative or client

Offering this free webinar is one of the ways in which we're trying to help bridge the digital divide, so to reach more people you could both sign up for yourself but also bring along a community group to learn together and share the advice.

If you work in an organisation with clients who could benefit from learning about the digital world, please do share this session and encourage them to sign up or show them how the Zoom webinar process works. It's also a great session for organisations who provide digital inclusion support to service users. 

AbilityNet is working with BT Group to support people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area. (Available to people in and around London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff.)

Further resources

Factsheets: Easy Read versions of free disability and technology factsheets now available

Blog: 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

How AbilityNet can Help

• Call AbilityNet's FREE Helpline on 0800 048 7642 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024 with the theme #InspireInclusion, AbilityNet stands firm in its commitment to a digital world that embraces diversity and accessibility for all. 

In this blog, we shine a spotlight on some of the inspiring women who have emerged as leaders in the realm of inclusion and accessibility. 

These remarkable individuals have not only spoken at our annual TechShare Pro conferences and participated in enlightening webinars, but have also collaborated with us as valued partners. 

To make it even easier for you to engage with these remarkable women, we've included their LinkedIn profiles. 

Today, and every day, we celebrate their contributions to a more accessible and inclusive digital world. Let the inspiration unfold! 

• Women who are leading from the top 
• Influential women empowering disabled people's voices
• Community-spirited women 
• Influencing accessibility standards 
• Driving change through community 

Women who are leading from the top

It takes strong leadership to drive a diversity and inclusion culture and ensure accessibility is at a company's heart. We celebrate women and the top, helping to drive the D&I agenda. 

Caroline Casey, co-founder of The Valuable 500 

Change starts at the top, believes Caroline Casey, the founder of The Valuable 500, an organisation she founded to put disability on the business leadership agenda of 500 national and multinational, private sector corporations. 

Dedicated to driving change through business for the 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide, Caroline has established multiple organisations and initiatives over the past two decades, all focused on promoting inclusion in the business landscape for disabled individuals. 

Caroline joined us at TechShare Pro 2021 to talk about the next steps to build a "murmuration" of support with other organisations and groups. Check out our blog on her talk.

Irene Mbari-Kirika, Executive Director of inABLE

Irene Mbari-Kirika is the founder and executive director of inABLE, a not-for-profit organisation working in Kenya to bring computer assistive technology to disabled students in Africa.

To date, inABLE has established eight assistive technology computer labs, hired and trained 20 assistive technology computer instructors, and enrolled over 12,000 blind and visually impaired students.

As well as a dynamic, global strategic leader and an executive-level innovator, Irene also shares her insights and experience at accessibility and inclusion events; she spoke at TechShare Pro 2023 on the Accessibility Leaders Panel, reflecting on what the future holds for accessibility.

Christina Mallon, Principal Director of Inclusive Design of Microsoft 

Christina Mallon is the Principal Director of Inclusive Design at Microsoft. Christina is dedicated to creating technology that empowers marginalised communities.

Christina serves as a board member for Inclusively and Open Style Lab, founded at MIT. Her focus at Microsoft involves integrating responsible AI and accessibility into products, showcasing her commitment to universal inclusivity within the tech industry.

Amy Low, Chief Operating Officer at AbilityNet

Amy Low is AbilityNet’s Chief Operating Officer. With more than 25 years of experience in leadership and transformation roles, she heads up AbilityNet’s expert accessibility services, workplace, education, and free services teams.

Passionate about leveraging technology to remove barriers, she ensures digital practices meet the needs of all. She works with a wide range of institutions and organisations providing services and support to ensure their digital practices are meeting the needs of the widest audience.    

Beyond her operational role, Amy actively participates in events related to accessibility and higher education. She shares insights on why inclusion is essential for the success of every workplace and advocates for the benefits of building more accessible work environments.

Amy was a speaker at TechShare Pro 2023, discussing the business case for accessibility.

Carolanne Minashi, Global Head of Inclusion at HSBC 

Carolanne Minashi is a renowned diversity and inclusion expert with a track record of making an impact. Carolanne joined HSBC in April 2021 and passionately drives real change through her work, covering a broad spectrum including disability, mental health, gender, LGBTQ+, race, and ethnicity.

She is a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School, and in 2019, she joined the European Advisory Board for Catalyst, an organisation focused on accelerating female progression in the workplace. 

Carolanne spoke at TechShare Pro 2023 on Empowering the C-Suite: Overcoming Fears and Embracing Disability Inclusion.

Kate Nash OBE, CEO and Creator of PurpleSpace

Kate Nash OBE, is the founding CEO of PurpleSpace, a leadership development network for disability employee resource groups (ERGs). 

Kate introduced 'Networkology,' a unique disability ERG change model that blends the art and science of creating high-performing disability ERGs. This leadership approach equips ERG leaders with the skills to address significant barriers to internal change, known as 'human resisters.' 

In 2023, Kate Nash authored the Confidence Conversation series of guides. These guides aim to assist employees with disabilities in building inner confidence, marking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive workplace. 

Preety Kumar, CEO, Founder, and Board Member of Deque Systems 

Preety Kumar is the CEO, Founder, and Board Member of Deque Systems, a leading force in the tech industry. As a visionary leader, she also contributed to industry standards through collaboration with the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. Preety is a nominated member of the Accessibility Forum's Strategic Management Council, where she works to foster information accessibility through cooperative efforts.

Read about our partnership with Deque to hep build a stronger accessibility community across the globe.

Influential women empowering disabled voices

We explore women making sure that digital accessibility stays top of the accessibility agenda.

Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft

Digital accessibility has “never been more important,"  according to Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer for Microsoft. She shared how and why Microsoft is putting digital accessibility first at TechShare Pro 2020. 

Jenny leads Microsoft's efforts on accessibility and disability inclusion. Driving a sustained ecosystem of accessibility across the tech giant’s products, services, and processes that empower customers and employees 

You can hear Jenny in conversation as part of our Accessibility Insights series.

Zoe Portlock, Accessibility Lead at Hargreaves Lansdown 

Zoe Portlock serves as the Accessibility Lead at Hargreaves Lansdown (HL). 

Drawing from her lived experience and professional background, she writes articles and provides consultations on Digital Accessibility. 

Zoe, a passionate advocate for individuals with accessibility needs, is determined to guarantee that everyone enjoys the equal digital experiences they deserve. She actively contributes to our round table events, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in digital spaces. 

Zoe will be joining our upcoming webinar on Building Your Accessibility Capability: In-house Skills vs. External Suppliers on 19 March at 1pm GMT. Register your place for the free webinar. 

Sumaira Latif, Company Accessibility Leader at Procter & Gamble 

“When we design inclusively, we're designing so that everyone is delighted with the same product,” says Sumaria Latif, Procter & Gamble’s Company Accessibility Leader. 

In her 22 years at Procter & Gamble (P&G), Sumaira has worked on some of the most impactful examples of accessible product designs. She is committed to creating a more inclusive world for everyone, both inside and outside of P&G.

Ashley Peacock, Senior Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet 

Ashley Peacock is a Senior Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet, driving inclusive user research processes and mentoring team members. Her expertise extends to project management, relationship building with partners, and contributing to business strategy alongside the head of sales.

Ashley has revamped training workshops and led efforts to audit and comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standards, showcasing her commitment to digital inclusivity and contributing to AbilityNet's vision of making a digital world accessible to all. 

With a wealth of experience spanning nearly 15 years, Ashley has also been a passionate advocate, speaking on topics such as the lived experience of Neurodiversity. 

Elisabeth Ward, Lead Accessibility Specialist for Scope 

Lead Accessibility Specialist Elisabeth Ward of Scope works in programme development for accessibility, inclusion and workplace culture.  
Elisabeth also delivers talks, speaks on panels and shares her expertise in the media. She offered insights on digital design for a post-pandemic world at TSP 2020.

Community-spirited women

Technology is a great enabler. Here we celebrate women, ensuring that no-one is excluded through lack of access, social inequalities or lack of skills. 

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation

Under Helen Milner's leadership, The Good Things Foundation has published a blueprint for change designed to reduce some of the social inequalities that lead to a lack of access to technology, reinforcing social inequalities and leading to loneliness and social isolation. 

Helen is Chief Executive for GTF and has worked on the internet and communities for 30 years. In June 2015, she was appointed an OBE for digital inclusion services in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Sarah Brain, Free Services Manager AbilityNet

Sarah Brain looks after AbilityNet’s Free Services, including our 450+ volunteers who support older and disabled people to make the best use of their technology. 

She also looks after our free online services, including our popular factsheets and My Computer My Way tool guide. 

Sarah has been recognised for her inspiring leadership and works alongside our partners such as BT to help improve the digital skills of 4,000 older and digitally excluded people across the UK during 2023.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance 

Chief Executive of the Learning Foundation and its initiative and outward-facing brand, the Digital Poverty Alliance, Elizabeth Anderson, leads work to end digital poverty by 20 

Regularly speaking at industry events and talking to the media to raise awareness, as well as engaging with government and industry leaders around the key issues behind digital poverty.

Influencing accessibility standards

Policy is a key lever in terms of driving an accessibility agenda. Several influential women are involved in the policy arena. 

Malin Rygg, Head of Digital Authority, Norway

Malin Rygg has been in charge of the department of monitoring at the Norwegian Digitization Directorate since 2013. 

The directorate supervises Norwegian legislation that requires the public and private sectors to comply with international accessibility requirements. 

Malin is a lawyer and a prolific speaker, including policy's role versus the drive towards inclusive design benefits. 

Marlin recently joined us at TechShare Pro 2023, where she discussed How will the European Accessibility Act change the global accessibility landscape.

Susanna Laurin, Chief Research and Innovation Officer at Funka and IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) Representative to the European Union

Susanna Laurin is Chief Research and Innovation Officer of Funka and helps share future digital accessibility standards. 

She has been a thought leader in the field of digitalisation, inclusion, and e-government for more than 20 years, and she is a frequent international lecturer and debater. Susanna is the Chair of the ETSI/CEN/CENELEC Joint Working Group on eAccessibility, responsible for the development and update of EN301549 to reflect presumed conformance of the Web Accessibility Directive and the upcoming European Accessibility Act. 

As well as speaking at TechShare Pro 2023, Susanna contributed to our guide How to include accessibility in your procurement processes. 

Driving change through community

Women are taking a leading role in bringing like-minded people together to share tips on accessibility and to support others at each stage of their accessibility journey. 

Charlie Turrell, Engagement Manager at the Ministry of Justice UK 

Charlie Turrell is the Engagement and Champions Lead at the Ministry of Justice UK. In its pursuit of building capability, Charlie has played a pivotal role in establishing our Champions Network. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Justice UK implemented a comprehensive onboarding process, resulting in a thriving network encompassing individuals from various roles across the organisation. 

Charlie is also the co-founder of CAN (Champions of Accessibility Network) which brings together over 550 large digital organisations including Google, Microsoft and all major UK broadcasters and international on-demand service providers, with cultural inclusion programmes including an accessibility champions network.   

Don’t miss Charlie on our webinar on Building accessibility Capability on Tuesday 19 March at 1pm GMT. Register today.

Dr. Shani Dandha, Inclusion & Accessibility Strategist and Consultant, Presenter, and Actor 

"I don’t just want to see disabled people talking about disability. We need way more incidental representation of disability. And there are different programmers and broadcasters doing this in a different way. Sometimes, you are still made to feel like a bit of a tick box, and we need to move away from that." - Shani at TechShare Pro 2023 as part of the Media Respresentation of Disability panel.

Dr. Shani Dandha is dedicated to empowering women globally. As a thought leader, she guides organisations in creating inclusive spaces. She is a captivating presenter, using her platform to inspire change.  

Heather Hepburn, Accessibility Lead at Skyscanner 

Heather Hepburn's mission is, "Let's make travel accessible to all and give everyone the same chance to enrich their lives through the joys of travel." 

Heather is a passionate accessibility evangelist who is leading the charge as the driving force behind the accessibility program at Skyscanner. In her role, she is not just introducing accessibility initiatives; she is instilling a cultural shift that integrates accessibility into the very fabric of Skyscanner's identity and operations. 

As a co-founder of the Champions of Accessibility Network (CAN), Heather has helped cultivate an active community of over 1,300 accessibility professionals from businesses worldwide. Through CAN, she facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing, further amplifying the impact of accessibility initiatives on a global scale. 

Find out more about Heather and her work when she partnered with AbilityNet to use our Digital Accessibility Maturity Model.

Emma Lawton, Co-Founder, More Human 

Emma Lawton is co-founder of the start-up More Human, a platform designed to help build digital communities. 

She joined our panel at TechShare Pro 2021 that explored disability representation and the power of social media. 

Emma was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 29, which opened her eyes to technology's power as an enabler of human interaction. 

More Human's mission is to bring people together in virtual communities. 

Professional services from AbilityNet 

• Discover more about AbilityNet's accessibility products and services.
• Find out how we can help train you and your staff on accessibility
• Download our training catalogue and discover your exclusive discount code
• Disability Awareness Training for you and your team
• Download our Accessibility brochure to find out how we can help you on your accessibility journey