Welcome to TechShare Pro 2024

A diverse group of delegates in the audience at TechShare Pro

AbilityNet has been a global leader in digital accessibility for 25 years and TechShare Pro is Europe's biggest gathering of people who are passionate about creating a digital world accessible to all.

It is a unique meeting place for business leaders, policy-makers, people with disabilities, accessibility experts and marketing, legal, HR and many other professionals. This year’s sponsors, speakers and guests include HSBC, Google, Sony, Microsoft, Apple, eBay, Deque, universities, government and many more.

Key themes for 2024 include:

Disability and Accessible Advertising
Accessibility Leadership and Culture Change
AI and Accessibility
How to respond to the European Accessibility Act
And much more

Access the Recordings

Recordings of all sessions have been archived on the event site and are available until 1 February 2025 to anyone who registered for online access.
If you have already registered then log in to view all the sessions.

Tickets

All in-person tickets for TechShare Pro are now sold out. Online tickets are still available.
In-person events are hosted by HSBC in Canary Wharf, London.
Online sessions are streamed live and recordings are available immediately afterwards.
In-person tickets are available for one day or both days and include full access to the online streams and recordings.
The Champions Bundle provides unlimited online seats to share in your organisation.
The Accessibility Leaders bundle combines one in-person ticket with unlimited online tickets.

Buy an Archive Ticket

Schedule

All times are Pacific

TechShare Pro offers a unique opportunity for ad agencies and brand leaders to connect with disability influencers and accessibility experts.
What good looks like
How brands can benefit from authentic representation of disability
How to deliver accessible campaigns

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

Speakers:

Amy Low, AbilityNet
Mali Fernando, HSBC

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

Speakers:

Jonathan Castleman, HSBC
Mark Walker, AbilityNet
Hamish Goulding, HSBC

Sam Weller, AMV BBDO
Danny Josephs, MFuse
Katy Talikowska, Valuable 500

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

Shani Dhanda, Broadcaster and disability influencer
Ali Hanan, Creative Equals Brooke
Jade-Millhouse, podcaster and influencer
Tom Buckman
Den Salazar

Multiple options for online-only workshops and discussions.

All sessions will be recorded and shared afterwards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WATCH: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fHGsLuA76w

Speakers:

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

Speakers:

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

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

Meet the team behind Cadbury's BSL Cadbury Fingers ‘Sign with Fingers’ ad and groundbreaking campaign celebrating British Sign Language and inclusivity.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HV1hisoxNI

Speakers:

Xanthe Fuller, VCCP
Anastasia Lutskovskaya, Mondelez
Luke Collins-Hayes, National Deaf Children’s Society
Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

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

Speakers:

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

Spotlight: Sony Pictures LENS Program

Sony Pictures Animation has a new talent development programme called LENS (Leading and Empowering New Storytellers) that is bringing underrepresented talent into the animation industry. The program's inaugural class of filmmakers created a new short film about Spider-Man's mental health. Learn more about the programme and how it led to the creation of this short film.

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

Speakers:

Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Sony Pictures Animation
Mark Walker, AbilityNet

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

Speakers:

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

Unwind and connect at our evening drinks reception, featuring a special comedy performance by comedian Aaron Simmonds.

We'll also hear from GAAD founder Jennison Asuncion and Adi Latif.

Join us for laughter, networking, and reflection on the day’s insights as we celebrate accessibility and inclusion together in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

How can accessibility practitioners and their allies make accessibility part of business as usual?
How can we influence key stakeholders and turn short term fixes into medium term strategies?

Join us as we kick off Day 2 of AbilityNet TechShare Pro! We’ll set the stage for another day of inspiring discussions, hands-on learning, and collaborative opportunities focused on driving accessibility and inclusion forward.

Speakers:

Mark Walker, AbilityNet
Mali Fernando, HSBC

How do we make lasting change happen in our organisations? This session will set the scene for the day by looking at the many ways that change can happen, from building awareness to new ways of working and culture change. Gain insights into how you can create impactful, lasting transformations in your organisation.

Speakers:

Jennison Ascuncion, Co-Founder, GAAD
Romana Pugh, BBC
Paul Smyth, Barclays
David Williams, Sony
Susanna Laurin, IAAP
Mark Walker, AbilityNet

What is your accessibility strategy for 2025 and beyond? This session will help you think about how to set achievable goals, connect with stakeholders and implement change over time.

Speakers:

Amy Low , AbilityNet
Becks Brindley, NatWest
Matthew Luken, Deque
Heather Hepburn, Skyscanner
Jared Clayton, HSBC

Teach Access is a US-based initiative integrating accessibility into education curricula, especially in higher education. Learn how its work with academia and industry is embedding best practice in accessibility in a wide range of design and development disciplines.

Speakers:

Kate Sonka, Teach Access
Regine Gilbert, Teach Access
Lucy Woodcock, AbilityNet

Drop in for some informal networking online. Meet other online attendees for a chat about the sessions so far.

This session has automated captions only.

Learn how to effectively manage and expand an accessibility champions network within your organisation. This session will focus on how champions networks and other employee networks can help build a culture of accessibility that thrives on shared knowledge and advocacy.

Speakers:

James Jacobs, Jadu
Kris Banks, HSBC
Charlie Turrell, Ministry of Justice
Mim Mahdaoui, Stepstone
Ted Drake, Intuit
Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

Discover how AI technologies can enhance accessibility solutions, improve user experiences, and foster inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Learn about current innovations, potential challenges, and the ethical considerations of using AI in creating accessible environments.

Speakers:

Dylan Barrell, Deque
Carol Massay, BASDA
Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

Is your organisation prepared for the European Accessibility Act's first big deadline in June 2025? We'll speak to change managers and technical experts about the challenges they face and the strategies they are adopting to ensure compliance and embedding lasting change.

Speakers:

Vayia Malamidou, AbilityNet
Michelle Jacques
Mike Fooks, elsevier
Ulrike Haltrich, Sony
Mark Lapole, eBay
Mike Pluke

AbilityNet 2024

Join AbilityNet for the chance to discuss your plans for the European Accessibility Act.
This session has automated captions only.

Join Crawford Technologies for a discussion on AI and document accessibility.

Uncover innovative techniques to enhance AI usability while minimising bias in this engaging session. Explore metaprompting and other strategies for creating responsible AI applications in this session hosted by Microsoft. Learn how to design AI systems that are more inclusive, accessible, and effective for all users, ultimately reducing ableism in technology development.

Join CareScribe for an enlightening session on integrating assistive technology to create more inclusive workplaces. Discover innovative solutions that enhance productivity and accessibility for all employees. Learn how to implement these technologies effectively, fostering a supportive environment that empowers individuals with diverse needs to thrive in their roles.

Learn how to implement effective accessibility solutions on a limited budget in this practical session for small organisations.

Discover creative strategies and low-cost tools that can make a significant impact.

Gain insights from AbilityNet on prioritising accessibility initiatives that enhance user experience without breaking the bank. Empower your small organisation to be inclusive!

Explore effective strategies for preventing burnout in this essential session. Learn to recognise the signs, manage stress, and maintain work-life balance while promoting mental well-being. Gain practical tips from experts on fostering a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes self-care and resilience for individuals in high-demand roles.

Speakers:

Simon Tomkins
Gareth Ford-Williams
Others TBC

Discover the transformative potential of Auracast broadcast audio technology. Learn how this innovation enhances accessibility by delivering clear, direct audio streams in public spaces, improving experiences for individuals with hearing impairments. Explore real-world applications and the future impact of Auracast on inclusive, accessible audio environments.

Speaker:

Alastair Moore, RNID

Learn how diverse perspectives can enhance the quality of your research outcomes, providing a better understanding of your customer's needs and improving your products and services. Explore best practices for incorporating underrepresented voices and fostering collaboration across a range of service areas.

Speakers:

Ashley Peacock, AbilityNet
Chris Bailey, HSBC
Yasmin Keats, Open Style Lab
Aleksandra Melnikova, Cosmic Velocity
Ioana Tanase, Microsoft

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

A behind-the-scenes look at the development of the Figma Accessibility Plug-In by the design team at eBay. Discover the collaborative process between designers and accessibility experts, the challenges faced, and the solutions crafted. Learn how this tool empowers designers to create more inclusive and accessible user experiences effortlessly.

Speakers:

Anna Zaremba, eBay
Will Sutton, AbilityNet

Having accessible websites and apps doesn't close the gap for many of the most excluded people in the community. Learn why digital inclusion programmes are a vital way to close the digital divide for disabled and older people.

Speakers:

Paul Bepey, Deloitte
Amy Caton, BT
Amy Low, AbilityNet

Explore Apple’s commitment to accessibility in this enlightening session. Discover innovative features and tools designed to enhance the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Learn how Apple integrates accessibility into its products and services, ensuring inclusivity while empowering users to harness technology for greater independence and engagement.

Speakers:

Sarah Herrlinger, Apple
Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet

In this concluding session of TechShare Pro 2024, we will celebrate the insights and discussions from the past two days. Join our panel of accessibility leaders as they reflect on key takeaways, share their visions for the future, and inspire collective action to drive lasting change in inclusive design and technology.

Speakers:

Mali Fernando, HSBC
Christopher Patnoe, Google
Romana Pugh, BBC
Heather Hepburn, Skyscanner
Hector Minto, Microsoft
Mark Walker, AbilityNet

Join us for the closing remarks as Alan Brooks, Chairman of AbilityNet, reflects on the key insights and highlights from TechShare Pro 2024.

Wrap up TechShare Pro 2024 with a few drinks to celebrate an inspiring conference! Join fellow attendees, speakers, and partners to reflect on key takeaways, share experiences, and forge lasting connections. This relaxed gathering is the perfect way to conclude two days dedicated to accessibility and innovation. Cheers!