Speakers
Workshop
This workshop will be in two parts. The first half will consist of an activity designed to help you understand for yourself what it could feel like for something to be inaccessible. The second half will be a whistle-stop tour of a few things we can all do in our working lives as communicators to help mitigate some of these effects – techniques that can be applied in all aspects of digital life.
If you’ve read this and thought, “That’s not relevant to me”, then this could in fact be the perfect session for you. It is an interactive workshop with opportunities for laughing, chatting and questions. You will take away some immediate and practical tips in how to make what you create more accessible, and help build a more inclusive environment for you and your colleagues.
To take part in the workshop, you will need access to a digital device. Ideally this would be a laptop or iPad/tablet. The main point is that you should be able to download and edit the file shared with you on, or just before, the day. Not having such a device won’t stop you from engaging with the workshop. It’s just that you are likely to get a bit more from it if you do.
Natalie Curran is an Accessibility Specialist at the BBC, where she rigorously tests internal systems to assess accessibility levels, collaborates with relevant teams to resolve issues and reviews all procured software and hardware to ensure inclusive use. She works closely with suppliers to see accessibility solutions implemented and maintained effectively. Recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 Awards, Natalie is also a skilled motivational speaker and a trustee for Visibility Scotland, passionately advocating for inclusive design and disability awareness. Combining technical expertise with outstanding communication, she champions accessibility and empowerment in every project she undertakes. Natalie was the first visually impaired student to study Mathematics at the University of York–gaining a Master’s in the subject.