Digital Accessibility Workshop

We are excited to announce an upcoming interactive workshop that will delve into two critical lenses of reflection from the Digital Accessibility Maturity Model, developed by AbilityNet and McNaught Consultancy. This workshop is designed specifically for HE and FE institutions looking to enhance their digital accessibility strategies and practices.

Join us online on Tuesday, 25 November from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. 

During the workshop, we will focus on the Strategy and Structure lens, where we will explore evidence points that support the development and implementation of effective digital accessibility strategies that align with your institution's goals and objectives. We will also discuss the importance of having a well-defined and resourced structure to support these strategies and ensure their successful execution.

In addition, we will examine the Governance and Accessibility Toolkit lens. This session will review initiatives and evidence points that signal robust governance frameworks are in place and practical tools being provided to manage and monitor your institution's digital accessibility efforts including implementing a robust procurement policy. By leveraging these resources, you can ensure compliance with accessibility standards and create an inclusive digital environment for all users.

The workshop will be highly interactive, with opportunities for participants to engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on best practices. Whether you are just starting your digital accessibility journey or looking to refine your existing approaches, this workshop will offer valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

The workshop will be facilitated by Amy Low from AbilityNet, Julian Tenney from University of Nottingham and Ben Watson from UCL. Julian will bring his experience of using the maturity model to develop and mature practices at Nottingham and Ben will provide insights on the robust procurement guidance developed by himself and George Rhodes from University of Westminster who is also Ben’s business partner at AllAble.

• Julian Tenney is a leading advocate and practitioner in digital accessibility and learning technology, with a strong track record of innovation in the higher education sector. As the originator and project lead of the Xerte Project, Julian has played a pivotal role in developing open-source tools that empower educators and content creators to build accessible, interactive learning materials without needing advanced technical skills.
  
  Julian has spent over two decades working at the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and inclusion. His work focuses on creating scalable, sustainable solutions that support inclusive learning experiences. He has led the development of institutional strategies around digital  accessibility at the University of Nottingham and is a leading voice in the wider digital accessibility community.
   
• Amy Low is Chief Executive Officer at AbilityNet. She previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Service Delivery Director at the charity. Having spent 15 years working in a variety of leadership and transformation roles within serviced property and IT services, Amy joined AbilityNet in 2016, drawn by the opportunity to leverage technology to remove barriers to participation for disabled people and create a better digital experience for everyone. Amy is also a member of the Department of Science and Information Technology sponsored Digital Inclusion Action Committee (inclusive services subcommittee) and a Community Board Member of the Digital Poverty Alliance.