Temitope Somuwa, 2025 IAAP Individual Impact Award winner and Group Website Audit and Optimization Officer at United Bank for Africa, joins the United in Accessibility podcast to share his journey as a digital accessibility advocate driving meaningful inclusion change within one of Africa's largest financial institutions. Together, we explore his work on WCAG compliance, his international advisory contributions on the European Accessibility Act, and his vision for a more inclusive digital future across Africa and beyond. 

This episode of the United in Accessibility podcast features Dr. Christopher Lee reflecting on his personal journey into accessibility and his leadership in building a global ecosystem through G3ict and IAAP, emphasizing accessibility as a growing profession grounded in human rights, education, and practical implementation. He highlights major 2025–2026 shifts, global regulations, AI, and innovation, while stressing that the future of accessibility depends on data-driven action, responsible technology, and stronger collaboration across organizations to turn commitment into measurable impact.

In this United in Accessibility podcast episode, Annette Cmela shares how the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is helping create safety and belonging for people with non-visible disabilities through a globally recognized symbol and structured organizational implementation. We explore psychological safety, common myths about non-apparent disabilities, and how leaders can move beyond policy to build consistent, compassionate inclusion in practice.

This episode of the United in Accessibility podcast explores what inclusion looks like beyond awareness, through honest conversation about trust, disability disclosure, and belonging. Chris Ruden shares lived experience and practical insight on how people navigate inclusion in everyday professional and personal contexts.

In this episode of United in Accessibility Morgan Bush, a software engineer at the University of Central Florida (UCF), discussed his journey in digital accessibility. He highlighted his work on the UDOIT project, an open-source accessibility checker for Canvas, which was upgraded to IBM Equal Access. Bush emphasized the importance of proactive accessibility measures and noted challenges in faculty adoption, with less than half using the tool, and plans to make it more accessible for smaller institutions. Bush received the 2025 IAAP Impact Award for his contributions.

In this episode, Radek Pavlíček reflects on more than 25 years of work in accessibility, sharing practical lessons about assistive technologies, conducting real-world user testing, and supporting organizations across Czechia. He also discusses the evolving landscape of accessibility practice, the value of professional certification, and the role of community leadership in strengthening digital accessibility. 

In this episode, UX researcher and accessibility expert Stéphanie Walter explores how to integrate digital accessibility into enterprise UX, sharing strategies to overcome organizational barriers, improve collaboration with developers, and ensure inclusive product design. She also introduces Neuro Spicy, her initiative to raise awareness of neurodiversity and invisible disabilities in tech and offers practical tips for building accessible digital tools that go beyond compliance.

In this episode, Alex Bennewith, a seasoned disability policy expert, shares her 25+ years of experience shaping federal legislation to improve access in healthcare, transportation, and technology. She highlights recent wins like the updated Section 504 rule and warns of both opportunities and risks in the rise of AI, urging inclusive development and design

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, IAAP’s Sam Evans talks with Nathan Chung, a cybersecurity expert and leading neurodiversity advocate, about how autism, ADHD, and lived experience shape his mission for more inclusive workplaces. They explore why neurodiverse talent is critical to cybersecurity innovation and how accessibility must be embedded from design to policy.

In this United in Accessibility podcast episode Architect and global accessibility consultant Andres Balcazar joins IAAP to explore how built environments can, and must, adapt to diverse needs across sectors such as transportation or education. Drawing on decades of international experience, Andres highlights the importance of local context, inclusive policy, and capacity-building in advancing physical accessibility worldwide.

In this GAAD special episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Lainey Feingold explores how Structured Negotiation advances digital accessibility by centering disabled people and building relationships over confrontation. 

She shares examples like talking ATMs, accessible prescription information, and inclusive sports platforms—showing what’s possible when disabled communities lead the conversation.

In this episode of United in Accessibility, we speak with Glenda Sims, Chief Information Accessibility Officer at Deque Systems and recipient of the 2024 IAAP Outstanding Service Award. Glenda shares her accessibility journey, the importance of mentorship, and how collaboration, ethical AI, and professional certification are shaping a future where digital access is a right, not a barrier.

Dr. Jonathan Lazar shares his journey into human-computer interaction (HCI) and digital accessibility, driven by a passion for using technology to create inclusive experiences. As Executive Director of the Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility, he discusses the critical need for integrating legal knowledge with design and research to effectively advocate for digital inclusion. His reflections highlight how early influences and legal training have shaped his work at the intersection of accessibility policy, technology, and user experience.

Rahma Utami shares her journey in establishing Indonesia's first digital accessibility consultancy and creating innovative programs like the Empathy Lab to foster meaningful connections between technology creators and disabled users. Her work highlights the power of accessibility advocacy through community building, direct engagement with disabled individuals, and developing local expertise in regions where accessibility awareness is still emerging.

In this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility podcast, Daniel Onwe, a Nigerian lawyer and disability rights advocate, shares his journey in advocating for accessibility in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges he faced in inaccessible systems and the legal profession. He emphasizes the importance of implementing existing laws, creating awareness, and changing attitudes towards disability to foster a more accessible Nigeria. 

In this episode, Manar Swaby, CEO and Founder of Sway B Access LLC, discusses her work in accessibility, language justice, and equity-driven design, emphasizing community-centered strategies for municipalities and nonprofits. Manar shares her journey from being an educator to focusing on accessibility, driven by her experiences with students and her own neurodivergence, highlighting the importance of inclusive communication and challenging the underdiagnosis of ADHD in Black children. 

In this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility podcast, Michael Bach, founder of the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion, shares his insights on fostering inclusive environments through a strong focus on accessibility within diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDEA) initiatives. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, he emphasizes the importance of integrating accessibility into organizational practices to empower individuals with disabilities and enhance overall societal equity.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Ghanaian-American entrepreneur Michael Bervell, Founder and CEO of TestParty, shares his journey in digital inclusion, emphasizing the power of AI in advancing accessibility. 
 
He discusses TestParty’s approach of combining automation with human oversight to enhance server-side improvements, while also recognizing the importance of client-side tools, user training, and hiring people with disabilities to create ethical, user-centered design and meaningful impact in the accessibility space. 

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Prashant Naik, a Digital Accessibility Specialist at Union Bank of India, discusses his decade-long efforts to enhance banking accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including the implementation of talking ATMs.

In this United in Accessibility podcast episode, Ercan Tutal, a Turkish advocate for disability inclusion, discusses his initiatives like the Alternative Life Association and Alternative Camp, which empower individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports and accessible environments.

He highlights the transformative impact of scuba diving as a therapeutic activity and emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces to foster community integration and challenge societal perceptions of disability. 

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Stephanie Warlick discusses the importance of inclusive communication and digital accessibility in small businesses. She shares insights from her book, "The Dark and Silent Office," and outlines actionable strategies for fostering workplace equity and effective communication practices to bridge operational gaps.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Michele Lucchini and Giacomo Petri from UsableNet explore the implications of WCAG 2.2 for web accessibility and share actionable strategies for implementation. They discuss the transformative power of these standards in creating inclusive digital experiences and fostering a more equitable online environment.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Chanda Hinton shares her journey as a spinal cord injury survivor and her role as a leader in healthcare accessibility. Chanda discusses her vision for integrative care and the significant impact of her advocacy work, including the successful passage of Colorado's Spinal Cord Injury Medicaid Waiver. 

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Haben Girma discusses the significance of descriptive transcripts in enhancing digital accessibility for diverse audiences. She emphasizes that these transcripts provide richer context and detail beyond traditional captions and audio descriptions, fostering inclusive communication and bridging cultural gaps in media consumption.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, we explore the transformative impact of emerging technologies on disability rights, delving into how AI and digital media are reshaping inclusion. We also discuss the evolving role of advocacy in driving socio-technical change for the future of accessibility.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, John Paul Cruz, G3ict Country Advisor for the Philippines, shares his transformative journey from losing his sight to shaping disability policy across Southeast Asia. Dive into his insights on improving accessibility, navigating diverse regional challenges, and the impact of his work on the ASEAN Disability Action Plan.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast Thalagodage Janitha Rukmal and Mahesh Panditha from the Enable Lanka Foundation share insights on the challenges and successes of empowering individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovative solutions to create a more inclusive society in Sri Lanka and global.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Mark Steadman shares his transformation from an "arrogant dev" to a passionate accessibility advocate, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experiences with users with disabilities. The discussion highlights the growing significance of mobile accessibility, the disconnect between web and native mobile app accessibility approaches, and the need for more resources and standards in the field of mobile accessibility

In this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility Podcast we host Christopher Patnoe, Head of EMEA Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google. With over 25 years in tech at Apple, Sony, and Disney, Christopher leads Google’s EMEA initiatives, focusing on product accessibility, policy advocacy, and partnerships. Discover Christopher's insights into Google's commitment to digital inclusivity. 

Explore how inclusive leadership not only cultivates a supportive workplace culture but also empowers teams to innovate and achieve collective goals, fostering an environment where every voice is valued and respected.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, we talk with expert Paolo Galliano about actionable strategies for promoting equity in workplaces. He emphasizes the importance of measuring inclusion as a key step toward fostering diversity.

In this IAAP United in Accessibility podcast episode Timothy Springer, founder and CEO of Level Access, is discussing key insights from the 5th State of Digital Accessibility Report. Tim highlights trends showing organizations are moving from awareness to action on digital accessibility, incorporating it into product lifecycles, and having centralized programs for effective implementation.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, we delve into the world of accessibility with Ondřej Pohl, Accessibility Director at ACTUM Digital. Ondřej shares insights on his journey in promoting web accessibility, highlighting the importance of education, practical approaches, and the evolving landscape of inclusive design.

In this episode of United in Accessibility, we welcome Johanna Steiner and Daniel H. Logar, leading voices in promoting inclusive education and breaking down language barriers. Johanna, an advocate for Deaf education, and Daniel, Head of Business Development at Lingvano, discuss sign language innovation and empowerment for individuals with disabilities, offering invaluable insights into creating a more inclusive society.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast, Eoin O'Herlihy delves into his two-decade journey in accessibility, highlighting his work as the founder of O'Herlihy Access Consultancy. With a focus on making buildings and services accessible for all, Eoin shares his expertise on accessibility regulations, Universal Design principles, and the critical role of education and awareness in shaping inclusive policies.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast we explore the exceptional achievements of Alexandra Nothnagel, CPACC and Mark Wilcock, CPACC, recognized leaders in global accessibility governance, event management, and mentorship. Join us to uncover their award-winning initiatives, revealing the profound advancements in digital accessibility and inclusive education within Atos and beyond.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the world of inclusive tourism and accessibility standards with a trailblazer from Georgia. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of integrating inclusive tourism into new laws and building more inclusive communities. 

In this episode of United in Accessibility, we delve into the groundbreaking work of IAAP's 2023 Impact Award Winners in Accessibility Innovation. Join us as we hear from Mike Gifford, Senior Strategist at CivicActions, and Darren Rowan, Senior Director of Digital Accessibility at Eli Lilly and Company. Discover the remarkable initiatives that have earned them these prestigious awards, highlighting their contributions to accessibility inclusion and the transformative impact within their organizations.

In this episode of the United in Accessibility podcast we shine a spotlight on two remarkable individuals, Lori Kressin from the University of Virginia and Kimberly Norris from Carnegie Mellon University, who have been honored with the 2023 IAAP Impact Award for their outstanding contributions to accessibility inclusion within their organizations. They share insights into their roles, projects, challenges, and successes, offering valuable advice and resources for improving accessibility in educational settings and beyond. 

In this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility podcast, Dr. Chris Law, Executive Director of Standard Accessibility Reporting (SAR), discusses the organization's mission to establish industry consensus standards for digital accessibility. The conversation covers the challenges in the accessibility field, the need for scoring systems to compare website and product accessibility, and SAR's unique approach to driving positive change.

In this "United in Accessibility" podcast, Rachael Mole, a Disability & Inclusion Entrepreneur, discusses her journey promoting workplace inclusion. She addresses the disability employment gap, shares strategies for the UK Government and businesses, and explores the role of technology in enhancing accessibility. Rachael's insights contribute to her consultancy work, emphasizing the ongoing importance of workplace inclusivity. 

In this episode, we delve into the state of overlays in digital accessibility. Sam highlights IAAP's stance on overlays, emphasizing the importance of not impeding assistive technology. Matt shares insights into assistive technology challenges, particularly regarding interoperability and the impact of overlays on user experiences. Mike raises crucial points about the infancy of overlay technology, urging collaboration between overlay and assistive technology industries.

The discussion touches on the complexity of AI-driven solutions, the need for human verification, and the challenge of making websites truly accessible. The conversation emphasizes the importance of testing, verification, and collaboration to create a digital society that is accessible, usable, and accurate. The hosts also extend an open invitation for companies and organizations to collaborate on achieving interoperability and compatibility in the accessibility space.

In this podcast episode, we explore the complexities of accessibility overlays, emphasizing the significance of responsible innovation and user involvement. The conversation underscores the ongoing collaboration between IAAP and EDF, shedding light on the crucial role of standards and user perspectives in shaping the future of digital accessibility. 

In this podcast episode we delve into the importance of making cybersecurity accessible, emphasizing the need for accessible training, policies, and tools to ensure that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can contribute to and benefit from the field. Justin also highlights the infancy of the intersection between accessibility and cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for innovation in this emerging space and the importance of raising awareness among security professionals. 

In this podcast episode, we explored accessibility and inclusion challenges and solutions with an experienced advocate from Egypt. Key points include the critical need for accessible digital content and the importance of legal reforms and advocacy in advancing inclusion and accessibility, especially for women with disabilities in the ICT field.

With almost half of the worldwide population using social media, it is crucial for organizations and companies to ensure that their messages, services, and products are as inclusive as possible. Tune in to this United in Accessibility podcast episode to learn about the principles of social media accessibility and how you can make your social media presence more accessible to everyone. 

Explore the transformative impact of accessible reading materials on literacy rates and global goals in Bangladesh with Vashkar Bhattacharjee, the visionary national accessibility consultant for a2i program. Join this inspiring discussion on how these materials break barriers and empower people with disabilities.

In this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility podcast, we dive into the impactful work of Magic EdTech in promoting inclusive digital learning. Join us to learn how Magic EdTech's commitment to accessibility and innovation is making a positive difference in the field of digital education.

In this IAAP United in Accessibility podcast episode, we delve into the transformative impact of the DARE Academy Scholarship on advocates Eric Ngondi and Divinegift David Usman, shedding light on their journeys towards an inclusive world. Tune in to learn how education and accessibility spark empowerment and driving positive change.

Discover groundbreaking achievements in accessibility and inclusivity through cutting-edge tech solutions on this episode of the IAAP United in Accessibility podcast. From revolutionizing gaming experiences for individuals with disabilities to transforming workplace inclusion, tune in to hear inspiring stories from innovators driving us towards a more accessible and inclusive future. 

In this IAAP United in Accessibility podcast episode we explore how audio description can seamlessly enhance media projects' accessibility and aesthetic appeal, making them inclusive for all audiences. Learn from an expert how to integrate audio description into your productions effortlessly. 

This episode of the United in Accessibility podcast showcases the journey, challenges, and aspirations of an accessibility advocate in Ghana, highlighting the importance of accessibility, collaboration, innovation, and leadership in creating a more inclusive world. 

Join us for a new episode of the United in Accessibility Podcast and discover insights on inclusive design principles, data visualization best practices, and the importance of accessibility for data-driven decision-making. 

Mark, the Head of Marketing at AbilityNet, shares his inspiring journey using technology for social inclusion and emphasizes the importance of the Tech4Good Awards in recognizing those who leverage digital technology to improve lives.

In this United in Accessibility podcast episode,  Members from Texthelp emphasize the importance of making digital content accessible to all, not just from a technical perspective but also in terms of language and design. 

Explore Illinois University's groundbreaking Smart Campus Maturity Model, providing valuable insights for universities seeking to enhance technological infrastructure, promote inclusion, and improve accessibility across campus.

Join us in this  United in Accessibility podcast episode as we explore the challenges experienced by children with disabilities in Mongolia to access quality education and learn about the ongoing efforts to improve their opportunities. 

Explore the world of accessibility with actionable tips for creating strong allies in leadership. Prioritize positive change by joining us for a discussion on cultivating accessible cultures and associations. Tune in now! 

Welcome to IAAPs 6th  United in Accessibility podcast episode “How do you lip read a robot” where we delve into the impacts and concerns of AI on employment seekers with disabilities.
 Susan Scott-Parker, Julia Stoyanovich, Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, and Nigel Guelome, discuss the use of AI systems for recruitment, the need for fair and responsible treatment of people with disabilities in the HR Tech and AI agenda, and what can be expected from regulators. They emphasize the urgent need to consider the needs of over 1.3 billion people living with disabilities in the design of AI-powered HR tools to ensure fair access to job opportunities. 
 Susan Scott-Parker highlights the lack of accessibility and validation of assessment tools for job seekers and employees with disabilities and emphasizes the difference between biased data and discriminatory treatment. The podcast aims to raise awareness about the issues surrounding AI and people with disabilities and encourages action to address these issues. 
 
Join us to learn how organizations like G3ict and IAAP can help position disability on the ethical and responsible AI agenda, and ensure innovation and recruitment for all users while minimizing risks to employment and job seekers.

The presenter is James Thurston, G3ict, who is joined by Chris Misra, University of Massachusetts, Amherts. 

Presenters: Anatoliy Popko, INTEGRATSIYA, Moscow, and Daniel Frank, Wells Fargo Accessible by default. When planning and gathering resources for an accessibility program, we need to examine what sort of resources we need, where they should be located in the organization, and what function they should or should not serve. In this wide-ranging Q&A session, Anatoliy and Daniel will offer a practical approach to resource analysis, allocation, and treatment derived from financial sector background. 

Strategic Leader in Accessibility Series, Session 4: Resource Engagement

This  United in Accessibility podcast  episode features a conversation with Neil Eustice, Diversity & Knowledge Manager, KPMG UK, and Jodie Greer, Be #PeopleSmart​ Ltd. Enabling your organisation to succeed. Neil and Jodie will be sharing their own experiences in both the built environment and in the world of technology, to enable organisations to provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations, meet their legal accountabilities and ensure all those responsible for delivery have the required skills, understand the value and have the ability to deliver accessibility best practice. Hear about how accessibility is acting as a driver for the global economy, how to set your organisation up for long term success and why settling for ‘good enough’ does not add value Sponsor and monitor the implementation and continuity of an organizational workplace adjustments process Ensure organizational accessibility standards, requirements, policies, and procedures are developed, communicated, and maintained for the digital and built environments and people interactions Provide awareness, education, and training on how to apply the accessibility standards, requirements, policies, and procedures for the digital and built environments and people interactions Educate the organization on accessibility legislation and regulations in all operating countries. 

Kate Nash from Purple Space and David Caldwell from UK Home Office explore the role of disability staff networks in building partnership excellence within an organization. As part of this conversation, they touch on how accessibility leaders can support the development of disability staff networks, the role disability staff networks play in developing a culture of accessibility awareness, and how disability network leaders can be vital support and allies for accessibility leaders. 

This  United in Accessibility podcast  episode features a conversation with Caroline Casey and Neil Milliken. Caroline is the founder of the Valuable 500, which is a Leadership Initiative to make sure CEOs buy into disability inclusion and that disability and accessibility is part of the global agenda. Neil is the Global Head of accessibility at Atos. His role is to deliver better technology for customers and employees embedding inclusive practice into the processes of the organization. Neil delivers strategy and services working with a wide range of clients helping them to develop policies, processes, and technology solutions to meet the needs of their staff and customers. In this episode, they discuss how to engage the C-Suite to drive accessibility, how to influence board and senior executives to recognize the business value of accessibility, the role of top management in defining and managing the organizational strategic accessibility plan for all aspects of the employee and customer experience, why KPIs matter, and more.