Leading the IS&T Accessibility Center of Excellence

Working in the Accessibility & SEO Center of Excellence.

I led on the provision of Access Technology (AT) within RNIB and managed a team that provided high level Access Technology support, Access to Work support, Accessibility testing, specialist training and technical assessments for potential AT Users within the RNIB. I was also responsible for delivering the strategic accessibility policy and developing the three year Accessibility road map that placed RNIB at the forefront of providing a positive independent working environment for blind and partially sighted people.RNIB endeavours to practice what it preaches in relation to digital accessibility and so I worked to ensure that there were robust strategies in place deliver accessible internal systems and customer facing websites and apps. My team worked closely with project managers and external developers to improve the accessibility of websites and systems which then may be delivered to other organisations.

Following on from my previous advocacy focused role at RNIB, when RNIB Solutions was created I took on a more commercially focused role. I was the Deputy Manager of the Digital Accessibility Consultancy Team and I led the Web and Online team which was responsible for the commercial delivery of accessibility audit work and development consultancy for web and apps.I provided professional, technical expertise (both internally and externally) in areas related to websites and apps, representing RNIB on national and international groups and working with the sales team to develop commercial revenues and fulfill business commitments.I was responsible for developing and delivering innovative technical solutions relating to usability and accessibility guidelines for websites and apps, and facilitating change through appropriate partnerships and effective communication with people at all levels. As such I led RNIB's work on developing an App Accessibility Standard for native apps which RNIB continues to deliver its commercial audit work to.

I started at RNIB as a Technology Information Officer, but then my role continued to develop and then I was successful in being appointed as a Digital Accessibility Development Officer.My role was to develop, implement and monitor digital accessibility solutions and standards which influenced policy and practice internally and externally to benefit people with sight loss.This included evaluating and contributing to accessible design of technology interfaces (software, web, hardware), including contributing to related policies and standards, which are listed in the summary section above. Also working directly with developers to help them to implement standards and understand the importance of accessibility. My particular area of interest is web delivered applications, apps and related guidelines, personalisation and delivery via multiple devices.My role also included building relationships with key technology companies in order to work in partnership to develop more accessible products and applications.Among other things I managed the Accessible Online Services Project and the Tablets in Education project as well as line managing staff in the team.

Developing resources and relationships with other organisations in order to enable HENSA to mirror their archives. Marketing the service and designing and developing the website. Involved in writing proposals for the continuation of funding for the service.

Answering enquiries regarding technology in education and developing a range of information sheets to support the information service. Involved in project work in the area of technology for special needs.Designing the website and developing resources for the website on the various types of projects and research that NCET undertook into technology in education.Developing a resource to track the development of ICT projects across the country.