Accessibility and Inclusion

Join co-MCs Nikhil Bora and Pat Jensen as they open the day with warmth, energy, and purpose. Together, they'll set the tone for the program ahead-introducing the theme, spotlighting key sessions, and sharing a glimpse into what makes this gathering meaningful for participants and presenters alike. This welcome isn't just about logistics; it's about creating a sense of community from the first moment. Expect laughter, gratitude, and inspiration as Nikhil and Pat guide us into a day built around inclusion, innovation, and shared intention.

Design thrives on diversity, yet many digital products still fail at the basics of accessibility. In this provocative session, Kelly Schulz dissects the irony of creating sophisticated features while neglecting foundational access. Drawing from real-life experiences and UX case studies, she highlights how inclusive design isn't a "nice-to-have" but a baseline requirement. Expect practical takeaways that challenge assumptions and centre the user experience around those most often excluded. Through humour, empathy, and actionable insights, Kelly advocates for a shift in how we think about accessibility-starting with getting the basics right before chasing innovation.

In this talk, Michelle explores designing with accessibility in mind as an act of love — not just a technical checklist, but a reflection of care, empathy, and inclusion.

Through real-world stories from Microsoft and the ABC, she shares how meaningful design begins by listening deeply to those often excluded. She examines the systemic disconnect between design and lived experience, and offers ways designers and leaders can work with users to build more inclusive, empowering products. This is a call to move beyond compliance — to design in a way that truly says: you matter.

Andrea Boundy explores the harmony of design and accessibility, demonstrating how accessibility-first thinking enhances, rather than limits, creative work. Drawing on her experience at Telstra and her belief in design as a framework for inclusion, Andrea shows how teams can embrace accessibility as a foundation for exceptional, human-centred design that resonates with everyone.

Videogames are a cultural phenomenon that attracts an estimated 3.24 billion people worldwide. However, the connection between videogames and accessibility is not always evident. In this talk, we explore how, whether incidentally or accidentally, games implement accessibility and how good game design patterns can easily translate to good interface design patterns that benefit everyone.

Typography may seem subtle, but its impact on inclusion is profound. Siva Kalyan unpacks the science and sensitivity behind accessible type-how font choice, contrast, spacing, and hierarchy can dramatically affect comprehension for users with cognitive or visual differences. This session will equip attendees with best practices for designing with clarity, consistency, and accessibility in mind. Whether you're working on web design, print media, or brand identity, Siva reminds us that letters carry more than words-they carry the potential to welcome or exclude.

Workplaces aren’t neutral environments—they’re designed, often unintentionally, to cater to a narrow range of brains. In this powerful session, Kobi Masterson shares their perspective as an autistic ADHD accessibility specialist on how traditional workplace norms can unintentionally disable neurodivergent employees. Through candid reflection and real-world insight, Kobi challenges the assumptions embedded in office culture, communication styles, and “professionalism.” But this talk isn’t just about critique—it’s about transformation. Kobi explores how designing workplaces with neurodivergent people in mind can unlock healthier, more sustainable systems for everyone. From practical design shifts to the value of embedding lived experience at all levels of an organisation, you’ll leave with concrete ideas for creating environments where no one has to mask, shrink, or hide just to belong.

What happens when we stop tiptoeing around the tough stuff? This candid panel tackles the questions people often want to ask about accessibility, inclusion, and identity—but are too afraid to say out loud. From clumsy allyship to uncomfortable workplace dynamics, our panellists will confront real, unfiltered questions with honesty, humour, and lived experience. Expect a lively, generous conversation that makes space for discomfort, learning, and clarity. No judgment—just real talk from people who’ve heard it all, and are here to help us do better.

Liz Tesone shares her insights as CEO of Disability Sport and Recreation, highlighting the transformative role of sport in building connection, resilience, and social equity. Liz will draw from her lived experience as a parent and leader in the sector, offering a perspective on how inclusive sport and recreation create healthier, more vibrant communities for people of all abilities.

Accessibility is often left to developers (or to the last minute!). But good design of all types, as early as possible, makes an enormous impact on the overall accessibility of a product. Where do you start and what do you need to know? What if you do it wrong? Who are your allies? Julie will show you how to take charge of the design aspects of accessibility, own it and share it. 

Creating inclusive products isn't always easy-especially in high-pressure industries like healthcare. Jo Szczepanska shares honest lessons from the field, where good intentions often collide with systemic barriers, tight deadlines, and legacy technology. Through candid stories and hard-won insights, Jo outlines ways to advocate for inclusion even when it feels inconvenient. This session is a reminder that the pursuit of accessibility is rarely perfect, but always worth it-and that resilience, creativity, and compassion are powerful design tools.

Space exploration has long been the domain of the physically elite–but it doesn’t have to be. In this inspiring session, Dwayne Fernandes challenges the exclusionary norms of aerospace and proposes a radically inclusive vision for the final frontier. Using the social model of disability, he highlights the gaps, the possibilities, and the innovations that can make space travel truly accessible. From adaptive suits to inclusive design in spacecraft, Dwayne explores how principles developed on Earth can expand human potential beyond it. This talk is a must-attend for anyone interested in the intersection of disability advocacy, technology, and the future of exploration.

SpendAble is more than a fintech platform-it's a movement for financial dignity. Reece Miller introduces the story behind SpendAble, a tool designed for individuals living with disability and older adults who seek independence in spending. With safety, transparency, and empowerment at its core, the platform offers a new way to support autonomy without sacrificing oversight. Attendees will hear how lived experience shaped the SpendAble solution-from the co-design process to the impact on participants and providers. This talk underscores the potential of technology to bridge trust gaps and make everyday financial decisions more inclusive.

To close out the day, co-MCs Nikhil Bora and Pat Jensen return to the stage to reflect on the conversations, insights, and unexpected moments that shaped the program. Drawing from their vantage point as guides through the event, they'll highlight key themes, memorable takeaways, and the spirit of connection that carried throughout. This final session is a chance to pause, take stock, and leave with purpose. Whether you're walking away with new ideas, collaborations, or simply a sense of community, Nikhil and Pat will help wrap things up with heart, humour, and a few parting words to carry forward.