Leading the Future: Digital Accessibility Talks

Join our Aquent Australia team for our in-person Humans in Accessibility networking event in Melbourne. 

Topic: 
Leading the Future: Digital Accessibility Talks

Come along and hear five digital accessibility industry leaders share their stories about their organisation’s approach to digital accessibility, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their thoughts on the future of accessibility.  

The themes include:

• Upcoming standards and global legislation (WCAG 2.2 and 3.0) 
• Integrating accessibility with Rapid Tech Advancement (AI, frictionless transactions)
• Accessibility in Physical-Digital Interfaces (touchscreens, mobile devices)
• Global accessibility landscape (State and International perspectives)

Our speakers are:

• Maria Sereno Spozetta (she/her), Principal Inclusive Designer @ NAB
• Andrew Normand (he/him), Web Accessibility Lead @ University of Melbourne
• Michelle Chu (she/her), Senior Inclusive Design Specialist @ ABC
• Sarah Pulis (she/her), Director @ Intopia, Founder of A11y Bytes
• Ryan Malonda (he/him), Director of Accessible Technology @ National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

Our host:
Rose McAlister, Senior Talent Agent (Design, Technology & Accessibility) @ Aquent Australia

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This is an in-person networking event. Join us in a relaxed and social environment where we’ll provide nibbles and drinks. It’s a great opportunity to chat and connect with others passionate about digital accessibility.

There will be plenty of time for audience Q&A too.

Venue sponsor:
Special thanks to NAB who have generously offered to host our event and provide drinks and snacks.

Event Accessibility:
We are committed to making this in-person event accessible for attendees. See more info here

We have booked two Auslan interpreters for the event. If you require an additional Auslan interpreter for networking, please feel free to bring your own with you. We have planned to ensure the venue is as accessible as possible, however, let us know if there is anything you need to participate fully at the event when you register. 

Who should attend:
This event is designed for digital leaders and people who are passionate about championing digital accessibility.

Spaces are limited and we are sure to fill up fast, so reserve your spot ASAP so you don’t miss out. Feel free to invite your colleagues as well!

Event details:
🗓️ Thursday, 6th March
⏰ 5:30 – 8:00 pm
📍NAB Place, 395 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Agenda:

5:30 pm - Networking, drinks and nibbles
6:00 pm - Digital accessibility talks
7:00 pm - Audience Q&A
7:30 pm - Additional networking
8:00 pm - Close

More about our speakers:

Maria Sereno Spozetta, Principal Inclusive Designer @ NAB
Maria Sereno Spozetta (she/her) is a Principal in NAB's Design Systems and Inclusive Design team. Her approach to inclusive design is grounded in accessibility, intersectionality, and lived experience as a queer, disabled immigrant. She's worked across a wide range of industries, from government (Philippine Supreme Court) to tech startups and scale-ups (TeamForm, Linktree, carsales.com.au). She occasionally moonlights as Hugo Award-winning illustrator Likhain

Andrew Normand, Web Accessibility Lead @ University of Melbourne
Andrew Normand (he/him) is the Web Accessibility Lead at the University of Melbourne. He assesses the broader impact of new IT initiatives on students, staff and the external community. Andrew has established an industry-leading user testing program that has employed over 50 students with hearing, vision, mobility and cognitive impairments. Together, they ensure that learning management systems, research management platforms, authentication, web services and physical infrastructure (e.g. hearing loops) can be accessed by as many users as possible. Having worked as a lawyer, software developer and web manager, Andrew enjoys advising project teams on practical approaches to procurement, legal responsibilities, vendor management, design, branding and defect management. He also loves discussing alternative code solutions.

Michelle Chu, Senior Inclusive Design Specialist @ ABC
Michelle Chu (she/her) is a Senior Inclusive Design Specialist at the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) with over 7 years of experience in embedding accessibility in digital development. She leads initiatives to integrate accessibility and inclusive design across research, design, and development, ensuring all products and services are accessible to everyone.

Sarah Pulis, Director @ Intopia, Founder of A11y Bytes
Sarah Pulis (she/her) is a respected leader in the digital accessibility industry, with over 15 years of experience. As co-founder of Intopia, a leading digital accessibility and equitable design agency, she helps organisations create inclusive digital experiences for everyone. A passionate advocate, Sarah actively contributes to the accessibility community through speaking engagements, mentorship, and initiatives like A11y Bytes and A11y Camp.

Ryan Malonda, Director of Accessible Technology @ National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Ryan Malonda (he/him) is a Deaf and neurodivergent leader with 8 years of public service experience, who leads the integration of accessibility into NDIA’s technology. He established and operates the Accessibility and Inclusion Service Desk for staff to access information, advice, training, assistive technology support, and provide feedback/suggestions on accessibility initiatives.