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 four 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:

• Brigitta (Bri) Norton, Co-chair @ OZeWAI & Accessibility Specialist 
• Hamish McKenzie, Digital Portfolio Accessibility Lead @ ANZ
• Melanie O’Brien, Accessibility Manager @ Coles 
• Amanda Mace, Vice President, Australasia @ GrackleDocs

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

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.

Event Accessibility:
We are committed to making this in-person event accessible for attendees. We have booked two Auslan interpreters for the event but please confirm if you need an interpreter for your own needs so we can determine if more services are required. 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. 

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!

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

Event details:
🗓️ Wednesday, 28th August
⏰ 5:30 – 7:30 pm
📍ANZ Bank, 833 Collins St, Docklands

Agenda:

5:30 pm - Networking, drinks and nibbles
6:00 pm - Digital accessibility talks
6:45 pm - Audience Q&A
7:15 pm - Additional networking
7:30 pm - Close

More about our speakers:

Brigitta (Bri) Norton, Co-chair @ OZeWAI and Accessibility Specialist
Bri is a Digital Strategist and User Experience and Accessibility specialist based in Canberra, Australia and has been an Accessibility Lead for both State and Federal Government. Amongst her professional experience with government agencies and local businesses, Bri is the co-chair for Australia’s Web Accessibility Initiative OZeWAI.org and a member of the ResearchOps.Community Cheese Board.

Hamish McKenzie, Digital Portfolio Accessibility Lead @ ANZ
Hamish is ANZ‘s Digital Portfolio Accessibility Lead. Hamish has a remit to develop and improve the accessibility experience for customers, staff and the general community through adopting best practice and standards.

Since joining ANZ in 2007, Hamish has helped ANZ to make significant progress in its accessibility efforts by working with many of the bank's business units as well as helping to create a Technology Accessibility Standard and run the bank's Technology Accessibility Helpline and accessibility support inbox. He is also a member of the ANZ Abilities network.

Melanie O’Brien, Accessibility Manager @ Coles

Mel is an Accessibility Leader with 7 years of experience in digital accessibility. Currently working at Coles Group, she specialises in nurturing an accessibility first culture. Her dedication for including accessibility at every stage of the digital experience lifecycle drives her to continuously innovate. Under her leadership, Coles has become a leader in accessible design for complex retailers, ranking #1 on the Australian Disability Network's Access and Inclusion index.

Amanda Mace, Vice President, Australasia @ GrackleDocs
Amanda is a subject matter expert in Digital Accessibility with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. She is Vice President of Australasia at GrackleDocs. Amanda is one of only two Australian-based W3C evangelists and the W3C Australian Western Region Chapter manager. She has spent her career advocating that it is everyone's job to do their bit to remove barriers so all people can have equal access and equal opportunity to the digital world. She uses her expertise in WCAG and PDF/UA to educate and help others understand digital access as well as how to go above and beyond standards, to ensure great user experiences.