Overlays vs lived experience users: Shortcut or setback?

Join Passion4Social for this 60-minute interactive webinar as we explore two contrasting approaches to digital accessibility: using accessibility overlays or engaging with people with lived experience of everyday exclusion.

While overlays promise automation, convenience, and quick accessibility improvements, lived experience users provide the authentic insight necessary for building truly inclusive and intuitive experiences.

Together, we will examine the potential benefits and limitations of overlays, including where they may support organisations as temporary or supplementary tools, as well as the risks of relying on them as a replacement for accessible design practices.

The session will also highlight the importance of involving disabled people in testing, design, and decision-making processes, using practical examples and real-world scenarios to demonstrate how lived experience uncovers barriers that automated tools often miss.

Grounded in authentic user needs, we aim to make this webinar as accessible as possible.

If you have any access requirements or preferences, please let us know when registering.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of:

• What accessibility overlays are and how they are used

• The perceived benefits vs the real limitations of automated solutions

• The role of lived experience users in identifying hidden barriers

• The risks of relying on overlays as a substitute for accessible design

• Authentic examples of inclusive design driven by user engagement

• Practical steps for building sustainable, user-centred accessibility strategies

Meet our speaker

Thiago Carmo is the Managing Director of Passion4Social and a recognised leader in web accessibility and digital inclusion.

With over two decades of experience in accessibility, legal compliance, digital design, and marketing, Thiago is perfectly placed to lead this session.

Holding a Master’s degree in Economic Development from the University of Glasgow, Thiago has led projects for organisations across the public, private, and third sectors worldwide.

Since co-founding Passion4Social in 2018, he has been dedicated to creating sustainable employment opportunities for disabled people and those from minoritised backgrounds.

With extensive experience in accessibility audits and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, Thiago brings both technical expertise and lived experience to the conversation on digital accessibility.

Who should attend?

This webinar is suitable for:

• Web developers and designers

• UX and product teams

• Digital leads

• Accessibility specialists

• DEI professionals

• Content creators

• Policy makers and managers

• Anyone interested in creating inclusive digital experiences

Sign up now

As organisations look for quick fixes to meet accessibility requirements, it is more important than ever to understand what truly creates inclusive experiences — and what risks leaving users behind.

Reserve your free spot today and be part of the conversation.

Our services

We create accessible digital experiences powered by technology, human insight, and lived experience.

Our services are designed to be high-quality, yet affordable, enabling more organisations to take meaningful steps toward inclusion. By combining efficient processes with a mission-driven approach, we support clients to improve accessibility without unnecessary complexity or cost.

We offer a range of services to support your accessibility journey, including:

• Accessibility audits

• Accessibility consultancy

• Training and awareness

• Accessibility overlay

• Accessible marketing and communications

• Accessible websites