Celebrating 5 Years of Access Advisors
On the 5th of November, Access Advisors marked five years of driving change in digital accessibility. This milestone is a time to reflect on our journey and the meaningful work we've done.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with our panel members, whose insights have enriched our work and helped us better serve our community. We’ve also shared educational content through blog posts and social media, raising awareness about accessibility and its impact on businesses and individuals alike.
A special highlight of our journey has been Dr. Chandra Harrison’s extensive travels, where she has spoken at and attended numerous events, including nationwide and Washington DC. Her speaking engagements have sparked conversations and promoted the importance of accessibility in various communities, connecting with people and organisations from all walks of life.
As we celebrated our fifth birthday, our team reflected on how far we’ve come and the difference we’ve made. From special projects to ongoing collaborations, we’re proud of the progress we’ve achieved together.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of accessibility and creating a more inclusive digital world. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Here’s to the next five years.
Jump to Ross, Katherine, Kevin, Julius, Heidi, Kirsten
Chandra Harrison - Managing Director
Looking back, what’s been the most rewarding achievement with Access Advisors that fills you with pride?
It is the people who we've interacted with who go on to other roles and become accessibility specialists in their own right. There is nothing better than realising that a client has become an accessibility advocate because of something you gave them. One client says that I am still her accessibility angel, sitting on her shoulder challenging her design decisions. Another client now leads a team of access specialists. Another client recently told me that I taught him and his team so well they can now handle most things all on their own.
What inspired you to start this incredible journey?
When I was a child my superhero dad who could do absolutely anything and everything asked my mum to spell a word for him. I asked my mum if I was smarter than Dad cos I could spell that word. She very matter-of-factly said 'nope, dad's brain just works differently than yours.' Now I know he has dyslexia, but at that very young age I realised that people and brains are different, and I wanted to make sure that everyone could do anything they wanted. So, my family and my own life experiences have chronic illness and neuro-spiciness was probably my initial inspiration.
How has leading this team deepened your views on digital inclusion and shaped your growth as a leader?
Despite 20 plus years of digital accessibility experience, my team still teach me new things every day. Their personal and professional insights inspire me to keep pushing and continue to make a difference. The team has also pushed me to step up and be a leader, set boundaries and loosen them when needed. We have all had to adapt to having a leader who has ADHD and sometimes needs her own nudges. Together we're an amazing bunch of people who genuinely care and understand and share a passion for this work. Every single one of us has lots of amazing things to offer and something that presents barriers in the workplace that we all need to be aware of. Together we are greater than the sum of all of the parts.
How does your personal experience with disability and accessibility inform your work?
My whole life I've dealt with chronic illness and being neuro-spicy, which gives you a great level of understanding and empathy for people. My ADHD also adds to my skill at this type of work. I can see what isn't working from lots of different perspectives. My 'beautiful passionate chaos' also gives me a drive to always strive for more, to push past what is towards what could be. The things that made me struggle in earlier years are now the strength to keep going.
Anything else you’d like to say for this milestone celebration?
Thank you to the team who makes this possible.
Ross Harrison, Operations Manager
Can you tell us about a challenging project you’ve tackled here and how overcoming it helped you grow?
Every project we undertake has its own special challenges but one that stands out for me was for a share trading website and it is because we dropped the ball with some of the deliverables because a session wasn’t recorded, then when we tried to make a follow up recording we couldn’t because we were using whitelisted IP addresses and, and, and, and… we eventually got things sorted but it was very uncomfortable, and we learnt a lot about making sure we had resources properly allocated and in place and making sure the team were clear on what was required.
How long have you been with Access Advisors, and what drew you to the role?
3 years and 1 month – had never had the opportunity to work with my sister before and we had flagged that it might be interesting when I was helping with one of her theses at university many years ago. Took almost 20 years to happen but it seems to work pretty well most of the time.
What’s been a career highlight that gave your personal and professional development a real boost?
I wouldn’t consider this a career yet. Because there is so much to learn and be aware of I am working on my own self directed learning - the guidelines, the pitiful NZ legislation, international initiatives, standards, and legislation, relearning relevant coding, how to make documents accessible – there is always something to work on and learn more about.
How has your lived experience influenced the way you approach accessibility?
It hasn’t because I do not believe that I have ‘lived experience’ in the truest meaning of the phrase. I am dumbstruck that the New Zealand government doesn’t have the stones to put accessibility legislation place. It is widely touted NZ needs to be focused on the digital economy but we cannot compete with countries where accessibility is a legal requirement. When I was doing my computer science degree there was no talk of accessibility and we would have laughed at the thought of a blind person using a website – how misguided!
Anything you'd like to add for this celebration?
Accessibility is about people and making sure everyone has the same opportunity – it is about doing the right thing for everyone. I cannot understand why it is such a problem getting it right for everyone, thinking about others and caring about doing it right..
THE Access Advisors get this, they are an amazing group of people who have opened my eyes with a completely different approach to work, life, the universe and trains!
What’s a standout memory from your time here that shows the real impact Access Advisors has had on digital accessibility?
While there isn’t one specific memory, I love those moments when clients truly understand accessibility after working with us, and especially when they come back ready to take their knowledge to the next level.
How long have you been with us, and what initially drew you to this role?
I’ve been with Access Advisors since April 2022, so 2½ years. I joined because I was inspired by the passion Chandra and Ross had for the business and the direction they were taking it in, and I wanted to be part of that journey.
How has your time at Access Advisors shaped your professional and personal growth?
My understanding of accessibility and inclusiveness has grown so much. I’m grateful to have more knowledge in this area, which I can apply in both my work and personal life.
How has your lived experience informed your work in accessibility?
I have family members who struggle with mental health challenges, and having more awareness about disability has helped me support and connect with them. My daughter, Kirsten, has fibromyalgia and other hidden disabilities, and being able to be there for her is very important to me. I’ve also faced my own challenges with depression and chronic, low-grade pain. Working at Access Advisors has deepened my understanding of myself and others, and being part of the accessibility solution is incredibly rewarding.
Any reflections to share for the five-year celebration?
We need cake! I love that our team can work flexibly and balance our needs alongside the needs of the business. We’ve grown, and the future is looking bright!
Kevin Prince - Senior Accessibility Consultant
What do you love most about the team vibe at Access Advisors, and how has it shaped your approach to digital accessibility?
We all bring a unique perspective and the combined effect is to make a much better result than one person alone could do. I’m very focused on UX, especially the literal sense that my brain approaches a form or a page, then we have my WCAG focus and 20 years of working in the field, Chandra’s much more scientific UX and AX, Heidi’s totally different perspective as a family member and an expert tester, and Julius as a screenreader user. The blend is our strength
How long have you been with us, and what inspired you to join the team?
Since the very start when I wrote the strategy document that became the RNZFB Access Advisors Consultancy. I returned to the fold in, I think, 2020 on a regular basis but I was never far away from the day Chandra took over as an ear to be bent.
Can you think of a moment when working here gave you new skills or a fresh perspective? What do you love most about the team vibe at Access Advisors, and how has it shaped your approach to digital accessibility?
Just about every time I review the issue logs I learn something new that I would have overlooked or not counted as important. Again, that blend of perspectives is important. I think the strength of AA has been in moving away from the screenreader-focus that is prevalent in much accessibility work and., in particular to look much more to low-vision and cognitive factors.
How has your lived experience shaped your work in accessibility?
I find my clear (but previously unappreciated) position much further down the spectrum than I was aware has lead me to focus very much on the cognitive, language-processing aspects and the importance of strong UX.
Any final thoughts to share for the five-year celebration?
AA is a strong consultancy – and I love that we take the holistic view instead of the compliance view. Being able to sit on a plane filling in the arrival card knowing that you made a difference is amazing – and every COVID scan gave that same rush of pleasure . We make a difference.
My favourite project? Definitely the ASB website and mobile app testing. As an ASB account holder, I got to clear the path for a better experience I’d be using myself! It was awesome to dive in and make a real difference, not just for myself but for so many other Kiwis. The ASB team brought heaps of energy and enthusiasm, and seeing our recommendations come to life in updates has been a thrill. It’s like we’re building a more inclusive banking world, one update at a time!
How long have you been with Access Advisors, and what initially drew you to this role?
I joined Access Advisors in June 2021—so it’s been about three and a half years now! Honestly, I was ready to jump ship from the whole full-time culture, with the endless ladder of managers answering to managers answering to directors... you get the picture! Becoming an independent contractor for Access Advisors meant I could ditch the corporate dance and focus on what I’m passionate about: making digital spaces accessible and having time for my speaking and coaching business. It’s been a win-win!
Can you share a standout moment from your time here that’s really helped you grow personally over the past five years?
One standout moment for me was during our workshops when I encountered clients who were a bit hesitant—things like 'Oh, we can't fix that,' or 'That’s too hard!' It felt like I was facing a mountain of resistance! But it pushed me to harness my accessibility wizardry, developing the skills to influence and inspire them to see the possibilities. Turning those 'no way' moments into 'oh wow!' revelations has not only helped clients but has been a massive boost for my personal growth. Watching them transform into believers in accessibility is pure magic!
What is your lived experience when it comes to disability and accessibility?
As someone who is totally blind, my lived experience gives me a unique perspective on accessibility. I often say it’s a superpower because it allows me to see the world differently—without sight, I focus on other senses and understand the challenges faced by many users with access needs. This perspective drives my passion for creating inclusive digital spaces, ensuring that they’re truly accessible for everyone.
Is there anything else you'd like to add to this five-year anniversary celebration post?
To all our fantastic clients, partners, and future collaborators: Thank you for being part of this journey! At Access Advisors, our quirky edge isn’t just for laughs—it’s what makes us tick! We colour outside the lines of accessibility, taking a fun, people-first approach that sets us apart from the typical testing and training crew. While others get bogged down in tech-speak, we zap barriers and show clients that accessibility is an opportunity, not a chore. With a dash of Kiwi ingenuity, we’re here to flip the switch on digital accessibility—bringing you quirky and effective solutions every step of the way.
After working with one of our clients on their website, they shared feedback they’d received from a user who relies on a screen reader. The user noticed the improvements we made and expressed gratitude, saying they now preferred using this site over others. It was amazing to hear that our work was not only noticed but genuinely made a difference to someone.
How long have you been with Access Advisors, and what brought you to the team?
I’ve been with Access Advisors for two and a half years. I wasn’t actually looking for a job at the time, but my father, who is totally blind, was put in touch with Access Advisors while trying to resolve an accessibility issue on a website or mobile app he regularly used. After talking with Chandra, he mentioned me and asked if Access Advisors took on junior staff because he thought I’d be a great fit. One interview later, and the rest is history.
How has Access Advisors supported your growth?
Access Advisors has helped me rebuild my confidence, which was stripped away in a previous job. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and have faith in myself again.
How does your lived experience shape your approach to accessibility?
As a tech-savvy sighted child of a tech-savvy blind person, I grew up with audio-described movies, talking appliances, screen readers, and a keen awareness of when things in the environment were inaccessible. I’ve Braille-labelled appliances and written countless cheat-sheets. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering assistive technology can be, and I’ve also watched my dad struggle through software and websites that should have been easy to navigate but weren’t due to poor coding. These experiences have ingrained in me the importance of accessibility and a level playing field for everyone. I firmly believe there’s never a good excuse for inaccessibility.
Any reflections to share for the five-year celebration?
When you hear someone say their workplace is like a family, it’s hard to believe—but Access Advisors is exactly that: a family. We support each other and embrace our differences. Sure, there are disagreements now and then, but what family doesn’t have those? When I look at what we’ve achieved together, the good we’ve done, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Access Advisors family. Here’s to many more years of Access Advisors.
Kirsten Baker - Social Media Coordinator
I've always wanted a job where I could look back at the end of the day and feel proud of what I've accomplished. This role lets me share our values and educate our community, which I absolutely love.
How long have you been with Access Advisors?
I’m working my way toward a year with Access Advisors now.
In what special ways has Access Advisors supported your growth, considering your unique journey and challenges?
This job offers me the flexibility to work from home and set my own schedule, which makes it easier to balance other important parts of my life, like the gym and home responsibilities. I've learned so much from my colleagues and the access panel, and I truly value the experience and knowledge that surrounds me here.
What is your lived experience when it comes to disability and accessibility?
Living with fibromyalgia and mental health challenges gives me a unique perspective that helps me connect with our audience in a real way. I believe everyone’s story matters, and that shared, authentic voices can create meaningful change.
Is there anything else you'd like to add to this five-year anniversary celebration post?
A massive thank you to the incredible people I’ve had the honour to interview. I learn so much from each of you, and I’m grateful to be in a position where I can help raise awareness for digital accessibility and our access needs community.
Along with congratulations to Chandra Harrison. Her dedication and belief in this work make a difference every single day.