Welcome to Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025: Why Accessibility Matters and How We Can All Take Action
Every year, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) reminds us why digital inclusion matters. Held on the third Thursday of May, GAAD is a worldwide event focused on getting everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. Over a billion people live with disabilities, and for many of them, the digital world can be a gateway or a barrier to full participation in society.
GAAD is a powerful reminder that accessibility isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about creating digital spaces that everyone can use with ease and dignity. Whether you are a business owner, designer, developer, or simply someone who cares, we all have a role to play in making the online world more inclusive.
How Access Advisors Is Making a Difference
At Access Advisors, we believe accessibility should be baked into every part of a digital project, from the very first brainstorm to the final product launch. Our team offers a range of services including accessibility reviews, audits, usability testing with people who have lived experience of disability, and training to build lasting skills.
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to real-world testing. It is one thing to meet technical guidelines; it is another to ensure a product is genuinely usable by people with different access needs. Our diverse panel of testers helps us see things from multiple perspectives, catching barriers that might otherwise be missed.
We are also passionate about education. Through workshops, resources, and events, we work to empower businesses and organizations to keep accessibility front and center. Our Managing Director, Dr. Chandra Harrison, is active internationally, bringing global insights back home to Aotearoa.
As we celebrate GAAD 2025, we encourage everyone to take action. Whether it is learning something new, auditing your website, or starting a conversation about inclusion in your workplace, every step counts. Together, we can build a digital world that works for all of us.
There are some events over the next few days for Global Accessibility Awareness Day that Chandra will be part of. Starting with the NZDSN Online Hui on Wednesday, then AUT Panel discussion, Vic Uni Guest lecture and UX Auckland on Thursday.
Later this month Chandra is also speaking at HiNZ Summit - Beyond good intentions: delivering equity in AI implementation, and has a fireside chat with Volition for Tech Week.
Join Us in Making Accessibility a Priority - The Team at Access Advisors
Upcoming Events
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NZDSN National Online Hui
Enhancing Digital Accessibility for NZDSN Providers
Wednesday 14th May 2025 12.30PM to 1.30PM
Dr Chandra Harrison, our expert speaker and CEO of Access Advisors, will provide actionable recommendations on changes you can make right now. She will also equip you with the knowledge on how to communicate effectively with your web provider about improving accessibility features. We'll delve into key concerns that your provider should consider, ensuring that no aspect of accessibility is overlooked.
AUT Breakfast Panel
Chandra will be speaking to AUT staff members who are interested in learning more about what assistance is available for students and staff. Her topic will be Assistive Tech. Joining Chandra will be Dr Sally Britnell chatting about Digital Ableism and a rep from the AUT disability office to talk accessibility for students.
Join us for a practical, hands-on workshop "Designing for Everyone - Digital Accessibility in Action" led by Dr. Chandra Harrison, Managing Director of Access Advisors.
Dr. Chandra Harrison brings both deep professional expertise and lived experience with ADHD and chronic health conditions to her work—and to this workshop.
This 2-hour session is designed to equip you with accessibility know-how you can apply across digital product design. Whether you're a designer, developer, or curious creator, you'll leave with knowledge and skills to build more inclusive experiences for everyone.
Tickets are $60 from Humanitix
Online Fireside chat between Chandra Harrison at Access Advisors and Erika Butters and Fabian Cook from Volition about the benefits, challenges and opportunities of building accessible digital products.
Thursday 22 May 2025
Time 11am - 12pm
Tickets are free from Humanitix
Explore all of our future and past News & Events. Contact us if you'd like us to speak at your event, or would like us to run a webinar.