October 2024 Update

Welcome to our October newsletter

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and here at Access Advisors, this makes it close to home. Our fabulous Dr. Chandra Harrison lives with ADHD, which brings a unique perspective to the way we approach digital accessibility. We’re not just talking about inclusion—we are living it. 

What sets us apart is that we design from real, lived experience. Chandra’s personal journey with ADHD has shaped the way we approach accessibility, and it’s why we know that true inclusion goes beyond ticking boxes. It’s about understanding the daily struggles people face when they engage with digital platforms—and designing solutions that truly address those needs.

Staff Updates

Kirsten our Social Media Coordinator

Kirsten is living with a chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia, along with mental health challenges and PTSD. Until she met Chandra, she struggled to hold a job for a long period due to pain and various obstacles. Now, she’s been with us for nearly a year. Amazing what the right employer can do. Reach out and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Julius one of our amazing Access Advisors and trainers

In other news, in a series of daring activities, Julius recently jumped did a bungee jump with a 150 foot drop. Heart pounding and thrilling.  See Julius's video on LinkedIn.

Access Panel Profile - Alan Cox

Access Advisors is honoured to work alongside a variety of wonderful people on our Access Panel. Our panelists help with client facing research, usability testing, demo days and being the voice of lived experience. We introduce one of our panellists in each newsletter to acknowledge their contribution. This time we'd like to introduce Alan Cox. 

 In a world where mental health challenges are becoming increasingly common, finding effective solutions that resonate with individuals on a personal level can be a daunting task. Read Alan's journey and all about his mental wellbeing app Everyellow. 

Alan Cox is having an informal fireside chat about designing for outcomes at UX CHCH on Thursday the 17th October starting at 5pm. RSVP so they know your coming.

If you would like to find out more about joining the panel, or recruiting people from our Access Panel, please email Access Advisors or call or text Katherine on 027 265 4207.

Access Advisors' Blog

Our blog posts cover topics that make us think and hopefully make you think too. They might be about tips and tricks for a certain access need, or how an accessible world might be different, or how an inaccessible world impacts on your lives, or maybe just a summary of an event we've attended.

Our most recent blog posts are

• Risks of Artificial Intelligence
• Benefits of Artificial Intelligence
• Together we are Stronger - a look at the need for support in tough times
• Digital Fidget Toys
• Designing Inclusive Artificial Intelligence Systems

Explore all of our blog posts. Let us know on socials what you think and if there is a topic you'd like us to cover.

Upcoming Events

Wellington Web Accessibility Meetup

• Thursday 3rd October - 5:30pm until 7:00pm
• Wellington
• Our very own Julius Serrano
• How AI can Transform Accessibility
• Book tickets

Delivering Disability Services Conference 2024

• Dr Chandra Harrison will be presenting "Assistive technology advancements and digital accessibility: Current trends"
• Monday 14th and Tuesday 15 October
• Auckland
• Book Tickets

Digital Accessibility for Digital Leaders Workshop

• Dr Chandra Harrison will facilitate a 3 hour workshop for Digital Leaders
• Wednesday 23rd October - 1pm - 4 pm
• Online
• Register

An Event with No Name

• Dr Chandra Harrison will be discussing "taking it to the limit" at this special research event.
•  Friday 25th October 9am - 5pm
• Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland
• Tickets from Humanitix

International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD)

3rd December 2024

Watch this space for details about our exciting upcoming event. Let us know what you would like to talk about on this celebration day.

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.