The Digital Access Show

Episode Notes People with disability face higher risks online, from scams to inaccessible security systems. In this episode, Luke Irwin from Aegis Cybersecurity shares practical tips to stay safe while navigating digital barriers. Learn how businesses and individuals can do better to protect data and improve access.

Episode Notes What does true accessibility look like in live events, theatre, and video content? In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle brings together experts in audio description, Auslan interpretation, and digital accessibility to explore how inclusive experiences are created and where gaps still exist. You will hear from:• Belinda Vesey-Brown on accessible design and video remediation• Shannon Kettleton on deaf access, Auslan, and community needs• Megan Bytheway on theatre interpreting and preparation• Shari Indriani Irwin on the art and challenge of audio description This honest and practical conversation covers:• How audio description works in live theatre• What it takes to prepare Auslan interpretation for shows• The challenges of accessibility in live and recorded content• Why planning ahead is critical for inclusion• The real experience of attending events with disability Whether you work in events, education, media, or digital content, this episode will help you understand how to create more inclusive experiences for everyone. Accessibility is not an add on. It starts from the beginning.

Episode Notes In this episode of The Digital Access Show, we sit down with Jodi Kneepkens, founder of Going Daily Assisted Transport, to explore how one idea turned into a powerful, accessibility-focused service. Jodi shares her journey from support work to launching an accessible transport business designed to give people greater independence and choice. But it didn’t stop at transport. Jodi made a conscious decision to ensure her entire digital experience, from website to booking system, is fully accessible.

Episode Notes In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle speaks with speech pathologist Janelle Sampson about augmentative and alternative communication and the many ways people express themselves beyond speech. They explore tools such as symbols, devices, and eye gaze technology, and discuss why communication is about connection, not just words. Janelle shares practical insights on reducing assumptions, respecting each person’s voice, and creating more inclusive digital and real world environments so everyone can communicate in a way that works for them.

Episode Notes What if communication didn’t rely on speech alone? In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle sits down with speech therapist Libby Brownlie to explore keyword sign—a powerful yet often overlooked communication strategy that supports people who have difficulty speaking or understanding speech. Libby explains how keyword sign works, who it helps, and why it remains an essential tool in the world of disability and augmentative communication. From children with developmental delays to adults with brain injuries, keyword sign offers a practical, human-centred way to connect. You’ll also learn: What keyword sign is (and how it differs from Auslan) Why communication is more complex than we realise How gesture and body language play a vital role in understanding The pros and cons of high-tech communication tools vs signing How you can start learning and using keyword sign This episode is an eye-opening conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and the many ways we can make communication more human. Listen, learn, and rethink what communication really means.

Episode Notes Are disability expos and networking events really accessible? In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle speaks with Sue Wickham and Rosie Putland about the simple, practical steps event organisers can take to remove barriers. From better venue information and accessible marketing to guide dog facilities and presenter training, this conversation explores how to build trust and create inclusive events that work for everyone.

Episode Notes Simone Eyles from Disinfluencer candidly shares what it's like to build a marketing business around disability inclusion and to help bring inclusivity to disability for other brands and businesses.

This week's guest is Melanie Robertson from Deafblind Information Australia. We focused on topics around digital accessibility via website audits, the quality of online platforms the deafblind community is used to, and much more.

This week's guest is Matthew Horspool. He works in assistive technology, training others to use digitally accessible technologies. Matthew candidly shares what it's like to live in the UK as not only someone who works with digital accessibility, but also as someone with a disability that depends on that very technology he trains others to use.

This week's guest is Nick Hosking from KN Website Design and the Do Better Campaign. Nick helps illuminate what digital accessibility truly asks from web developers and designers, and whether DIY website builders can create accessible environments.

Episode Notes In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle sits down once again with disability advocate and educator Tommy Trout, founder of Disbranded and Inclusive AF. Together, they dive into the complex, sometimes confronting, but deeply important history of disability in Australia—and what it teaches us about inclusion today. Tommy shares powerful insights from his work, including stories of hidden pioneers, the impact of institutionalisation, and why understanding our past is essential for creating a more accessible future. Narelle and Tommy explore what inclusion really means, how businesses can take meaningful action, and why younger generations are driving positive cultural change. This is an honest, uplifting, and thought‑provoking conversation about disability pride, acceptance, and the small steps that lead to big shifts. Ask yourself: What does inclusivity mean to you?

Episode Notes In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle is joined by brand designer and accessibility specialist Shannon Towell for a deep dive into the world of colour accessibility. From contrast ratios to colour‑blindness considerations, Shannon breaks down how colour shapes user experience — and why relying on colour alone can leave people behind. Shannon also shares the story behind her innovative multicolour contrast checker, a tool designed to help creators, designers, and brands quickly assess and improve the accessibility of their colour palettes. Whether you're building a website, refreshing a brand, or simply wanting to make your content more inclusive, this episode offers practical insights and easy wins to elevate accessibility. A must‑listen for anyone who wants their digital spaces to welcome everyone.

Episode Notes Explore how screen readers and braille devices help people with blindness or low vision access digital content. Narelle chats with Mark Muscat from Digital Access Solutions about accessibility tools, common barriers, and why inclusive design is essential for every website and app.

Episode Notes Digital accessibility starts with mindset, not technology. In the Season 3 opener of The Digital Access Show, host Narelle Wright (DASAT) speaks with Kim Amor from KN Website Design about why accessibility is still being missed — and how education, not effort, is the biggest barrier. The conversation explores how accessibility and SEO work together, challenges the myth of “I don’t have clients with disability”, and explains why accessible digital communication improves outcomes for everyone. Topics covered: Mindset as the foundation for accessibility Accessibility and SEO alignment Why are only around 4% of websites are accessible Education gaps in web design and development Risks of DIY and AI-generated websites

Episode Notes Craig Shanahan has made a habit of turning a negative into a positive. As the Blind Chef, Craig worked out how to open a cafe that was to become the go to in the area. Why? Craig gives the answers in t his episode.

Episode Notes Voting is a mandatory requirement in Australia. Every person also has the right to vote without letting others know who you vote for. However, when you have a disability such as low or no vision, it can be hard to vote Luna Rose has no vision. Ever wonder how she votes and what are the barriers that she has to voting?

Episode Notes Paul Price is a sound engineer with Reading Radio. He has lived with disability all his life. What has Paul had to do to try to get access to information? How does it make a person feel when, to access information, they have to take the extra measures that Paul had to do?

Episode Notes Christmas is a time of giving. So this year we are giving some tips and tricks for you to put into practice in the coming weeks. Reece Crawford joins us to learn as well. Have a wonderful christmas and a happy new year.

Episode Notes Shiralee McKitrick is a special lady. She not only has a rare disability herself, she and her partner, Simone, are raising two sone with disability. It really was a case of "You don't know what you don't know". Since being diagnosed herself Shiralee and her family have gone on a journey with a difference. What has that to do with communication and digital accessibility? Have a listen.

Episode Notes Emma Bennison is a leader in the Vision Impaired community. Emma, along with Graeme Innes, Vaughan Bennison and others have created a group called Blind Leaders United. In today's episode Emma discuss usable digital communication

Episode Notes Santiago Valesquez came to Australia as a child. He, like everyone, has issues catching public transport. However, Santiago has found a solution. Hear Santiago discuss the solution for people missing buses and the way to make public transport more efficient for us all. See www.hailo.co (http://www.hailo.co) for more information

Episode Notes Living with disability in a regional area of Australia comes with some extra challenges. From the lack of services to transport life is different to those who live in the city. Jaceen Ross discusses her experiences of living with disability in regional Queensland.

Episode Notes Alyce is a hearing impaired lady who teaches us about the challenges that she experiences in every day life. It is sad at times that she struggles to get t he message through.

Episode Notes Patrick Dillon had an accident which changed his life forever. Assistive technology has given him independence.

Episode Notes Meryl Evans was born profoundly deaf. She is a professional speaker, and trainer, accessibility marketing consultant and all round nice lady. What is accessibility for Meryl.

Season 2 Finale - Allan Parker and Marc Muscat It's the Season 2 Finale! DASAT’s Allan Parker and Mark Muscat join Narelle to wrap up The Digital Access Show for this year. They dive into the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 review, digital accessibility shifts across the EU, and what’s next for the show!

Episode Notes Jenni Engels has lived with vison impairment since childhood. She has had to create her own business so that she could work. Her journey is an interesting one.

Episode Notes Tara Shekede dives into the mission behind her company, Me Plus More, an online platform designed to help individuals with intellectual disabilities build confidence and independence in the digital world. She explores how users can protect themselves online through accessible, easy-to-understand tools and resources that promote safe digital engagement.

Episode Notes David Oram from Atomic Web Strategy shares what his company is all about, what the Do Better Campaign is, and what you need to consider when building a digitally accessible website.

Episode Notes Nick Hosking from KN Website Design is passionate about opening up the internet to everyone. He has joined the Do Better Campaign to ensure that everyone can read, access and understand the content on the website.

Episode Notes This week's guest is Jeb Ryan from Heart-Led Support, a company that focuses on helping men with their mental health and disabilities. Jeb dives into how Heart-Led Support came around, as well as his meaningful opinions on what needs to be considered in this area.

Episode Notes Belinda Vesey-Brown from Meet AandI is passionate about ensuring that all documents including videos are correctly captioned and audio described. Hear her thoughts about captions and audio description and what needs to be done.

Episode Notes Alex Bey from Meet AandI is a teaches people how to make documents accessible to everyone. Having family that require the accessible documents means that Alex knows not only the reasons for digital accessibility. He knows the barriers that the lack of digital accessibility brings.

Episode Notes Do Better is a campaign for purpose-led organisations ready to serve every customer — including people with disability and neurodivergence. At it's heart it is ensuring that digital accessibility becomes part of the standard operating procedure.

Episode Notes Simone is on a mission to educate everyone about digital accessibility. She is passionate to educate about the social model of disability. Not the medical model. Hear about Simone's work.

Episode Notes Meredith Prain is an experienced Allied Health Professional and Researcher with a demonstrated record of achieving high quality outcomes in the disability sector. Over 20 years' experience working together with people with disabilities, particularly those with deaf blindness and their support networks. Meredith discusses the challenges that people who are deaf blind have in managing communication.

Episode Notes Vickie Anderson has supported people with vision impairment for over 20 years. One of the myths that she breaks is that vision impaired people don't cook. There are accessibility barriers. vickie knows how to get around the barriers.

Episode Notes Lee-Anne Reuber is a lady with a vision. Bringing fitness to the community at large including people with disability. So she created an app, Sekond Skin Society. An app that brings fitness to people with disability by people with disability. Hear the challenges that Lee-Anne has in ensuring that the ombile phone app is accessible to everyone.

Episode Notes This week’s guest is Craig Shanahan, owner of The Blind Chef Cafe and an inspiring motivational speaker. Craig shares how he made his café genuinely accessible for all disabilities, and opens up about the ups and downs of becoming disabled later in life — proving it’s not all doom and gloom. Enjoy the episode! Don’t forget to drop a comment with your favourite moment.

Episode Notes As Director of Engels Floyd Quality Consulting, Sharon brings specialist expertise in quality improvement, NDIS support, and compliance. Sharon and the team help providers understand their obligations while building systems that genuinely reflect how they operate. On behalf of the NDIS Commission, Engels Floyd has trained all 1500 NDIS auditors each year since 2018. This means Engels Floyd has an unsurpassed knowledge of audit, compliance and registration requirements. So where does digital accessibility fit into the NDIS audit process and NDIS generally?

Episode Notes What is NVDA? Where is it sued? What is the relationship to digital accessibility? Quentin Christensen from NV Access Online has the answers.

Episode Notes Tracy Whitelaw is Chief Digital Officer for Local Government Association of Queensland. How does she see senior management role with the implementation of digital accessibility and the web content accessibility guidelines?

Episode Notes What happens to the brain and body and feelings when a person is trying to do some that they haven't done before or find a task very hard? Allan Parker OAM from Peak Performance Development has the answers and the solution.

Episode Notes What is dyslexia and dysgraphia? Joseph Lee is a talented man who does not let either disability get in his way.

Episode Notes What do you know about Tourettes? What are the communication issues that a person who has Tourettes lives with?

Episode Notes Cherie Patterson has lived with severe vision impairment from birth. Che has never let it stop her meeting her goals. Cherie has worked in both the public and private sectors. What has changed in the work environment in regards to digital accessibility?

Episode Notes Luna Rose has no vision. Ever wonder how she votes and what are the barriers that she has to voting?

Episode Notes Hilton Luke from Queensland Department of Primary Industry has been working on a project to implement digital accessibility to their products. What are the challenges that they have experienced?

Episode Notes Paul Price is a sound engineer with Reading Radio. He has lived with disability all his life. What has changes in legislation at the Federal and State levels done to assist Paul?

Episode Notes How do you ensure that your website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? Who should you talk to. Mark Muscat from DASAT has the answers