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About the event
Neurological differences affect the way people learn, process and retain information. The concept of neurodiversity is linked to the social model of disability, where an individual’s barriers are based on their environment and not just on the person’s abilities.
To ensure that people are not disadvantaged by their unique ways of learning and processing information, learning environments and organisations must be flexible to meet the needs of all. Overall neuroinclusive design and assistive technology can help individuals participate more fully in society and access information, education, and employment opportunities.
Creating an inclusive environment means that access to learning should:
Respect the diversity of different learners
Allow people different ways of engagement in their learning and to fulfil their potential
Ensures different learning needs and preferences are met, regardless of a person's backgrounds, learning styles or abilities
Removes any barriers that prevent people from being their best
So how do we account for different types of learners’ needs? And what does a learner-centric design look like in practice?
Please join us for a panel discussion where we will discuss how to cater for different learning styles, provide advice on how educators and organisations can make their content more accessible and explore how assistive technology (such as text to speech software for dyslexic individuals) can be used to support and empower others.
Please note that our events are not being recorded, to encourage our participants to speak openly about their personal stories and experiences.
Antony Ruck | Event Chair
CEO at Aventido and Co-President at DATEurope
For over two decades Antony has been part of the AT industry, working with manufacturers, publishers, standards organisations, and service providers to develop needs-based solutions.
Antony is the CEO and co-founder of Aventido Limited, an international value-added Distributor, PR and Marketing agency which specialises in digital assistive technologies. In addition, he has also provided volunteer support for the British Standards Institute, co-created ATEC, former Chair of BATA, and most recently elected as Co-President of DATEurope, the European industry association for digital assistive technology.
Through his work with DATEurope and BATA, Antony has engaged with UK Government departments such as the Cabinet Office, the Home Office, DfE and DWP, and international organisations such as the WHO, ATScale and ATIA.
OLD Ryan Graham
Chief Technical Officer, Text Help
As CTO, Ryan is responsible for leading and directing Texthelp’s team of engineers to deliver assistive technology and accessibility products that are used by tens of millions of people every day around the world. With a customer base that spans government organizations, educational institutions and corporates alike, he ensures that Texthelp’s products are safe, secure and easy to use.
Texthelp believes in a world where difference, disability or language are no longer barriers. It is focused on helping all people learn, understand and communicate through the use of digital inclusion and accessibility tools.
Having started his career as a software developer, Ryan is passionate about all aspects of technology and the innovations that can be created with it. He carries this enthusiasm across Texthelp’s suite of products and hopes to help even more people around the globe to understand and be understood.
Believing it’s important to have purpose and give back, Ryan regards himself as incredibly fortunate to work in a sector that has such a positive impact on society, while using technologies that are so compelling to work with.
John Hardey
Accessibility Product Manager, BBC
As an Accessibility Product Manager at the BBC, John is dedicated to creating and supporting staff-facing technologies that are inclusive and accessible to all. With a focus on improving the user experience, John utilises their expertise in the field to drive innovation and ensure the BBC remains at the forefront of accessible technology. John's current areas of focus include working on Accessible Studios, Newsroom technologies and improving the delivery of desktop support to end users
Jennifer Offord
Town Planner at Enfield Council, Neuroinclusive Design Advocate
Jenny is a Town Planner and passionate about inclusive design for neurodiversity. She was part of the British Standard Institute's Steering Group for the "PAS 6463: Design for the Mind" and is an AcieveAbility Advocate. Jenny is co-founder of AbilityRE and the “Neurodiversity in Planning” network. These groups share good practice for how we can be more inclusive for neurodiversity across the built environment sector - in how we design places, communicate, lead projects, and support individuals.
Michael Vermeersch
Accessibility Go To Market Manager - Microsoft
Michael is Microsoft’s Accessibility Go To Market Manager; his focus is landing Microsoft’s commitment to bridge the “Disability Divide”.
Michael chairs Microsoft’s UK Disability Employee Resource Group and was invited to 10 Downing Street to present his views on bringing disabled talent into work.
His personal proudest achievement is having brought Microsoft UK to Disability Confident Leadership status.
Michael received Microsoft’s highest Platinum Club award for his work in disability inclusion.
Listed as one of “125 People to follow” on LinkedIn about Diversity and Inclusion, he is in the 2021 Disability Power 100, which celebrates Britain’s most influential disabled people.
Andrew Roberts
Services Lead - Implementation & Continuous Improvement at Heathrow
Andrew is part of Heathrow Airports Services team, who’s focus is on improve the passenger experience as they travel through the airport. During the pandemic was a part of passenger safety and the re-opening of terminal 4.
During his time at Heathrow, Andrew as worked in a variety of different roles from the operation, continuous improvement to improving the passenger experience. As someone with Dyslexia, he is passionate about how people with neurodiverse conditions can bring positive benefits to businesses and organisations. Andrew works with Heathrow’s internal teams to promote the benefits that neurodiversity can bring by using his own experiences and encouraging managers to utilise their unique skill set.