What does it really mean to experience the digital world without sight?

In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe James is joined by Paul Bepey, Accessibility Lead at PwC UK, to explore digital accessibility through the perspective of someone who has been blind since birth.

Paul describes himself as a visual thinker, challenging many of the assumptions people make about blindness and demonstrating that accessibility is about far more than simply meeting technical standards. Drawing on decades of lived experience alongside his professional expertise, he shares how inclusive design can transform the way organisations build products, services and digital experiences.

We discuss the importance of designing WITH people rather than FOR people, why empathy and curiosity are essential skills for accessibility professionals, and how organisations can move beyond compliance to create experiences that genuinely work for everyone.

The conversation also explores the exciting opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, wearable technology and the future of assistive technology, alongside Paul's thoughts on resilience, humour, innovation and why diverse perspectives are critical to creating better products.

Whether you're an accessibility specialist, UX designer, developer, product manager, digital leader or someone beginning their accessibility journey, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what true inclusion really looks like.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbepey/

PwC UK: https://www.pwc.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/

Website: www.PcrDigital.co.uk

The Digital Accessibility Podcast: https://linktr.ee/thedigitalaccessibilitypodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/67GtTL7QI7i9ZdbTqPK49g?si=cbe79a7b518b4440

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-digital-accessibility-podcast/id1689400288

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PCRDigital