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

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Ted Drake

In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Ted Drake, Global Head of Accessibility and Inclusive Design at Intuit, where he leads accessibility strategy across products used by millions of people worldwide.

Ted shares his journey into accessibility, from building websites in the early 2000s with no formal coding background to becoming one of the most respected accessibility leaders in the industry. He reflects on how curiosity, creativity, and a passion for inclusive experiences helped shape his career and approach to leadership.

Throughout the conversation, we explore what it really takes to embed accessibility at scale inside a global technology organisation, and how accessibility leaders can influence culture, product development, and long-term business strategy.

We also discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in accessibility, including both the opportunities it creates and the risks the industry and its users needs to be aware of moving forward.

We discuss:

• A non-traditional path into accessibility: How Ted transitioned from a fine art background into digital accessibility and inclusive design.
• Accessibility at scale: What it takes to embed accessibility across product, engineering, design, and organisational culture.
• Inclusive design leadership: Why accessibility should be viewed as a business and human-centered strategy, not simply compliance.
• Driving organisational change: How to influence teams, build momentum, and sustain accessibility practices inside large companies.
• AI and accessibility: The opportunities artificial intelligence presents for improving accessibility, alongside the potential risks and ethical considerations.
• The future of accessibility: Ted’s perspective on where the industry is heading and the importance of continuing to evolve accessibility practices alongside technology.

Ted also shares valuable insight into the importance of persistence, collaboration, and maintaining a strong focus on the real people accessibility is designed to support.

Follow Ted Drake:

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

Website: https://www.last-child.com/

Follow Joe James:

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

Twitter (X): @A11yJoe

PCR Website: www.pcrdigital.com

Resource links:

Your undivided Attention Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/4KI3PtZaWJbAWK89vgttoU?si=36e3beefc3ba49a9

Little, Yellow, Different, Ernie Hsiung:

https://www.littleyellowdifferent.com/

The Digital Accessibility Podcast – Becks Brindley

In this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Joe is joined by Becks Brindley, Digital Accessibility Lead at NatWest, who leads accessibility strategy across one of the UK’s largest banking organisations.

This episode introduces a slightly different format, with Becks also turning the tables to ask Joe questions! Creating a more open, two-way conversation that explores both in-house accessibility leadership and the external hiring landscape.

Becks shares how accessibility has been part of her journey from the very beginning, from learning to code with accessibility in mind to now leading strategy at scale. She reflects on the importance of challenging the status quo, influencing stakeholders, and keeping accessibility grounded in its core purpose... utilising technology to enable people.

We discuss:

• A career shaped by accessibility: How early exposure to accessible coding influenced Becks’ mindset and career path.
• Challenging the status quo: Building confidence to push back on inaccessible practices.
• Accessibility as a mindset: Why it should be embedded into everyday thinking, not treated as a task.
• Leading at scale: The realities of driving accessibility across a large organisation.
• Engaging stakeholders: Practical ways to start conversations and influence change.
• A two-way perspective: Insights into hiring, team building, and what good looks like across the industry.

Becks also highlights that real progress in accessibility comes from persistence and continuous improvement and not perfection.

Follow Becks Brindley:

• LinkedIn: Becks Brindley LinkedIn

Follow Joe James:

• LinkedIn: Joe James LinkedIn
• Twitter (X): A11yJoe on X
• YouTube: PCR Digital YouTube

Visit PCR Digital:

• PCR Digital Website