In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Brian is joined by Michaël Vanderheyden, a seasoned accessibility specialist and internal champion, to explore what it takes to scale accessibility across global teams. Michaël shares his two-decade journey from building WCAG 1 compliant web apps in 2004 to leading accessibility initiatives inside one of Germany’s largest tech organizations.
Together, they dive into the evolution of accessibility, from retrofitting complex communication software to embedding accessibility into the development process from day one. Michaël discusses how to turn accessibility awareness into company wide practice, how to mentor developers and designers, and why accessibility and usability are inseparable. The conversation also covers the growing impact of the EU Accessibility Act, the challenges of legacy codebases, and how small, consistent improvements can transform both products and culture.
Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice, real world lessons, and inspiration for anyone working to make digital experiences more inclusive.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Accessibility Challenges(06:31) The Passion Behind Accessibility(12:22) Challenges in Scaling Accessibility Strategies(19:19) The Evolution of Accessibility Practices(24:26) Disruptions in the Accessibility Space(30:50) The Importance of Basic Accessibility Understanding
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #A11y #WCAG #AccessibilityStrategies #Inclusive
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Brian sits down with front-end developer Michał Madejsk to explore how developers can shift their perspective on accessibility. Michał shares how a simple exercise of “closing his eyes” while navigating the web changed his approach, and why designing with accessibility in mind from the start is far easier than retrofitting later.
They discuss lessons from government projects, the importance of context and clear communication for users, and how leaders can align accessibility with business goals. The conversation also covers third-party accessibility tools, the widget vs. native solution debate, and how AI is reshaping accessibility implementation.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:14) Michał’s early perspective on accessibility
(03:25) The “close your eyes” moment that changed everything
(06:24) Startups, speed, and skipping accessibility
(07:47) Why decision-makers must be part of the conversation
(14:22) Lessons from government projects and user context
(17:45) The role of third-party accessibility tools
(20:35) Changing methods of digital interaction
(22:51) Balancing context, semantics, and usability
(27:55) Practical tools and first steps for developers
(33:02) The widget debate: quick fix vs. code remediation
(35:47) Why native accessibility improves UX and SEO
(38:34) Michał’s closing thoughts: accessibility as future-proofing
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #A11y #WCAG #InclusiveDesign #UX #FrontendDevelopment
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Brian is joined by Alyssa Holland, a seasoned front-end developer and accessibility advocate, to dive into the realities of building accessible digital products. Alyssa shares her journey from discovering accessibility at a higher-ed company to becoming a subject-matter expert and course creator.
Together, they discuss the challenges of introducing accessibility into legacy codebases, educating teams, and getting stakeholder buy-in. Alyssa also highlights the importance of design systems, the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide, and how component libraries can make accessibility a default rather than an afterthought. The conversation explores how developers can "plant seeds" for change within their organizations, incremental strategies to improve existing apps, and exciting efforts like OpenUI that are raising the baseline for accessible development.
Tune in for an insightful and practical conversation that blends education, empathy, and hands-on strategies for creating inclusive experiences.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:10) Alyssa’s journey into accessibility(02:32) How company culture shaped her accessibility mindset(04:03) Learning React and accessible component patterns(07:05) Leveraging design systems for accessibility gains(09:42) Teaching others: Alyssa’s accessibility course(11:45) How she stays up to date with accessibility standards(12:58) Challenges with stakeholder buy-in and timelines(15:33) Incremental improvements in legacy codebases(18:10) Personal challenges balancing accessibility and deadlines(19:31) Educating teams and leading by example(21:33) Shifting the culture from design to development(26:24) Disruptions to watch: OpenUI and elevating the baseline(29:30) Alyssa’s next chapter and final thoughts
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #A11y #WCAG #AccessibilityStrategies #InclusiveDesign
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Brian is joined by Mike Bowen, a front-end developer and accessibility consultant, to explore the evolving world of digital accessibility. Together, they uncover how leaders and advocates are breaking down barriers and building more inclusive online experiences. Through personal stories and practical strategies, the conversation highlights the power of empathy and innovation in shaping a digital world that works for everyone. Tune in for insights that inspire action and drive meaningful change.
speaks about his experience with accessibility over the years. Ricky shares his insights on implementing accessibility standards, what disabilities actually are, accessibility overlays, the disruptions he expects to happen and how accessibility has changed over time.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00): Introduction
(02:15): Mike's journey into digital accessibility
(07:23): Accessibility benchmarks
(09:33): How to bring accountability
(12:41): Types of Challenges
(15:30): The role of empathy and education
(20:02): Different accessibility tools that Mike uses everyday
(22:47): Upcoming disruptions in accessibility
(25:00): Strategies for scaling accessibility in large organizations.
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #Accessibility #WCAG #AccessibilityStrategies
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Ricky Onsman, Principal Technical Writer, TPGi, speaks about his experience with accessibility over the years. Ricky shares his insights on implementing accessibility standards, what disabilities actually are, accessibility overlays, the disruptions he expects to happen and how accessibility has changed over time.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(02:17) : What Ricky Works On Now
(09:27) : What Does WCAG Apply To
(14:28) : Types of Disabilities
(19:56) : Different Guidelines Companies Need To Follow
(28:22) : Accessibility Overlays
(29:37) : Biggest Disruptions in Accessibility
(30:59) : Normalization of Accessibility
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #Accessibility #WCAG #AccessibilityStrategies
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Andy Beatman, Product Marketing Director, Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft, speaks about the importance of accessibility in technology, particularly through the lens of AI. Andy shares his journey into the accessibility space, highlighting personal experiences that fueled his passion. The conversation explores how AI can enhance accessibility, the need for empathy in creating inclusive environments, and the role of data in driving accessibility initiatives. He also discusses the global perspective on accessibility, the importance of universal design, and the future of accessibility technology. Andy emphasizes the need for authenticity in communication and the power of community in fostering inclusivity.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility and AI
(02:28) : The Role of AI in Enhancing Accessibility
(07:19) : Personal Journey and Passion for Accessibility
(15:33) : Bringing Others Along: The Challenge of Advocacy
(22:11) : The Importance of Data in Accessibility
(26:07) : Future Disruptions in Accessibility Technology
(32:42) : Final Thoughts on Empathy and Community
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #Accessibility #AI #Inclusivity #Communication #AccessibilityStrategies
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Michael Bolton, a digital quality assurance and accessibility advocate, about his journey and the challenges faced in creating effective accessibility strategies. He discusses the importance of pushing boundaries in quality assurance, building a receptive team culture, and navigating the complexities of higher education institutions. Michael emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, the significance of human connection, and the future disruptions in the accessibility space.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility Challenges
(06:02) : Pushing Boundaries in Quality Assurance
(12:01) : Strategies for Scaling Accessibility
(17:59) : The Importance of Human Connection
(24:12) : Measuring Success in Accessibility Initiatives
(29:57) : Closing Thoughts on Advocacy and Accessibility
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #QualityAssurance #HigherEducation #AccessibilityStrategies #DigitalInclusion
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Ian O’Bara, a senior accessibility engineer, discusses the importance of empathy in understanding user needs, the challenges faced in mastering accessibility standards, and the evolving landscape of digital accessibility.
Ian emphasizes the need for education and collaboration between design and accessibility teams to create universally accessible experiences. Ian also touches on future disruptions in the accessibility space and the importance of integrating accessibility into organizational practices.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility Journeys
(03:00) : The Influence of Healthcare on Accessibility Engineering
(05:59) : Universal vs. Specific Design in Accessibility
(09:04) : Challenges in Accessibility and Understanding User Needs
(12:12) : The Importance of Empathy in Accessibility
(15:08) : Education and Training in Accessibility
(17:58) : Collaboration Between Design and Accessibility
(21:12) : Evolving Standards and User Experience
(23:57) : Future Disruptions in Accessibility
(27:08) : The Role of Education in Bridging Accessibility Gaps
#BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTechnology #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Sumair Qaisar talks us through building robust accessibility tests, specifically explaining how currently websites with poor design can still pass the basic accessibility check but not be usable.
He explains how accessibility overlays work, how they project an illusion of accessibility without any real fixes. He goes on to explain the need to build native accessibility solutions.
He also discusses building accessible adverts, TLDRs, smart glasses that read aloud, and the inaccessibility created by no-code websites.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility
(6:18) : Low Hanging Fruit Accessibility Checks
(12:27) : Accessibility Overlays
(18:27) : TLDRs
(19:16) : Smart Glasses
(22:50) : Inaccessibility from No-Code Websites
(27:31) : Different Solutions for Different Accessibility
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #FullStack #WebDevelopment #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Deidre Guy takes us through the world of invisible disabilities and how to make a positive difference. She talks about how people lack knowledge and understanding of disability, and how many organizations are still implementing a band-aid solution to comply with the law.
We also discuss her experience in supporting disability and veteran owned businesses, as well as the accessibility legislation that currently exists in Canada and the United States.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(3:14) : Accessibility Now
(5:18) : Invisible Disabilities
(9:17) : Positively Contribute to Invisible Disabilities
(13:21) : Band-Aid Solutions
(15:53) : Legislation
(28:52) : Include Accessibility First
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Jonathon Taylor shares his experience as an accessibility trainer. We touch upon the Shift Left Approach, the ambiguity that exists in WCAG conformance, solving for accessibility at the authorship level and at the user level, the possibility of universal solutions for all accessibility needs, and AI producing accessible code from the get-go.
Jonathon also takes us through the different types of accessibility training—end-to-end training, self-guided approaches, collaborative and instructor-led training—and what the pros and cons of each of them are. He also gives his perspective on measuring the impacts of training, scaling, and concluding them.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(1:20) : Journey Into Accessibility
(2:24) : Life as an Accessibility Trainer
(5:34) : Empowering those who are unaware of accessibility
(7:10) : Shift Left Approach
(9:00) : Types of Accessibility Training
(18:26) : Ambiguity in WCAG conformance
(22:08) : Universal Solution for all accessibility needs
(28:02) : Using AI to produce accessible code
(31:25) : Upgrade skill-set to suit a larger audience
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AccessibilityTraining #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Nitika talks about accessibility incorporation in content. Be it interacting with end-users, writing Alt-Text, balancing the brand guidelines, or working with the design and development teams to ensure accessible experiences.
She talks in specific about how she often uses resultant numbers like improved retention rate and bounce rate to convince people on the importance of accessibility—win-win for the company as well as the end-users.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction and Overview
(03:10) : The Importance of Accessibility in Content and Design
(08:12) : Balancing Accessibility with Brand Guidelines
(11:20) : Measuring the Impact of Accessibility on User Engagement
(24:29) : Accessibility as a Disruptor in the Industry
(26:18) : The Role of Audits in Driving Accessibility
(29:13) : Closing Thoughts
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AssistiveTechnology #CrossFunctionalTeams #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Alex talks about how she creates user-centric designs every day. She touches upon designing for all user groups, finding the right user groups for testing, prioritizing accessibility when in competing priorities, and the eventual benefits of an accessible product.
The conversation also explores the evolving role of accessibility in the public and private sectors, the importance of continuous learning, and the future of accessibility in the context of AI and machine learning. Alex also expresses a passion for physical product design and smart city technologies, drawing inspiration from Japan's public infrastructure.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Journey into Accessibility: Challenges and Successes
(07:21) : The Evolving Role of Accessibility
(26:03) : Passion for Physical Product Design and Smart City Technologies
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AccessibleTechnology #InclusiveDesign #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleDesign
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Emily talks about how smartphones have accelerated the adoption of accessibility to support user preferences, program management at the enterprise level, how accessibility should be backward integrated and maintainable, how AI needs to be trained on disabilities, the lack of data for AI, and whether AI will take over the jobs of accessibility experts.
Throughout the podcast, she shares real-life stories of how accessibility has been adopted over the years, including the many features that started out as accessibility features. We bet you haven't heard this anywhere else!
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction and Background
(02:04) : Becoming an Accessibility Leader
(06:10) : The Impact of Technology on Accessibility
(09:08) : Compliance vs. Usability
(10:31) : Training and Education in Accessibility
(11:36) : The Holistic Approach to Accessibility
(23:47) : Building a Multidisciplinary Accessibility Team
(29:04) : The Role of AI in Accessibility
(34:24) : Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Accessibility
(36:26) : The Future of Accessibility and AI
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AssistiveTechnology #CrossFunctionalTeams #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Shannon talks about having an accessibility strategy that follows the product lifecycle, the need for a cross-functional team that understands accessibility, the need for executive support to prioritize accessibility, and how not all accessibility can be achieved in the first release.
She also expresses that she'll never compromise on testing her product without people with disabilities reviewing it. Finally, she also expresses her concern about products that are automated with AI without a human component involved in the process.
Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX
Timestamp:
(00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility and Guest Background
(02:54) : Falling in Love with Accessibility
(08:57) : The Role of Cross-Functional Teams
(14:20) : Leadership Buy-In and Challenges
(19:30) : The Impact of AI on Accessibility
(25:15) : Passion for Promoting Accessibility
#AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11y #AssistiveTechnology #CrossFunctionalTeams #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology #HumanCenteredAI
Stephanie is the Executive Director of National Disability Center for Student Success.
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Stephanie dives into the challenges of creating truly inclusive environments. She discusses gaps in accessibility training, cultural barriers, the need for deeper understanding of disability and ableism. Stephanie highlights issues like inaccessible assessments, limited support for employees with disabilities, and the importance of designing technology, such as AI, with inclusivity in mind. This conversation redefines accessibility as more than compliance—it's about fostering genuine inclusion for all.
Manny is the Senior UX Designer at IBM iX.
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Manny talks about integrating accessibility into the design process, the evolution of accessibility in web development, the challenges of implementing accessibility in projects,
He also emphasizes the importance of framing accessibility issues in a way that resonates with business stakeholders. Along with discussing the future of accessibility, he speaks about the impact of AI in color contrast algorithms.
Amber is a Digital Resources Specialist with Instructional Resources Service at UW-Stout.
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Amber talks about the shift to digital-only textbooks, the challenges of implementing and scaling accessibility programs, and the need for a more proactive approach to accommodations.
She talks about the importance of day one accessibility, and how she has applied accessibility to various projects.
Giorgio is the Vice President and Head of Engineering at Opaque Systems.
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Giorgio talks about the need for investment in accessibility and the lack of representation of people with disabilities in organizations.
He also talks about a few success stories from his career, while sharing his thoughts on the biggest disruptions in accessibility.
Daniela is a senior digital experience strategist at AKQA.
In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Daniela talks about the importance of empathy and inclusivity, the challenges of scaling accessibility programs, and the need for accessibility understanding and education. She also highlights the impact of social disruption, the role of AI in making accessibility more accessible, and the importance of maintaining the human element in accessibility efforts.