Recommendations

One of the joys of owning my own website is having the freedom to use it in ways that feel meaningful to me.

This site isn’t a sales pitch, and I’m not interested in using it to collect testimonials. I trust that sharing how I think about my work - and the values that guide it - is enough to speak for itself.

Instead, this page is my way of paying it forward.

The people listed here are those I've had a meaningful connection with: through collaboration, shared learning, conversation, or seeking their guidance. Each has shaped my thinking in a significant way and I’m glad to be able to acknowledge that influence here.

My recommendations here do not imply any endorsement from these individuals, and, to avoid embarassment, I’ve chosen not to include anyone I currently work with (they already know they’re awesome anyway).

People I’ve worked with

Individuals whose collaboration, care, and practice have had a lasting impact on how I approach my own work. I’d happily recommend them for future projects.

Where it feels appropriate, I’ve used recommendations I’ve previously shared publicly on LinkedIn, adapted for this space.

Lisa Toon

Lisa was my line manager at the University of Strathclyde. A highly skilled project manager, I appreciated that Lisa recognised my strengths and gave me autonomy, while also communicating clear expectations and promoting a culture of continous improvement.

Our working relationship was highly collaborative - exactly the kind of dynamic I value in any role. As it was my first time working in higher education, having an advocate like Lisa - someone who could get me into the right rooms and anticipate potential blockers - was invaluable.

What I valued most was the positive and psychologically safe working environment she fostered. Lisa actively welcomes diverse perspectives and creates space for everyone’s voice to be heard.

Revathy Krishnan

Revathy and I worked closely together at the University of Strathclyde. When I arrived, she had already established a robust and agile accessibility testing process, quickly becoming a subject matter expert in digital accessibility. She successfully expanded her existing software testing skillset, deepening her knowledge of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and testing techniques, including the use of assistive technology.

I was particularly impressed by Revathy’s organised and methodical approach to her work and this only encouraged me to ensure my own processes were as robust.

Katey Hügi

I was Katey's line manager and later colleague at AbilityNet. From day one, I have been inspired by Katey’s curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. Already a document accessibility and learning subject matter expert, Katey has continued to develop her expertise in the broader field of digital accessibility.

As project lead on the development of our Onboarding Portal - a critical initiative to bring cohesion and clarity to our company-wide onboarding of new hires - Katey developed and communicated a clear vision, established realistic project milestones and encouraged and collaborated with multiple, multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Ashley Peacock

I was Ashley's line manager and later colleague at AbilityNet. An established leader in inclusive user research, Ashley is intentional in uncovering the “why” behind people's motivations and actions. Her strong contextual awareness means she understands and is able to anticipate the needs of different stakeholders and business constraints, adapting her approach to successfully deliver complex projects.

Through strong communication and storytelling, Ashley promotes designing inclusive experiences using solid data and championing the lived experience of diverse users, in a way that always resonates with clients and project members.

I appreciate how Ashley encourages mutual introspection and her contributions always come from a place of considered reflection. I have no doubt that my own approach to inclusivity has benefited from her mentorship.

Claire Poste

I was Claire's line manager and later colleague at AbilityNet. Claire brings a proactive, calm and self-assured attitude to her work that inspires confidence in those around her. As a senior lead in the team, Claire combined her soft skills in stakeholder management, public speaking and mentoring, with her technical expertise in document and web accessibility.

Claire is naturally empathetic and, as a qualified Mental Health First Aider, a trusted representative for others. Inclusion goes beyond technical skills and I saw how Claire brings this to her work every day.

Subject matter experts I admire

Practitioners and advocates whose work consistently inspires me. I’ve met or corresponded with each of them, and I recommend their work because it consistently reflects values that resonate strongly with my own.

Sara Soueidan

I regularly refer to Sara's excellent blog articles, with particular favourites being Inclusively Hiding & Styling Checkboxes and Radio Buttons, and Accessible notifications with ARIA Live Regions (Part 1 and Part 2). I find the way she explains very complex concepts very clear, with sound, practical advice.

This year (2025) I purchased her Practical Accessibility course and, while I've so far only dipped my toes in, I did email Sara a handful of times before making a purchase and was delighted with the warm and encouraging responses she sent.

I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the course proper over the festive break as I know it will have the same quality as her other material.

Laura Kalbag

I've followed Laura's work for years, since reading her book Accessibility for Everyone. I also had the privilege to see her speak at State of the Browser 2019 and bend her ear for a few moments. I value not only her accessibility advocacy and social justice work, but also her focus on the small web (something that has only become even more relevant to me as I rediscover the indie web/personal web).

Andy Bell

I first came across Andy, also at State of the Browser 2019, and subsequently subscribed to his Piccallili site newsletter. However, it was completing his Learn Eleventy from Scratch course (now free and maintained by uncenter) in 2021 that really made me appreciate his approachability and the focus he places on digital accessibility.

It remains a genuine pleasure reading his thoughts on web development and I regularly refer to his implementation articles, such as Create a semantic breakout button to make an entire element clickable.

Heather Hepburn

I know Heather from her work as co-owner of the Champions of Accessibility Network and I think from some work AbiltyNet did with SkyScanner. I had the privilege to be involved in some early ideation for the CAN resource library and Heather went out of her way to make me feel welcome and valued. I don't manage to make it to every event, or even post in the community very often, but Heather is building a space that's lovely and very supportive to accessibility advocates.

Tony Reeves

I met Tony when I did the Ding Learning Design bootcamp, an intensive 6-week course that promoted inclusivity, empathy and community. I loved that the instructors brought such diverse perspectives to the discipline.

From my very first questions about the course, to feedback on my work, and my career since, Tony has always offered to listen and offer sound advice. He's so kind and has the kind of energy that you can't help but feel inspired by.

Tim Slade

I first came across Tim's YouTube channel and found his calm, warm, down to earth style so reassuring at a time when I was moving into a role more focused on instructional design. This was completely validated when I signed up for his eLearning Designer's Academy and I saw how much effort he puts into supporting the community.

Dr Terri Senft

Last but not least, I'd like to recognise Dr Senft who was my Media Studies tutor when I was studying games design at UEL all those years ago. Her passionate seminars on how digital media shapes culture, identities and participation - a modern lens for Marshall McLuhan's ideas of "The medium is the message" - were very formative experiences that have always stuck with me.

I didn't know it then, but my journey towards digital inclusion was already being shaped by Terri showing me how the internet shapes us.

This isn’t an exhaustive list — just a small group of people whose work I genuinely value.