Agenda
Joining us for Access:Given on Wednesday 13th May 2026 at the Catalyst Building in Newcastle? Here’s what to expect from the big day. Speakers will be announced in the new few weeks.
9:00–10:00
Doors open, teas and coffees and exhibition space
10:00–10:10
Opening remarks with co-founders Michelle O’Connor and Ellen Boyle.
10:10–10:30
Lighting talk #1
Samantha Merrett, senior accessibility specialist at the Ministry of Justice, will share how to create accessible documents.
Lighting talk #2
Jane McFadyen, senior content designer at DWP Digital, will discuss accessible numbers: Designing for people who have dyscalculia or low numeracy.
10:30–11:10
Talk #1: Lisa Riemers and Matisse Hamel-Nelis on Working better, together: accessibility, inclusion and internal communications.
11:10–11:30
Coffee break
11:30–12:10
Talk #2: Simon Ellis on Building accessibility into the software development lifecycle.
12:10–13:10
Lunch break
13:10–13:20
Lighting talk #3:
Elza Parisa from CareScribe about Accessibility Without Asking: Why Live Captioning Helps Everyone Listen, Learn, and Remember.
13:20–14:20
Panel discussion (Speakers to be confirmed soon.)
14:20–14:40
Afternoon break
14:40–15:20
Talk #3: Martin Underhill on Going beyond components and building accessible experiences
15:20–16:00
Keynote Speaker: Carrie-Ann Lightly on Authentic inclusive storytelling: the power of diverse voices to drive real change.
16:00–16:20
Closing remarks with Ellen and Michelle.
17:00–onwards
After party at Town Wall Pub, Pink Lane. Tickets required (add on at checkout).
About the venue
Theatre (Ground Floor), Catalyst Building, Newcastle Helix, Science Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TG
what3words:
///quiz.above.freed
Parking:
Newcastle Helix Garage, Corporation St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TF
what3words:
///joke.baked.phones
Nearest Metro Stations:
- St James Station, Gallowgate (Local trains on the yellow line from Coast via Wallsend) – approx. 7 min walk
- Central Station (All other lines) – approx. 10 min walk
Our Sensory Room
All attendees, speakers and sponsors will have access to our sensory room on the day.
Located upstairs, the Derwent Room is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the event.
We will have water, books and fidget toys in this room.
It’s important to us that this remains a quiet space, so please don’t use it as a place to take phone calls or network. There’s loads of places to do that in the downstairs of the building.
