Disability Access Symposium 2026

Last Updated on 14/07/2026

The Disability Access Symposium 2026 will be a combination of virtual and in-person events, week commencing 05/10/2026, a collaboration of the Disability & Access Ambassadors, charities, champions, and experts, sharing best practice and thought leadership accelerating the accessibility for disabled people.

In-Person Events:
There will be two in-person events – this one and a second on 8th October.

You can register here to attend.

Expert Speakers:

We are delighted to confirm the following expert speakers throughout the week:

• Sir Charlie Mayfield – Keep Britain Working
• Sara Weller, CBE – Disability Dividend
• Giles Barker, BEM – Channel 4
• Johnny Timpson, OBE
• Chris Fitch, – Money Advice Trust
• Jan Levy, – Three Hands
• Hector Minto – Kerbcut
• Victoria Garcia, MBE – The Go-Ahead Group
• Kate Hedley – The Clear Company
• Kathryn Townsend – Nationwide
• Debbie North – Access the Dales
• Becks Brindley – Natwest
• Leighann Forsyth – BIBA
• Howard Taylor – PWC
• Edward Grant – Just Asked

The symposium designed to:

• Amplify the initiatives, solutions and resources being used across sectors which already enhance experience for disabled customers and employees, but other sectors are not aware of.
• Raise knowledge of the latest research pertaining to accessibility so that decisions are based on up-to-date insights.
• Bring together sectors and champions who can discuss and share the latest inclusive design so that the experience disabled customers and employees is enhanced.

Virtual Events:

Throughout the week we will schedule virtual content which will be recorded in advance and played during the week. The Chartered Insurance Institute will host the virtual content.

Themes:

We are working on the following cross sector themes

• Employment and Retention Gap
• Assistive Technology
• Better Design
• Inclusive Communications