I'm Paul Smyth MBE
I help disabled people work, bank and reach their full potential.
My disability doesn't define or devalue me.
I'm working to redefine, reimagine and transform what disability means
I help disabled people work, bank and reach their full potential.
My disability doesn't define or devalue me.
I'm working to redefine, reimagine and transform what disability means
Founder and leader of the Digital Accessibility team at Barclays
Ensuring digital services are designed for each of us so they work for all of us.
Embedding Accessibility into organisations’ products, services and culture
Thought leader and public speaker
Board member of Business Disability Forum (BDF)
Disability ambassador for web accessibility (appointed by UK Government)
Received an MBE for services to disability inclusion in 2020
Accessibility leadership and strategy
Fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration
Digital accessibility and Assistive Tech expert
Evangelist for disability inclusion and inclusive design
Risk and programme management
An Accessibility leader of an organisation focuses on:
Identifying, anticipating and removing barriers faced by disabled customers and colleagues.
Promoting and policing accessibility standards in how digital services and workplace tools are built or bought – resulting in a great experience for a greater number of people
Upskilling digital and business teams to consciously include disabled customers builds empathy and better products for everyone. ‘You need to be aware to care’.
Building products and services by, for and with disabled people helps them be more visible, valued and included, shifting society’s attitudes for the better.
When disabled people are included and empowered, it drives product innovations, engaged workforces and inclusive workplaces
Sharing best practice and supporting the disability community and accessibility profession. ‘To move fast, go alone but to move far, go together’.
I’ve been promoting and improving the accessibility for and inclusion of disabled people for 10+ years. Here’s some of my favourite quotes that have shaped my values
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” - Maya Angelou
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care” - Teddy Roosevelt
“Companies with purpose last, brands with purpose grow and people with purpose thrive” – Unilever
“Strong people stand up for themselves but stronger people stand up for others” - Anonymous
“Diversity is about counting people. Inclusion is about insisting that people count” - Anonymous