ADCET/OZeWAI Ask the Professionals session – 130 July 2025 –Myth Busting Accessibility in Australian Tertiary Education.
Panelists
Darren Britten
Darren is a passionate advocate for inclusive practices and accessible resource development in tertiary education. With over two decades of experience, he specialises in digital equity, assistive technology, and accessibility. With a background in audio engineering, web design, learning design, and accessible resource development, he currently serves as the National Assistive Technology Officer with the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET). Darren also works with Deakin University on digital equity initiatives aimed at improving capabilities for staff and students. Darren facilitates the ADCET Assist service to assist educators and disability support staff across the tertiary education sector with any and all queries relating to digital accessibility, inclusive teaching and assistive technology. He is co-host of the ADCET podcast ILOTA Things which explores the intersection of Universal Design for Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Accessibility.
Andrew Downie
Andrew worked for TAFE NSW for 25 years in the areas of assistive technology and accessible online material. He now works part time for University of Technology Sydney as an Accessibility Consultant. A psychologist by training and inclination, Andrew appreciates the potential benefit of thoughtfully developed hardware and software. He is also frustrated by the poor design of much online material.
Amelia Dowe
Amelia has spent numerous years working in universities to support the success of students in a range of ways. Most recently, this has included a focus on online learning and accessible digital environments. She is a co-convenor of the Tasmanian Chapter of EPHEA, and loves finding ways to make practical progress towards goals of equity and inclusion.
Kim Neville
Kim Neville is the Digital Accessibility Practice Lead at the Australian National University, where they work across teaching and learning, research, and staff and student services in their current digital transformation program. With a varied background in Digital Accessibility, Human Centred Design practices, Web and content production, digital learning tools and IT Services, Kim leads strategic initiatives to ensure digital platforms and projects incorporate accessibility work to improve accessible experiences of work and study at the university. Kim and the Digital Accessibility team work collaboratively with colleges, IT teams, education designers, and university leadership to incorporate accessibility into the digital ecosystem—ranging from course materials and learning management systems to university websites and digital tools. The team also provide training, develop policy, and guide audits and remediation projects to support a digitally inclusive culture. Kim holds a Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility and post graduate qualifications in Interactive Multimedia and Sound and is an active OzeWAI member. Kim brings a strong commitment to user focused methods to design and implement digital inclusion.