I trained as a speech and language therapist and worked in London hospitals supporting people with communication difficulties. Later working in schools where children had special educational needs, I began to use strategies involving the emerging technologies of the 1990s.

My Fellowship introduced me to Assistive Technology (AT) centres in the USA. On my return I started a regional centre at the University of Sussex, liaising with others to introduce the concept of equal access to teaching and learning for those with disabilities. Then, working with a national AT organisation led to more digital accessibility work, involving strategies to make online content easier for use by anyone with physical, sensory or cognitive difficulties.

A move to the University of Southampton resulted in EU collaboration and research using Artificial Intelligence to further improve access to digital content. I am involved with the development of an open licensed pictographic symbol repository, and training materials for those who struggle with speech. Thanks to a Covid-19 Churchill grant we have a free communication chart builder, and Global Symbols is now used across the world and working with UNICEF.