Welcome!
So, I wear a few different hats, but my passion is clear: I challenge long-standing problems through analysis of authentic information and data, collaborating with people and empowering them to make a positive difference – for their communities, workplaces, and each other.
What I Do
At the heart of my work is access auditing – exploring how buildings were originally designed, how they’ve evolved over time, and how laws, regulations, and societal needs have shaped them and what needs to happen to meet those needs. I don’t just look at the bricks and mortar.
Access and inclusion are often spoken about as abstract ideas, but in reality, they’re lived experiences. When assumptions are made or people are marginalised, it sends a powerful message about who is – and isn’t – welcome in a space. My role is to help organisations recognise these barriers and make changes that foster equity and belonging.
I believe that both buildings and processes must be carefully considered to understand their impact on people. Sometimes the issues are obvious, and sometimes they’re hidden – that’s where I come in. And if I don’t have the answer, I’ll connect you with someone who does.
How I Work
I approach challenges positively, using collaboration, research, and knowledge-sharing to spark meaningful action. Over the years, I’ve researched and delivered key focus groups on:
- Inclusive design and toilets, including the challenges of Changing Places toilets in heritage sites
- Disability Confidence in organisations
- The experiences of neurodivergent people working in the Creative Industries with recommendations with DDCMS and other research data.
I have over 20 years of experience working in Heritage and the Creative Industries, where I worked with diverse collections, collaborated with communities, access panels, focus groups and accessible interpretation. I advocate for:
- Constructive, research driven support
- Better funding for buildings to be accessible and inclusive to people
- Understanding and collaborating the long-standing challenges to share expertise,
bring fresh perspectives and positive actions to long standing issues - Recognition and support of the power and talent of people working in heritage, how we can increase representation and attract and retain talent.
I also bring my lived experience. Sharing my chronic conditions and neurodivergent profile (dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD) has sometimes felt uncomfortable and exposing – as if the spotlight is only on my challenges, not my strengths. I want to change that conversation. Being neurodivergent has shaped the way I think I see patterns, connections, and practical actions in data and research that others may miss.
My Journey
I was diagnosed as neurodivergent in 1996 at the age of 23. Since then, my “squiggly career” has taken me from supporting children and young people with dyslexia in education policy, to working with adults facing literacy challenges, to collaborating with organisations like Universal Music. I’ve also contributed to the development of PAS6463: Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity in the Built Environment.
Along the way, I’ve worked with charities, BSi, the Dyslexia Adult Network, and as a trustee with AchieveAbility to create neuroinclusive environments and practices. Each step has deepened my belief in the power of inclusion, collaboration, and practical change.