What if communication didn’t rely on speech alone?

In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle sits down with speech therapist Libby Brownlie to explore keyword sign—a powerful yet often overlooked communication strategy that supports people who have difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

Libby explains how keyword sign works, who it helps, and why it remains an essential tool in the world of disability and augmentative communication. From children with developmental delays to adults with brain injuries, keyword sign offers a practical, human-centred way to connect.

You’ll also learn:

• What keyword sign is (and how it differs from Auslan)
• Why communication is more complex than we realise
• How gesture and body language play a vital role in understanding
• The pros and cons of high-tech communication tools vs signing
• How you can start learning and using keyword sign

This episode is an eye-opening conversation about accessibility, inclusion, and the many ways we can make communication more human.

Listen, learn, and rethink what communication really means.

Are disability expos and networking events really accessible? In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle speaks with Sue Wickham and Rosie Putland about the simple, practical steps event organisers can take to remove barriers. From better venue information and accessible marketing to guide dog facilities and presenter training, this conversation explores how to build trust and create inclusive events that work for everyone.

Simone Eyles from Disinfluencer candidly shares what it's like to build a marketing business around disability inclusion and to help bring inclusivity to disability for other brands and businesses.

This week's guest is Melanie Robertson from Deafblind Information Australia. We focused on topics around digital accessibility via website audits, the quality of online platforms the deafblind community is used to, and much more.

This week's guest is Matthew Horspool. He works in assistive technology, training others to use digitally accessible technologies. Matthew candidly shares what it's like to live in the UK as not only someone who works with digital accessibility, but also as someone with a disability that depends on that very technology he trains others to use.

This week's guest is Nick Hosking from KN Website Design and the Do Better Campaign. Nick helps illuminate what digital accessibility truly asks from web developers and designers, and whether DIY website builders can create accessible environments.

In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle sits down once again with disability advocate and educator Tommy Trout, founder of Disbranded and Inclusive AF. Together, they dive into the complex, sometimes confronting, but deeply important history of disability in Australia—and what it teaches us about inclusion today.

Tommy shares powerful insights from his work, including stories of hidden pioneers, the impact of institutionalisation, and why understanding our past is essential for creating a more accessible future. Narelle and Tommy explore what inclusion really means, how businesses can take meaningful action, and why younger generations are driving positive cultural change.

This is an honest, uplifting, and thought‑provoking conversation about disability pride, acceptance, and the small steps that lead to big shifts.

Ask yourself: What does inclusivity mean to you?

In this episode of The Digital Access Show, Narelle is joined by brand designer and accessibility specialist Shannon Towell for a deep dive into the world of colour accessibility. From contrast ratios to colour‑blindness considerations, Shannon breaks down how colour shapes user experience — and why relying on colour alone can leave people behind.

Shannon also shares the story behind her innovative multicolour contrast checker, a tool designed to help creators, designers, and brands quickly assess and improve the accessibility of their colour palettes. Whether you're building a website, refreshing a brand, or simply wanting to make your content more inclusive, this episode offers practical insights and easy wins to elevate accessibility.

A must‑listen for anyone who wants their digital spaces to welcome everyone.