Digital Accessibility, Inclusive Design and Leadership: Lucy Collins on Building a More Accessible Online World
Season 4 • Episode 5
31 min
Published August 2026
Digital Accessibility • Inclusive Design • Leadership
Episode summary
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Lucy Collins, CEO of WebUsability, to explore the importance of digital accessibility and why inclusive design should be considered from the very beginning of every technology project. Lucy shares her journey from marketing into user research before taking over the family business and developing her own leadership style centred around empathy, purpose and inclusion.
The conversation explores how accessibility benefits everyone, not just people with permanent disabilities. Lucy explains how user research with people who have lived experience helps organisations understand the real barriers people face online, while discussing assistive technologies, AI, voice recognition, Meta Ray-Bans and the future of personalised digital experiences. Rebecca and Beverly also discuss entrepreneurship, motherhood, wellbeing and finding harmony between running a business and family life.
As the episode concludes, Lucy reflects on the importance of leading with purpose, prioritising personal wellbeing and building businesses that create lasting positive impact. Together they discuss inclusive leadership, accessible technology and why designing for everyone creates better products for all users.
Journey insights
- Accessibility should be built into every product from the very beginning.
- Inclusive design creates better experiences for everyone.
- Great leadership starts by looking after yourself as well as your team.
- Purpose-driven businesses can create lasting positive impact.
- Technology should remove barriers rather than create them.
Is this episode for you?
This episode is for you if you are:
- Digital product designers and developers.
- Business leaders and entrepreneurs.
- Educators interested in digital inclusion.
- UX researchers and accessibility professionals.
- Anyone passionate about creating technology that works for everyone.
About this episode
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Lucy Collins, CEO of WebUsability, to discuss digital accessibility, inclusive design and creating technology that works for everyone. Together they explore user research, AI, assistive technology, leadership, entrepreneurship and why accessibility should be at the heart of every digital experience.
About the speakers
Lucy Collins
Lucy Collins is the CEO of WebUsability, a user research and accessibility consultancy helping organisations create digital products that are accessible, inclusive and easy to use. She specialises in user research, digital accessibility, inclusive design and helping organisations embed accessibility into every stage of product development.
Rebecca Franks
Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.
Beverly Clarke MBE
Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.
Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.
Resources mentioned
- WebUsability
- Digital accessibility
- Inclusive design
- User research
- Universal design
- Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
- Speech recognition technology
- European Accessibility Act
- AbilityNet
- Artificial intelligence
