Sarah Smye-Rumsby

Senior Accessibility Specialist at DXC Technology

I’m Sarah Smye Rumsby

I bring 18 years of experience as an Accessibility Specialist, following a rewarding career as a teacher. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to making digital spaces inclusive and empowering for everyone.

I’m certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and hold the CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies), which reflects my expertise in inclusive design, assistive technologies, and accessibility standards.
Throughout my career, I’ve supported a wide range of organisations including:
Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
NHS England (NHSE)
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Insolvency Service
Worldline
Police services
BBC
DEFRA
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Ministry of Defence (MoD)

I support users with additional needs or disabilities, often helping them navigate and make the most of Assistive Technology software. My work includes:
Best practice guidance
Consultation and training
Troubleshooting and complex case resolution
Reasonable Adjustment Assessments, most recently for MoD staff
I’m passionate about creating digital environments where everyone can thrive—whether that’s through accessible design, inclusive workplace tools, or thoughtful accommodations. My goal is always to ensure that no one is left behind.

Leanne Newell

Business Unit Manager for Inclusion, Productivity & Wellbeing at Hypertec

Leanne Newell is the Inclusion, Productivity & Wellbeing Business Unit Manager for Hypertec. She has over 18 years of experience helping organisations create truly inclusive workplaces. A passionate advocate for cultural inclusion and accessibility, Leanne specialises in reasonable adjustments across vision, hearing, and physical impairments, as well as ergonomics and neurodiversity.
Known for her practical, empathetic approach, she works closely with businesses to remove barriers and boost both well-being and performance. In 2025, Leanne was proudly shortlisted for Women of the Year, Diversity Advocate, and Role Model of the Year at the Women & Diversity in Channel Awards and for Diversity Advocate of the Year at the SheCanCode Power Up Awards.
Her work is known for being insightful, empathetic, and rooted in real-world impact.

Laura Cook

Co-Founder and Director at Skillbridge Solutions

Laura Cook is a dynamic and dedicated professional with a strong commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. As the Managing Director of The Learning Support Centre Limited, Laura has been at the forefront of providing specialist disability support services and training for over 15 years. Her company offers a range of services, including one-to-one tuition, mentoring, electronic note-taking, and assistive technology training, tailored to meet the needs of dyslexic and disabled clients. Laura's journey began with the establishment of Jotters Ltd in 2003, where she worked as an Academic Support Worker. Her passion for delivering bespoke, quality-assured support led to the creation of The Learning Support Centre in 2009. Under her leadership, the centre has evolved to offer accredited training courses, including disability confidence training and specialist support worker development. In addition to her role at The Learning Support Centre, Laura is the Director of Skillbridge Solutions and the Vice Chair of the Association of NMH Providers. She has also served as a SEND Trainer for the Governor Development Service at Leicestershire County Council and as a Governor at Meadows Community Primary School. Laura's dedication to accessibility and inclusivity is reflected in her extensive experience and numerous accolades, including being a finalist for East Midlands Business Woman of the Year and receiving the Leicester Business Women of the Year award. She is a passionate advocate for equal education and career opportunities for dyslexic and disabled individuals.

Alice Hastie

Director at Sycamore Disability & Business

Alice Hastie is an independent Access to Work adviser, Disability Consultant and Workplace Needs Assessor. She runs Sycamore Disability and Business based in Bristol."I’ve had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for nearly 15 years. I had to retire from my public sector career in 2018 due to ill health. Now, with support from Access to Work, I am able to work in a way that suits me. My goal is to help other disabled people stay in work that they enjoy, find meaningful and pays them their full value.”

AT Insight Speakers

Sarah Smye-Rumsby

Leanne Newell

Laura Cook

Alice Hastie

Why should you attend?