Andrew Hick
@andrewhick.bsky.social
Accessibility and test person at Government Digital Service, AndrewHick.com. Bath UK, he/him, opinions my own.
Profile picture: white beardy man smiling.
Banner: colour chart with "blue" and "sky" colours prominent.
Profile picture: white beardy man smiling.
Banner: colour chart with "blue" and "sky" colours prominent.
Reposted by Andrew Hick
My webinar on making printed and digital content #accessibility is now available as a standalone video with descriptions and captions in: English, Ukrainian, Malay, Arabic, Czech, German, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish.
youtu.be/AO9XXkrACtU?...
youtu.be/AO9XXkrACtU?...
Accessibility for Printed & Digital Content
YouTube video by Rare Disease Day
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
My webinar on making printed and digital content #accessibility is now available as a standalone video with descriptions and captions in: English, Ukrainian, Malay, Arabic, Czech, German, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish.
youtu.be/AO9XXkrACtU?...
youtu.be/AO9XXkrACtU?...
Reposted by Andrew Hick
This Halloween, the Dept. for Supernatural Affairs* invites you to take part in a haunted accessibility exercise.
ghost-sighting.lorithomson.co.uk password = ‘Halloween’
Each page contains accessibility issues and clues.
*Definitely (not) a made-up department and service.
Happy Ghost Spotting!
ghost-sighting.lorithomson.co.uk password = ‘Halloween’
Each page contains accessibility issues and clues.
*Definitely (not) a made-up department and service.
Happy Ghost Spotting!
October 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM
This Halloween, the Dept. for Supernatural Affairs* invites you to take part in a haunted accessibility exercise.
ghost-sighting.lorithomson.co.uk password = ‘Halloween’
Each page contains accessibility issues and clues.
*Definitely (not) a made-up department and service.
Happy Ghost Spotting!
ghost-sighting.lorithomson.co.uk password = ‘Halloween’
Each page contains accessibility issues and clues.
*Definitely (not) a made-up department and service.
Happy Ghost Spotting!
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Little reminder that an inaccessible website means lost customers, and lost revenues.
From the article: "Research shows UK businesses collectively lose £17.1 billion a year because shoppers using assistive technology abandon websites that don’t work for them...
From the article: "Research shows UK businesses collectively lose £17.1 billion a year because shoppers using assistive technology abandon websites that don’t work for them...
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: why accessibility could be your biggest sales advantage
Businesses lose nearly £446 million every BFCM weekend because of inaccessible websites. Learn how accessibility boosts conversions, loyalty, and sales, and how to prepare for the biggest shopping weekend of the year.
davedavies.dev
October 28, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Little reminder that an inaccessible website means lost customers, and lost revenues.
From the article: "Research shows UK businesses collectively lose £17.1 billion a year because shoppers using assistive technology abandon websites that don’t work for them...
From the article: "Research shows UK businesses collectively lose £17.1 billion a year because shoppers using assistive technology abandon websites that don’t work for them...
Catching up on Inclusive Design 24 and can strongly recommend Kaye Moors' presentation on Brain Overload - great points about cognitive accessibility and stakeholder buy in 👏 m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij_y...
Kaye Moors / Brain Overload: The Silent Barrier to Inclusive Design #id24 2025
YouTube video by Inclusive Design 24 #id24
m.youtube.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Catching up on Inclusive Design 24 and can strongly recommend Kaye Moors' presentation on Brain Overload - great points about cognitive accessibility and stakeholder buy in 👏 m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij_y...
Reposted by Andrew Hick
"Can the iPhone do that yet?"
Back in 2008, Stephen Fry published a list of things that he wished the iPhone could do.
Has the future caught up?
shkspr.mobi/blog/2023/09...
Back in 2008, Stephen Fry published a list of things that he wished the iPhone could do.
Has the future caught up?
shkspr.mobi/blog/2023/09...
Can the iPhone do that yet?
While farting around online, I stumbled across this 2008 Time Capsule from Stephen Fry. In it, he discusses the state of mobile phones - diving into the problems with BlackBerry's and Apple's latest o...
shkspr.mobi
September 4, 2025 at 7:01 AM
"Can the iPhone do that yet?"
Back in 2008, Stephen Fry published a list of things that he wished the iPhone could do.
Has the future caught up?
shkspr.mobi/blog/2023/09...
Back in 2008, Stephen Fry published a list of things that he wished the iPhone could do.
Has the future caught up?
shkspr.mobi/blog/2023/09...
Reposted by Andrew Hick
It's only 4 weeks until the first Access:Given, a one-day digital accessibility conference in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
We're excited to be supporting this event and its female founders.
There are only a few tickets left - you can find out more information on the website:
buff.ly/plgNx4u
We're excited to be supporting this event and its female founders.
There are only a few tickets left - you can find out more information on the website:
buff.ly/plgNx4u
Access:Given | Digital Accessibility Conference in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Join us on 10th September 2025 for Access:Given, a one day digital accessibility conference in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
buff.ly
August 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
It's only 4 weeks until the first Access:Given, a one-day digital accessibility conference in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
We're excited to be supporting this event and its female founders.
There are only a few tickets left - you can find out more information on the website:
buff.ly/plgNx4u
We're excited to be supporting this event and its female founders.
There are only a few tickets left - you can find out more information on the website:
buff.ly/plgNx4u
Reposted by Andrew Hick
We need a new term for “best practice”. It feels optional. Like “what you’ve done is fine, but here’s how others do it.”
In reality, when we say best practice, we mean “this is a definite accessibility barrier, we just can’t log it as a failure in the scope of this standard.”
#accessibility #a11y
In reality, when we say best practice, we mean “this is a definite accessibility barrier, we just can’t log it as a failure in the scope of this standard.”
#accessibility #a11y
August 12, 2025 at 6:07 AM
We need a new term for “best practice”. It feels optional. Like “what you’ve done is fine, but here’s how others do it.”
In reality, when we say best practice, we mean “this is a definite accessibility barrier, we just can’t log it as a failure in the scope of this standard.”
#accessibility #a11y
In reality, when we say best practice, we mean “this is a definite accessibility barrier, we just can’t log it as a failure in the scope of this standard.”
#accessibility #a11y
Reposted by Andrew Hick
every team should have a little bit of internet to call their own, where they can publish texts, images, ideas, experiments, etc
it doesn't sound like a lot to ask.
but in most organisations, it's very hard to make happen.
it doesn't sound like a lot to ask.
but in most organisations, it's very hard to make happen.
August 11, 2025 at 3:23 PM
every team should have a little bit of internet to call their own, where they can publish texts, images, ideas, experiments, etc
it doesn't sound like a lot to ask.
but in most organisations, it's very hard to make happen.
it doesn't sound like a lot to ask.
but in most organisations, it's very hard to make happen.
Introducing WCAG for humans: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines manually summarised on one page in 7 practical themes: AndrewHick.com/humans ♿️ Feedback welcome! Many thanks to Martin Glancy for reviewing the draft and @tempertemper.bsky.social for the initial inspiration. #accessibility #wcag
August 6, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Introducing WCAG for humans: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines manually summarised on one page in 7 practical themes: AndrewHick.com/humans ♿️ Feedback welcome! Many thanks to Martin Glancy for reviewing the draft and @tempertemper.bsky.social for the initial inspiration. #accessibility #wcag
Reposted by Andrew Hick
What’s one thing you wish was more widely known about digital accessibility?
I’ll go first.
I wish more developers knew how to check elements for accessible names, roles and values.
#accessibility #a11y
I’ll go first.
I wish more developers knew how to check elements for accessible names, roles and values.
#accessibility #a11y
July 31, 2025 at 5:40 AM
What’s one thing you wish was more widely known about digital accessibility?
I’ll go first.
I wish more developers knew how to check elements for accessible names, roles and values.
#accessibility #a11y
I’ll go first.
I wish more developers knew how to check elements for accessible names, roles and values.
#accessibility #a11y
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Music Sales by format from 1973+
www.visualcapitalist.com/music-indust...
www.visualcapitalist.com/music-indust...
July 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Music Sales by format from 1973+
www.visualcapitalist.com/music-indust...
www.visualcapitalist.com/music-indust...
Reposted by Andrew Hick
A thing I wrote and I want to share again:
Don’t stop being creative because of some silly narrative about being replaceable. Create because you exist, share as an act of humanity, and create because you can. Selfishly, I want to see what you make.
That will always matter. It is the best of life.
Don’t stop being creative because of some silly narrative about being replaceable. Create because you exist, share as an act of humanity, and create because you can. Selfishly, I want to see what you make.
That will always matter. It is the best of life.
July 21, 2025 at 2:19 AM
A thing I wrote and I want to share again:
Don’t stop being creative because of some silly narrative about being replaceable. Create because you exist, share as an act of humanity, and create because you can. Selfishly, I want to see what you make.
That will always matter. It is the best of life.
Don’t stop being creative because of some silly narrative about being replaceable. Create because you exist, share as an act of humanity, and create because you can. Selfishly, I want to see what you make.
That will always matter. It is the best of life.
There's no "why" in AI. It's getting better at reading an image to predict its alt text - but can't yet know why the image is there. Is this cat here for comedy, or is the bed for sale?
Check your auto generated alt text before publishing! (That's my #AI hot take quota for this year) #accessibility
Check your auto generated alt text before publishing! (That's my #AI hot take quota for this year) #accessibility
July 13, 2025 at 3:14 PM
There's no "why" in AI. It's getting better at reading an image to predict its alt text - but can't yet know why the image is there. Is this cat here for comedy, or is the bed for sale?
Check your auto generated alt text before publishing! (That's my #AI hot take quota for this year) #accessibility
Check your auto generated alt text before publishing! (That's my #AI hot take quota for this year) #accessibility
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Sky says trans rights
July 10, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Sky says trans rights
Enjoy colours and accessible design? Here’s a mosaic of 262 curated colours inspired by art, nature, travel and culture. They’re in rough rainbow order, and text is black or white depending on which has the best contrast. AndrewHick.com/colour 🌈 #colour #color #noAI
July 8, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Enjoy colours and accessible design? Here’s a mosaic of 262 curated colours inspired by art, nature, travel and culture. They’re in rough rainbow order, and text is black or white depending on which has the best contrast. AndrewHick.com/colour 🌈 #colour #color #noAI
Reposted by Andrew Hick
If you had to change your bio to a song lyric what would it be?
I'm torn between
"I'm a humble guy with healthy desire" (pixies)
Or
"I'm not a prophet or a stone age man just a mortal with potential of a superman" (Bowie)
Let's hear yours x
I'm torn between
"I'm a humble guy with healthy desire" (pixies)
Or
"I'm not a prophet or a stone age man just a mortal with potential of a superman" (Bowie)
Let's hear yours x
July 7, 2025 at 7:35 AM
If you had to change your bio to a song lyric what would it be?
I'm torn between
"I'm a humble guy with healthy desire" (pixies)
Or
"I'm not a prophet or a stone age man just a mortal with potential of a superman" (Bowie)
Let's hear yours x
I'm torn between
"I'm a humble guy with healthy desire" (pixies)
Or
"I'm not a prophet or a stone age man just a mortal with potential of a superman" (Bowie)
Let's hear yours x
A lot of good points. I understand IAAP are looking into recent feedback but agree that the current requirements for gaining credits seem unnecessarily strict.
July 7, 2025 at 11:08 AM
A lot of good points. I understand IAAP are looking into recent feedback but agree that the current requirements for gaining credits seem unnecessarily strict.
Reposted by Andrew Hick
★ New blog post: The (not quite new) GOV.UK brand
The refreshed GOV.UK logo and brand design has launched today. Here's some background on it, from my perspective working on it.
https://beeps.website/blog/2025-06-25-the-not-quite-new-govuk-brand/
The refreshed GOV.UK logo and brand design has launched today. Here's some background on it, from my perspective working on it.
https://beeps.website/blog/2025-06-25-the-not-quite-new-govuk-brand/
The (not quite new) GOV.UK brand
A little behind the scenes from a gear in the machine.
beeps.website
June 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM
★ New blog post: The (not quite new) GOV.UK brand
The refreshed GOV.UK logo and brand design has launched today. Here's some background on it, from my perspective working on it.
https://beeps.website/blog/2025-06-25-the-not-quite-new-govuk-brand/
The refreshed GOV.UK logo and brand design has launched today. Here's some background on it, from my perspective working on it.
https://beeps.website/blog/2025-06-25-the-not-quite-new-govuk-brand/
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Nice post from @tempertemper.bsky.social about Focus Priming - clicking a webpage to continue tabbing or reading from that point - which there was previously no word for. www.tempertemper.net/blog/focus-p... ⏭️ #accessibility #testing
May 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Nice post from @tempertemper.bsky.social about Focus Priming - clicking a webpage to continue tabbing or reading from that point - which there was previously no word for. www.tempertemper.net/blog/focus-p... ⏭️ #accessibility #testing
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Work in UK government and interested in accessibility?
The next cross-government Accessibility Quarterly meet up is on Thursday 1 May from 1pm to 3:30pm. Register in advance using your government email address events.teams.microsoft.com/event/410025...
The next cross-government Accessibility Quarterly meet up is on Thursday 1 May from 1pm to 3:30pm. Register in advance using your government email address events.teams.microsoft.com/event/410025...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
April 24, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Work in UK government and interested in accessibility?
The next cross-government Accessibility Quarterly meet up is on Thursday 1 May from 1pm to 3:30pm. Register in advance using your government email address events.teams.microsoft.com/event/410025...
The next cross-government Accessibility Quarterly meet up is on Thursday 1 May from 1pm to 3:30pm. Register in advance using your government email address events.teams.microsoft.com/event/410025...
Reposted by Andrew Hick
Making things digitally accessible isn't extra work, it is just part of the work. That is all.
#Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations #A11y
#Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations #A11y
April 15, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Making things digitally accessible isn't extra work, it is just part of the work. That is all.
#Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations #A11y
#Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations #A11y
A nice, balanced guide on using technologies such as AI responsibly in the world of accessibility
Businesses often ask what they should do with new technologies. Are they beneficial or detrimental to #DisabilityInclusion?
Explore our free resource to learn how businesses can harness innovation while ensuring disability inclusion is at the forefront.
ow.ly/OXKh50V61Ry
#BDFTechTaskforce
Explore our free resource to learn how businesses can harness innovation while ensuring disability inclusion is at the forefront.
ow.ly/OXKh50V61Ry
#BDFTechTaskforce
March 20, 2025 at 10:33 AM
A nice, balanced guide on using technologies such as AI responsibly in the world of accessibility
I love this talk and have been sharing it wherever I can at work! The title says it all really.
AI and Accessibility: the Good, the Bad, and the Bollocks!
A refreshing talk, where @tink.uk cuts through the clickbait, to bring you the good, the bad, and the bollocks of AI and accessibility.
A refreshing talk, where @tink.uk cuts through the clickbait, to bring you the good, the bad, and the bollocks of AI and accessibility.
2. AI and Accessibility: the Good, the Bad, and the Bollocks / Léonie Watson / FFConf 2024
Depending on what you read, and who you believe, AI is either the ultimate solution or armageddon in motion, so in this talk, Léonie is going to cut through the clickbait, dodge the doomscrollers, and focus on the facts to bring you the good, the bad, and the bollocks of AI and accessibility.
www.youtube.com
March 6, 2025 at 1:48 PM
I love this talk and have been sharing it wherever I can at work! The title says it all really.
New blog from Kelly Clarkson and Samantha Merrett asking accessibility people about the most common misconceptions, issues and tools we come across.
Quick, early checks for common issues can easily eliminate a wide range of barriers.
accessibility.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/u... #accessibility #a11y
Quick, early checks for common issues can easily eliminate a wide range of barriers.
accessibility.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/u... #accessibility #a11y
Unlocking Accessibility: Key misconceptions, common issues, and tools used by Accessibility Specialists
We asked accessibility specialists about what are the key misconceptions and common issues they encounter in accessibility, and what tools they use during audits.
accessibility.blog.gov.uk
February 28, 2025 at 9:17 AM
New blog from Kelly Clarkson and Samantha Merrett asking accessibility people about the most common misconceptions, issues and tools we come across.
Quick, early checks for common issues can easily eliminate a wide range of barriers.
accessibility.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/u... #accessibility #a11y
Quick, early checks for common issues can easily eliminate a wide range of barriers.
accessibility.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/28/u... #accessibility #a11y