Adored recording this!

Thank you Zak Ford-Williams @zfw.bsky.social Listen to the whole of this brilliant podcast episode here : rampsonthemoon.co.uk/podcast-epis...

Absolutely loved recording this!!

Q6 @ZFW.bsky.social was told by his careers advisor to choose a different career than acting but he thankfully ignored the advice. Why does society still place such low expectations on the capabilities & ambitions of disabled people when we constantly prove our talent & inventiveness? #AXSChat

A6. Ableism. People grow up being taught, often with gradual subconscious messaging, that nothing should be expected from disabled people. The twin of this is that when disabled people achieve something it is seen as miraculous. An anomaly. Both are harmful and work in tandem. #AXSChat

Q5 Working on projects with a personal connection can be rewarding. Have you ever worked on an #accessibility project that had a direct impact on someone you know or even benefited yourself? #AXSChat

A5. Every so often, I receive messages from disabled people utterly taken aback by seeing someone like them onstage or on screen. It’s powerful, and some of those messages also end with that person deciding to finally pursue a passion they thought unattainable. Never fails to make me cry.#AXSChat

Q4 As @GarethFW pointed out historically disability was more prevalent but all too often period dramas make it seem like disabled people don’t exist. How important is it that actors like @ZFW.bsky.social get to play characters in mainstream dramas like Bridgerton? #AXSChat

A4. Society reflects media, and media reflects society. The more we see different kinds of people and bodies on our screens, the more we accept and understand those people in our lives. Not to mention how our entire perception of history changes based on how we see it portrayed. #AXSChat

Q3 @GarethFW is known for his storytelling about #accessibility, @ZFW.bsky.social has featured in some of these tales over the years before going one better by becoming a successful actor. How important is storytelling in winning people over to #a11y? #AXSChat

A3. Anecdotes are how data and statistics become people and lives that we can connect to and understand. It’s easy to read data about a lot of people and understand the logic of it, but hearing a personal story about #a11y has impacted someone's life and can grant deeper understanding. #AXSChat

Q2 The relationship between users and brands is vital. How can companies ensure they maintain inclusive relationships with their audience throughout the different life stages? #AXSChat

For me, the main thing is listening to customers, audience members or whomever you are targeting. A willingness to reach out and gather feedback, to involve every demographic within that feedback. and a willingness to change in response to that feedback, is crucial. #AXSChat

Q1 inclusive gaming was the catalyst for @GarethFW to start his journey in #accessibility. Game accessibility has evolved over time. What are some features or improvements you'd like to see in games to make them more accessible for all ages? #AXSChat

A1. Customisable difficulty. In games with it, every aspect of gameplay is tweakable. There are presets, but it can be a lazy walk through a meadow or a march through hell, or any combination. It creates accessible and personal experiences for every player. #AXSChat