Digital accessibility through a change of perspective
–
From tester to game-changer
About the symposium
The testers involved are more than just evaluators – they are experts with hands-on experience and active contributors to the creation of accessible digital worlds. Through presentations, a panel discussion and a closing debate, experts from the fields of practice, academia and technology will explore how accessible design is created, how AI-powered tools are transforming testing practices – and why human expertise remains indispensable in this process.
Programme
1.00 pm – 1.10 pm
Opening
Welcome & Opening
Saliya Kahawatte
Prof. Dr Erdmuthe Meyer zu Bexten
Contents:
- Welcoming guests in person and online
- A welcome message from the patron, Prof. Dr Erdmuthe Meyer zu Bexten
- Introduction to the topic and the day’s schedule
- Guidance on interaction (chat function for online participants)
1.10 pm – 1.40 pm
Keynote
Success Story: Accessibility as a Design Principle
Gerhard Kühne
Contents:
- Case study: How accessible design was implemented at Otto
- From challenge to competitive advantage
- The business case for accessibility
- Q&A (including from the online chat)
Objective: To demonstrate that accessibility is not just a legal obligation, but a strategic advantage. The keynote speech aims to inspire and set the tone for the day.
1.40 pm – 2.10 pm
Lecture
Digital accessibility in Hesse
Prof. Dr Erdmuthe Meyer zu Bexten
Contents:
- Services and activities
- Legal framework in Hesse
- Consultancy and support services
- Training courses
- Quick Q&A
Objective: To provide an overview of institutional support and the legal framework in Hesse. To provide information on points of contact for businesses and organisations.
2.10 pm – 2.40 pm
Lecture
Criteria for expert reports
Alexander Pfingstl
Contents:
- An overview of WCAG, BITV and EN 301 549
- How are expert reports prepared?
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Practical examples
- Quick Q&A
Objective: To provide the necessary tools and standards relevant to testing bodies, companies and testers. To bridge the gap between theory and practice.
2.40 pm – 3.10 pm
Lecture
The Purpose and Value of Accessibility Testing
Alexandra Frey
Contents:
- Methodological approaches in practice
- Added value for businesses and users
- Case studies and lessons learnt
- ROI of accessibility testing
- Q&A
Objective: To provide practical insights into how to carry out accessibility testing and the specific benefits this offers to businesses.
3.10 pm – 3.40 pm
Coffee break
3.40 pm – 4.25 pm
Panel discussion
Testers report – Between expectation and reality
Presented by: Saliya Kahawatte
Alexandra Frey
Rainer Brell
Alexander Pfingstl
Karl-Matthias Schäfer
Günter Hanke
Contents:
- How do you become a tester?
- Everyday life as a tester
- Companies’ expectations vs. reality
- Remuneration and working conditions
- Best practices and challenges
- Interactive Q&A with the audience (in person and online)
Objective: To provide an authentic insight into the work of testers with various disabilities. To break down prejudices and highlight opportunities.
4.25 pm – 4.45 pm
Lecture
Accessibility of self-service terminals
Alexa Wunn
Bianca Lißner
Contents:
- Testing procedures at self-service terminals
- Common barriers and potential solutions
- Practical experience from testing
- Quick Q&A
Objective: To provide concrete insights into a specific, often underestimated aspect of accessibility – physical and digital interfaces in everyday life.
4.45 pm – 5.15 pm
Lecture
My digital co-worker: How AI-powered testing tools ease the workload for testers – and why human expertise remains irreplaceable
Patrick Foster
Contents:
- The ‘Human Checks’ Challenge: Why automated testing alone is not enough
- AI as a partner: Introduction to the AI-powered test suite in PAC 2026
- Practical demonstration: Live demonstration using real document examples
- Outlook: How AI tools will transform the work of testers
Objective: To demonstrate how AI-powered tools such as the PAC 2026 can ease the workload of testers in their day-to-day work – without replacing their expertise. The more powerful the tools become, the more valuable practical experience and human judgement become.
5.15 pm – 5.45 pm
Lecture
From concept to inclusion: How AI-powered audio technology is driving a shift in perspective on accessibility
Johannes Wigand
Contents:
- A change of perspective: from passive tester to active designer
- Introducing livevoice.io: Cloud-based multichannel audio streaming without the need for specialist hardware
- AI as an enabler: automatic real-time translation and subtitling
- BYOD principle: personal smartphones and computers as access points
- Practical examples: Making hybrid and international events accessible
- Outlook: AI as a key tool for the accessibility of tomorrow
Objective: To demonstrate how AI-powered technologies enable the shift from reactive testing practices towards proactive, inclusive design. A transition from the overarching theme of ‘A Change of Perspective’ to the upcoming focus theme of ‘Accessibility through AI’.
5.45 pm – 6.25 pm
Concluding discussion
From tester to game-changer – how can this transformation be achieved?
Presented by: Saliya Kahawatte
All the speakers for the day
Contents:
- Summary of the day’s findings
- Recommendations for businesses and testers
- How can we strengthen the role of testers?
- Outlook and next steps
- Open Q&A session (in person and online)
Objective: To summarise the findings and provide specific recommendations for action for all target groups. To encourage a change of perspective.
6.25 pm – 6.35 pm
conclusion
Farewell
Saliya Kahawatte
Prof. Dr Erdmuthe Meyer zu Bexten
Dagmar Krutzki