Bernd Benecke Bernd Benecke is the head of Audio-Description at Bayerischer Rundfunk – one of the main producers of Audio-Description in Germany. BR delivers AD for German Public TV and DVDs and also for some cinema presentations. Bernd Benecke started with Audio Description in 1989 when the first movie was described in Germany. He worked as an Audio Description author and narrator for movie distributors, different TV-stations and since 1997 for Bayerischer Rundfunk, where he built up the AD department. Today he mainly trains the authors, revises Audio Descriptions and directs the narrating and sound mixing process. He is one of the authors of the German Audio Description guidelines and headed workshops in countries around the world. (Germany)
AB Moosa - AB Moosa has been involved in the Film and Cinema business for 25 years. He started by joining his father in the management of the Avalon Group, South Africa’s largest and oldest cinema company, where he is now the managing director. Avalon co-founded the Durban International Film Festival and AB Moosa added to the group Nolava International Film & Television Distribution which secures both Hollywood and Bollywood content for distribution in South Africa. AB Moosa's paternal forefathers brought Mahatma Gandhi to South Africa as a young lawyer and AB continued the family association when he helped co-ordinated the reception for the visit of Shri Mati Sonia Gandhi, the wife of the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, when she came to South Africa as the guest of President Nelson Mandela. AB Moosa and his company’s role in support of the film industry in South Africa have been acknowledged by President Thabo Mbeki who invited AB Moosa to accompany him on his state visit to the US, and by the South African Minister of Arts & Culture who asked him to serve as a council member on the board of the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF).
Dr Eubulus Timothy is an acclaimed Durban-based filmmaker whose career spans writing, directing, and producing for stage and screen. He gained international recognition after winning the Harley-Merrill Screenwriting Award in Hollywood, and went on to serve as the founding Chairperson of the Cape Film Commission and Vice-Chair of the Writers Guild of South Africa, where he championed the growth of African storytelling voices. A versatile creative, Dr Timothy has directed the feature film Deep End, set along Durban’s Golden Mile, as well as Othello and the television comedy showcase Cape Night Live. Trained in Los Angeles under acclaimed directors Randy Zisk and Allan Arkush, he holds diplomas in directing and cinematography from Los Angeles City College. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to film and the creative arts, he was honoured with the Man of Substance Exemplary Lifetime Achievement Award in Singapore in 2020. His latest feature, The Cane Cutter, is a historical love story rooted in the legacy of Indian indentured labourers in KwaZulu-Natal, further cementing his place as a filmmaker deeply committed to telling stories that resonate locally and globally.
Brett Oppegaard is an accomplished professional in media accessibility, user experience (UX), and media production, with extensive experience in qualitative research, usability, design, cross-functional collaboration, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. As a Program Director, he has expanded educational programs, increasing participant engagement, rigor, and external recognition. His work in media accessibility has reached hundreds of high-profile sites, including Yellowstone National Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, Yosemite National Park, and the Kennedy Center, fostering national-level collaborations at these iconic landmarks. In addition, Brett has served as Principal Investigator on numerous funded projects, securing grants from the U.S. National Park Service, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and Google, resulting in over $1 million in funding for innovative and leading-edge research. His expertise bridges accessibility, media, and user experience, making him a sought-after voice in the field.
Ela Gandhi is a renowned South African peace activist, social worker, and former Member of Parliament. Born in Durban in 1940, she is the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and has dedicated her life to promoting non-violence, social justice, and community development. During the apartheid era, Ela was banned and placed under house arrest for nearly a decade due to her activism, yet she continued to work tirelessly for human rights and equality. Ela has played a leading role in advancing women’s rights, interfaith dialogue, and community empowerment, and she founded the Gandhi Development Trust, which promotes peace, reconciliation, and social responsibility. She has served on numerous local and international boards and has been recognized globally for her commitment to peacebuilding and social justice. Her work continues to inspire new generations of activists and leaders dedicated to inclusion, equality, and non-violence.
Kerryann Ifill, FB, is a Barbadian politician and leading advocate for disability rights, best known for her historic appointment as President of the Senate in 2012 — becoming the first woman, first disabled person, and youngest individual to hold the position. Born on December 20, 1973, she lost her sight at age four due to juvenile cataract. Despite this, she broke barriers throughout her education, becoming the first blind student at Combermere School and the first blind graduate of the University of the West Indies, where she earned a BSc in Sociology and Psychology with honors. She later obtained an MBA from Durham Business School in England. Ifill’s decade-long political career began in 2008 when she was appointed Senator, later serving as Deputy President and then President of the Senate until 2018. Beyond politics, she has continued her advocacy through leadership in the Barbados Council for the Disabled, where she now serves as Vice President, and as a member of the Barbados Constitutional Reform Commission. Internationally, she has contributed to the Caribbean Council for the Blind and the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum. For her lifelong dedication to inclusion and empowerment, she was awarded the Order of Freedom of Barbados in 2023 and recognized as the 2024 ANSA Caribbean Laureate for Public & Civic Contributions.
John Paton Media, Culture and Immersive Technologies Manager John works on accessibility of media, broadcasting and gaming with a focus on technology and policy work. John has a wealth of experience of accessibility technology for people with sensory disabilities as he has worked at sensory loss charities for the last 18 years. He previously worked on accessibility and technology for RNID and the deafblindness charity Sense. He also has a Master’s Degree in Computer Systems Engineering and an interest in the accessibility potential of emerging technologies.
Mr. Deena Moodley began his career as a piano tuner and sound engineer before moving into computer programming, where he notably developed a security system for President Nelson Mandela. This achievement led to his role as a senior computer programmer and later software engineer at the Department of Arts, Culture, Science & Technology, where he designed and implemented over 65 computer systems. He was later approached by the South African National Council for the Blind, where he served as a computer instructor and became operations manager of Opticall (Pty) Ltd—a pioneering call centre for the blind. Under his leadership, Opticall was recognized as the best training provider by the Services SETA in 2005 and 2006. He also contributed to the development of the Dolphin Mercury Pen, an affordable screen reader and magnifier for the visually impaired. In 2006, Mr. Moodley joined the South African Library for the Blind as Head of ICT and Operations Manager, where he launched the DAISY system for accessible reading materials. Later, at UNISA, he enhanced accessibility by streamlining the production of alternative formats and establishing multi-purpose computer labs for students with disabilities. His advocacy extends to collaborations with Vodacom on accessible mobile technology and consulting with major institutions such as ABSA, Standard Bank, and SARS to improve accessibility. Currently, Mr. Moodley serves as Chairperson of DAISY South Africa, Treasurer of the South African Braille Authority (SABA), and a member of several international accessibility committees. He also represents South Africa on the International Council on English Braille and is a lifelong member of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
Kojiro Hirose, a scholar at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Letters, has conducted extensive research on blind minstrels (biwa-hoshi) and shamans (itako), documenting their roles as entertainers and religionists in early and modern Japan, culminating in his book Religious Folklore of the Disabled. His doctoral work focused on Japanese new religious movements, especially Onisaburo Deguchi’s philosophy of “Universal Love and Brotherhood,” which he analyzed as a de-modernization theory in his dissertation later published as Welfare Theory of the Emancipation of Human Being. After joining the National Museum of Ethnology, Hirose pioneered tactile exhibits aimed not only at accessibility for the disabled but also at creating a “universal museum” for all. He organized major thematic exhibitions such as Touch and Grow Rich (2006) and The Universe of Braille (2009), which later inspired the permanent exhibit space Touch the World: Widen your Perspectives in 2012. His overseas research at Princeton University led to his book Touch Brings You Good Luck, a comparative cultural study of Japanese new religions in the US. This experience expanded his theoretical frameworks of “tactile culture” and “Braille power,” supported by exhibitions and writings such as Invitation to Tactile Culture and Being Astonished by Touch. From 2009–2011, he directed the “Universal Museum Study Group,” producing The Museum Enjoyed through Touch and holding workshops nationwide. Internationally recognized, he has lectured in the US, Germany, and beyond, with key work published in The East Asian Library Journal. Hirose’s research unites history, religion, disability studies, and anthropology, emphasizing lived experiences of the disabled while advancing innovative concepts of tactile culture and universal museum design
Ms. Chihoko Hiratsuka Representative, CINEMA Chupki TABATA She was born in Tokyo, Japan, and after working in restaurants and movie theaters, she founded City Lights in 2001 to promote barrier-free cinema. Since then, she has been dedicated to creating accessible environments for visually impaired audiences. In 2003, she received the NHK Welfare Award. In 2016, she established CINEMA Chupki TABATA, Japan’s first universal theater, and in 2019, she published Dream of Universal Theater. She has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Helen Keller–Sullivan Award, the Japan Film Pen Club Award, the Cabinet Office Minister’s Commendation, and the Minister of Education’s Newcomer Award for Fine Arts.
Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura Vice President, Assistive Technology Development Organization (ATDO) Experienced Board Member of not-for-profit organizations serving for the international disability community on information accessibility and universal design. Contributed to development/implementation of DAISY, SMIL and Accessible EPUB. Experiences include global strategy development in Bridging Digital Divide (WSIS 2003-2005), Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (3WCDR 2015), Global Exchange of Accessible Reading Materials (WIPO Marrakesh Treaty) and the world first nation-wide implementation of Digital Talking Book Library Network in Japan (2000) in collaboration with strong global network of DAISY. Global timely dissemination of accessible and easy to understand information has been a lifework based on 27 years services at the University of Tokyo Library.
Dr. Piyush Chanana has been an integral part of Assistive Technology Lab at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, held various research positions and played a central role in research, development and dissemination of multiple accessible assistive technology solutions for the persons with blindness since 2012. He has been catalytic in creating new models and pathways of engagement with community, industry and dissemination of Assistive Technology and contributed significantly towards creation of an ecosystem, conducive for user driven research by bringing together researchers, industry partners, user organizations as well as users. He has completed his PhD in Assistive Technologies from School of IT at IIT Delhi. He did his M. Tech in IT from University school of IT, GGSIPU. Prior to joining IIT in 2012, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Bharti Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi for 6 years, during which he was involved in teaching and research in the field of Embedded Systems and Digital design. He is a co-recipient of national award for the best applied research/ product aimed at improving the life of persons with visual disabilities. He is awarded with Neilom Prize for his work in the field of Assistive Technology, an international recognition for creating positive social impact using science and technology. He presently leads National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies (NCAHT) at IIT Delhi. He is also the co-founder of Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), a not-for-profit startup focussed on creating user centric, affordable, and holistic AT solutions for making education accessible for persons with blindness.
Sandra Sermons is a highly accomplished Senior Contract Specialist and seasoned procurement professional with extensive experience in cradle-to-grave federal procurement. She specializes in the acquisition of complex IT hardware and software solutions, helping to develop innovative, compliant, and efficient procurement strategies that serve the needs of the American taxpayer. Sandra’s expertise spans proposal evaluation and analysis, contract administration, and both pre- and post-award activities. She is also recognized as a subject matter expert on Section 508 compliance , ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in federal acquisitions. Driven by a strong sense of public service, Sandra is deeply committed to demystifying the procurement process and promoting equal access to government contracting opportunities. Her approach empowers both small and disadvantaged businesses as well as larger corporations to compete on a level playing field. Known for her clarity, professionalism, and passion for mentorship, Sandra continues to make a lasting impact by fostering transparency, accessibility, and innovation within the federal procurement community.
Roz Chalmers is a renowned British audio describer and accessibility consultant. With over 23 years of experience, she has specialized in delivering audio description across multiple disciplines—including theatre, dance, visual arts, and video—and has trained describers worldwide in places such as the UK, Europe, the US, Hong Kong, India, and South Korea. In addition to her describing work, Roz has served as a lead describer, artistic consultant, editor, and voice artist at VocalEyes, a prominent UK organization dedicated to improving arts accessibility. Her expertise has been featured in educational programmes like FutureLearn, where she explains how audio description is created and delivered in theatre contexts. She is also frequently invited to share her insights at events and community forums—including sessions titled "Describer Café" and presentations on describing green spaces
Ms Rummi K Seth is the Co-Founder and Managing Trustee at Saksham Trust with Mr Dipendra Manocha. Saksham Trust is India’s National Award winning-NGO working the empowerment of persons with visual impairment since 2003. She has been working for more than twenty years in the field of disability advocacy and has initiated many innovative programmes for the welfare of persons with visual impairment. These include Audio-description of films and establishment of Anubhav Tactile Gallery, among others.
Dipendra Manocha Visually impaired since childhood, Mr Manocha attained M.Phil in Music from Delhi University. He joined National Association for the Blind (NAB, Delhi) in 1993 as Director (IT & Services) and has since then dedicated his life’s work to develop an ICT infrastructure in India. Today, he serves as NAB’s Vice-President and leads two organisations - Saksham and Saktek - that have helped thousands of persons with visual impairment in India and abroad, live independently and participate in society by providing them affordable technology solutions and digital literacy. He is Director, Developing Countries, DAISY Consortium; Mentor, Assistech; President, DAISY Forum of India, & created India’s largest accessible online library.
Jeremy Opperman - Jeremy was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a deteriorating eye condition which results in total blindness. After graduating from the University of Cape Town in 1987, he began his career as a marketer of cutting-edge professional development products and training services. Since founding his own HR marketing consultancy in 1999, Jeremy has increasingly focused on disability issues and is particularly passionate about the unhesitant and natural integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society. He created the Meeting Disability suite of programmes and has conducted hundreds of disability awareness workshops across both public and private sectors. Alongside this, Jeremy and his associates have provided extensive access-auditing and consulting services to major stakeholders. In 2015, while contracting to the Western Cape Government, he established a unique Disability Desk service within the Province, providing a responsive and proactive facility for internal and external stakeholders. The Desk improved executive awareness, supported staff and non-profits, and drove access and inclusion at a systemic level. Jeremy is also a tourism content creator at ShazaCin Accessible Media, where he sound records and edits, writes and blind-verifies accessible audio content. This role further demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that media, tourism and cultural content are fully inclusive.
Chris Patton is a distinguished conservationist and sustainable tourism specialist from South Africa, with a career dedicated to advancing responsible and inclusive practices within South African National Parks (SANParks). As a Project Manager in the Business Development Unit , Chris plays a pivotal role in shaping strategies that balance environmental stewardship with tourism growth. His work encompasses visitor interpretation, management, universal access, and tourism research , ensuring that South Africa’s natural heritage remains both protected and accessible to all. Holding an M.Sc. in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town, Chris has also contributed extensively as a volunteer with conservation organizations such as the SANParks Honorary Rangers. A passionate advocate for Universal Access in Tourism and Fair Trade in Tourism , he continues to champion sustainable travel models that empower communities, respect ecosystems, and open nature’s wonders to everyone, regardless of ability.
Siddharthiya Pillay, PhD Candidate A PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Siddharthiya Pillay is also a freelance Bharatanatyam dancer. Academic career: Her doctoral research, which began in 2021, focuses on social innovation and food waste management. It is supported by a scholarship from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a co-supervision arrangement with the University of Edinburgh in the UK. In 2023, she served as a guest lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. Education: Pillay earned a Master of Science in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation, and Governance from the University of Edinburgh with a merit distinction in 2019. She also received a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from UKZN, graduating summa cum laude. Awards: Her accolades include the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship and an NRF Master's Scholarship. In 2023, she won the "Best Presentation in Business Management" award at the University of Mauritius Doctoral Colloquium.
Deborah Ewing is a prominent Durban-based writer, researcher, and children's rights advocate. Her work centers on social justice, inclusivity, and transformative storytelling. Author & Editor: She has written 12 books — spanning both fiction and non-fiction — many of which have been translated into French, Swahili, Amharic, and isizulu. Poet & Literary Contributor: Her poetry appears in anthologies such as Voices for Palestine and Voices Unbound, and has been published in the South African journal Stanzas. She’s also part of an African ghazal collective and is working on her fourth poetry collection. Media & Accessibility Specialist: Deborah has edited newspapers and magazines and contributed to various books and journals. She also writes and narrates audio descriptions, making visual content accessible to blind audiences. Advocate & Researcher: Her book The Secret Thread: Personal Journeys Beyond Apartheid explores the Christian Fellowship Trust’s transformative study tours during apartheid-era South Africa. It’s a moving reflection on solidarity and social justice University of South Australia Development Communications & Human Rights Work: For over two decades, she has led research and advocacy projects as the Director of iMEDIATE Development Communications, focusing on children’s participation, HIV/AIDS interventions, and human rights
Lidia Pretorius is a highly regarded disability inclusion consultant, coach, and mentor with over 30 years of experience in the public, non-governmental, and international development sectors. Her focus spans inclusive education, community development, and disability rights advocacy. She is deeply rooted in social justice values and is driven by the African philosophy "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu"—"I am because you are"—which inspires her collaborative and inclusive approach Her foundational roles include frontline service delivery as an occupational therapist, rural development practitioner, public policymaker, and even a stint in full-time politics. These experiences inform her present leadership as an empowerment life coach She has represented South Africa in prestigious global settings, including: Collaborating with UNDESA and other African nations to develop the Africa Toolkit on Disability. Reporting on South Africa’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the UN Committee Lidia champions accessible and dignified narratives about disability. She co-developed the television disability magazine series #Activated, aiming to move away from pity-driven portrayals toward empowered storytelling
Tracy Smith Chairperson, Deafblind SA (South Africa) Tracy is an advocate for disability inclusion, leading Deafblind SA in empowering people with dual sensory loss. Deafblind herself, she champions innovation and equal participation, inspiring others with her philosophy: “I have chosen not to let disability stop me.”
Ms. Ai Kawamura Representative, Nature Inclusive LLC After earning a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) and working at an environmental consulting firm, she founded Nature Inclusive LLC in 2020, a consulting company active in the social and environmental fields. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked on climate change mitigation, ozone layer protection, forest conservation, and the promotion of responsible supply chains, with activities across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She also collaborates with ATDO to promote DAISY and improve information accessibility, and is currently participating in the Audio Description Training program at CINEMA Chupki TABATA.
Dr. Ashley Subbiah is a scholar, researcher, and disability rights advocate based in KwaZulu-Natal. Born with congenital glaucoma, he gradually lost his vision and became completely blind in 2010, yet went on to earn his PhD in Biology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His doctoral research focused on seed recalcitrance, providing new physiological and evolutionary insights into why certain seeds cannot survive drying or freezing, which has important implications for conservation. Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Subbiah is a passionate advocate for inclusion in higher education, frequently delivering keynote addresses and leading training sessions on disability equality and assistive technologies. Through his work, he combines academic excellence with social impact, inspiring others by showing how resilience and innovation can overcome barriers.
Jace Nair is the Chief Executive Officer of Blind SA, a leading South African non-profit organization committed to empowering and improving the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals. Under his leadership, Blind SA has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the visually impaired—driving policy reform, raising public awareness, and strengthening the capacity of the blind community across the country. A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Jace has led major initiatives to combat the “book famine” by expanding access to braille, audiobooks, and digital publications. He has also been a vocal champion for education and employment equity, highlighting the need for accessible learning materials, assistive technologies, and entrepreneurial opportunities for blind South Africans. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, he continues to inspire young people within the community to take up advocacy and leadership roles. In 2025, his collaboration with Checkers Sixty60 to address app accessibility exemplified his forward-thinking approach to ensuring that digital innovation remains inclusive for all.
Esther Geiger is a Washington, D.C.–based movement educator, performer, and Certified Movement Analyst (CMA) in the Laban/Bartenieff Movement System (LBMS). She holds a BA in Early Childhood Development from Antioch University and an MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Movement from Wesleyan University. Geiger has taught in LBMS certification programs in Maryland, New York, and Tel Aviv, and served as coordinator of the Washington Area Certified Movement Analysts. Her career spans work as a preschool teacher, yoga center administrator, and touring artist with dance and theatre companies that brought in-school performances to young audiences for over a decade. A longtime practitioner of Iyengar Yoga, she has also choreographed and performed original works, including the solo performance At Arm’s Length, and led numerous workshops and teaching residencies that integrate movement analysis, structured improvisation, and yoga practice.
