The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Reducing Access Barriers

Join us on Thursday 23 October 2025 for a breakfast EWiT session with Dr. Chandra Harrison, CEO of digital accessibility consultancy Access Advisors. This will be the last EWiT event for 2025.

The event will be held at the Human Interface Technology Lab NZ(HiT Lab) at the University of Canterbury, where Chandra was one of the first graduates. Access Advisors will provide muffins and coffee/tea from 7.00am, with the presentation starting at 7:30am and running until 8.30-8.45am.

After a brief ‘how did I get here’ story, Chandra will discuss how AI is helping to improve the lives of disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and what the future of inclusivity in technology may look like. Chandra will also discuss the ethical considerations and the importance of user-centred design.

As a specialist in digital accessibility, Chandra will share examples of how AI tools (such as machine learning, image processing, and natural language understanding) are making research, communication, mobility, and daily activities easier for people. She’ll also highlight how businesses can use these technologies to create more inclusive products and foster social impact.

Attendees will leave with insights into how AI can drive positive change, both socially and for business growth. This event is especially relevant if you are interested in leading innovation that’s meaningful and inclusive, helping shape a more accessible future for all.
Following Chandra’s presentation, HiT Lab researchers will be available to demonstrate some of their Virtual Reality projects.