RNIB hosts Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025

This landmark event brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the intersection of accessibility, technology, and sustainability. Over two action-packed days, attendees engaged in interesting discussions, keynote speeches, and panel sessions focused on shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for all, particularly for those with sight loss and low vision.

The key themes throughout the two days were building accessibility in from the design stage of any service or product, and ensuring every community, at a global level, has access to these technologies.

The conference commenced with a warm welcome from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, and a civic address from Bailie Martha Wardrop. Setting the stage for the discussions ahead, Dr Walton A. Webson, Permanent Representative to the UN and Ambassador (Antigua and Barbuda), delivered an impactful keynote on the global landscape of accessibility and universal design, describing technology as the ‘wheel’ which can transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

This was followed by Marc Workman, Chief Executive of the World Blind Union, who spoke on the Global Digital Compact – a commitment to ensuring digital technologies are available to everyone around the world, and acknowledging that digital rights, including accessibility, are human rights.

The next session showcased Google team; Kourtney Smith, Maggie Chery, and NM Dayton, who highlighted several of Google’s accessibility features such as Guided Frame which helps low vision users to take photos, and RNIB and Google’s co-designing collaboration on the Pixel Magnifier.

The first panel of the day focused on AI and was facilitated by Aidan Foreman, Director of Technology at RNIB. Panelists included Jodie Rodgers (Transparity), Seema Flower (Blind Ambition), Maria Skoularidou (Broad Institute, MIT & Harvard) and Agustya Mehta (Meta). The panel acknowledged the criticalness of taking action to ensure accessibility is part of the development of AI. The panel discussed the evolving role of artificial intelligence in accessibility and inclusion, touching on advancements in generative AI and multi-modal technology. This was followed by a focused session featuring Thibaut de Martimprey (Campus Louis Braille) and Stephane Gaillard (INJA) who emphasised the enduring importance of braille, and the significance of cross-border innovation in empowering independence for visually impaired individuals.

The next panel, “Shaping the Future: Robotics”, explored how assistive robotics are transforming daily life. Facilitated by Dr Wasim Ahmad and Dr Ola Popoola (James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow), the panel included Mary Ellen Foster (University of Glasgow), Prof. Wei Yao (University of Salford), and Lisa Johnson (Starship) who provided an in-depth analysis of current trends and future possibilities in robotic assistance.

Over in our IDS Tech Marketplace, delegates had the chance to interact with the Robbie the robot guide dog and try out all the technologies available in the exhibition. One particularly special connection was between astrophysicist Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced (Universidad del Sagrado Corazón), and Haggeye member Eilidh Morrsion who currently studies Physics, in part, due to Wanda’s influential work.

In the final session of the afternoon, Dr Diaz-Merced presented her pioneering work in sonification and its applications in astrophysics and accessibility, leaving us all with a glimpse into the stars.

The evening reception, 'Gaming After Dark,' gave delegates an opportunity to try out some accessible gaming options, and to hear from Dr Lynsay Shepherd and Dr Andrew Reid of Abertay University, and RNIB’s Sonali Rai, who urged more conversations about accessibility to happen in the world of gaming and immersive technology.

Day two opened with a warm welcome from RNIB CEO Matt Stringer, followed by an inspiring keynote from Agustya Mehta. His talk, Unlocking Human Potential, explored how emerging technologies - such as AI and wearables from Meta - are reshaping the future of accessibility and design.

Design students from Abertay University, University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, and Glasgow Caledonian University were set design challenges after speaking with some of our blind and partially sighted community members. After sharing their innovative solutions in a showcase session, a judging panel congratulated Abertay University on their winning gaming-themed presentation. Their energy and creativity offered a glimpse into a future shaped by the next generation of inclusive thinkers and problem-solvers.

The morning continued with a powerful session on International Innovation, highlighting the global importance of inclusive design. Rasak Adekoya (Sightsavers International), Linda Rogers (RNIB), and Rob Angove (SCIAF) were joined by Molemisi Kono and Sabrina Djazoul (both from Visual Eyes Afrika-international), where they discussed the role of design and technology in addressing accessibility challenges across the Global South. The session underscored that innovation must be equitable - and globally relevant.

This set the stage for The Mobility Challenge, a lively panel discussion chaired by Jim Sanders (RNIB). Speakers Neil Barnfather MBE, (Goodmaps Inc.), Mani Gupta (Purview), Dr Jean-Marc Feghali (WeWalk), and Peter Osborne (Guidedogs) shared insight into next-generation mobility solutions, from smart navigation tools to assistive tech that empowers independence.

After a buzzing networking lunch at the IDS Tech Marketplace - where delegates explored new products and ideas in accessible tech - the conference moved into a session on Inclusive Environments. Led by RNIB’s Robin Spinks, the panel brought together leading voices from across the transport and infrastructure sectors. Heather Hepburn (Skyscanner), Ben Loewenstein (WayMo), Sven Koster (Go Media), and Demi Wylie (Calmac Ferries) shared how their organisations are driving forward more inclusive journeys for everyone.

In the afternoon, the spotlight turned to how inclusive design is transforming recreation and culture. The Leisure & Entertainment panel facilitated by RNIB’s Sonali Rai, brought fresh perspectives from across media, gaming, and sport. Speakers included Jonathan Penny (Channel 4), Dr Lynsay Shepherd (Abertay University), Eli Beaton (TV Access Project), Natalie Curran (BBC), and John Speirs (Rangers Football Club), who each highlighted how accessibility is being embedded in entertainment experiences - from broadcast content to stadium access

The final panel of the day, Health & Technology, explored how digital health tools are evolving to meet diverse access needs. Dr Tara French (Scottish Government), Ruth Hamilton (Royal Hospital for Children), Nicola Cooper (Scottish Care), and Alan Stewart (RNIB volunteer and campaigner) reflected on the potential of inclusive technology to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce inequalities - particularly in the field of eye health.

Closing reflections

The day concluded with a compelling closing address from Dr Walton A. Webson, who offered a powerful call to action: accessibility must be considered from the very outset of innovation - not bolted on afterwards. His words served as a fitting close to a day filled with purpose, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas.

If you'd like to hear more from our exhibitors and speakers, listen to RNIB Connect Radio who captured the conference: Audioboom / Reporting From Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025.

A big thank you to the speakers, delegates, our fantastic pink-t-shirted volunteers, our sponsors, the Glasgow Science Centre team, and everyone else who came together to make the IDS 2025 conference happen.

Let’s continue the conversation. Inclusive design doesn’t stop here - it’s a movement, and we all have a role to play. Whether you’re in tech, policy, education or community development, now is the time to embed inclusion, from the beginning, into everything we create.