I have been a passionate Access Champion throughout my personal life and professional career.
I am an experienced audio describer, with a focus on AD scripting for screened content, such as TV and film for streaming services. I also provide AD scripting and narration services for independent films and live theatre performances. I am familiar with a number of scripting and recording software programmes, and have an at-home set-up.
Through my freelance business, Access & Inclusivity Matters, I have delivered Accessibility training for arts and leisure organisations, with a specific focus on customer service.
I subscribe to the Social Model of Disability and believe Deaf and disabled people should have equality of access.
Background: I was the Access Officer and Group Sales Manager in a large commercial theatre group for 24 years, assisting 2000+ disabled customers every year. During this time I spear-headed a wide-range of accessibility services and facilities. I developed the assisted performances programme, introducing and greatly increasing, the provision of BSL, audio described, captioned and relaxed performances, successfully delivering hundreds of such events.
I know first-hand just how busy and time-poor everyone can be sometimes. We can feel over-stretched and under-resourced. Finding enough time, money and information for access improvements can seem overwhelming.
I set up Access & Inclusivity Matters to help. I offer straightforward but comprehensive staff training that focusses on practical, everyday access solutions. I want your teams to feel more confident, and to have the tools, to improve the experience of D/deaf and disabled people working in or visiting your organisation. All options are packed with resources and step-by-step guidance so you can just get on with the implementation of accessibility solutions straight away.
“I have worked with Trish for over 5 years. She is one of the most knowledgeable people in her field, with a commitment to put her customers first. A natural in communication, she puts access into layman’s terms, building strong disability confidence in teams. I would highly recommend engaging both her, and her expert knowledge, for your organisation.” Karen Townsend – Programmes and Access Projects Producer at Royal Conservatoire Scotland, and previous Head of Access at ATG
Professional development and training courses, plus other relevant experience:
Future Learn – Creating Audio Description: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – 2021
Audio Description for screen training provided by Veronika Hyks – 2020
VocalEyes: Audio Describer training – November 2019
Graeae: Access Support Worker (freelance) – February 2019 ongoing
L3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS) – October 2017
CAE: Access Auditing and the Equality Act – February 2017
Dementia Friends Workshop – 2014
My Guide Sighted Guide Training Workshop – 2012
BSL Stage 1 – 1995
Management Development and Strengths Training: various programmes – 2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2016
I am a member of the Access Association, and the Audio Description Association
“You have opened a huge door to my son. He has always liked music but the thought of trying to take him to live shows in the theatre was just a dream… It took a long time but with your help and perseverance we did it. Your offer to let Marco go into an empty theatre with full lights and then with music was quite ingenious. He couldn’t cope with crowds, even the box being so small was an issue, but now to see him excited as soon as he comes into the theatre with a huge smile on his face says a thousand words and lifts my spirits so high… thank you!”
Maria and her son Marco who has autism and complex learning disabilities