As an Accessibility IT Specialist, with more than 30 years of working experience, in software design and development, project management, diversity leadership and disability advocacy, David Best is persistent in seeking out accessibility business best practice solutions. Recently retired from IBM, David is now an entrepreneur actively supporting Ontario organizations with accessibility awareness. As an Information Technology Specialist, an Accessibility Consultant, a Digital Inclusion Advocate, and an Assistive Technology user, David has experienced the digital divide, confronted workplace challenges, implemented best practice inclusion strategies, mentored peer support group initiatives, facilitated web design workshops and promoted emerging technologies that inspire independence and confidence.

As an Information Technology Specialist, David works with software developers (D2L, Google Angular, Rangle.io, Loblaws, George Brown College, Panasonic, Ontario Public Service, Etc.) in creating knowledge skills for accessibility and usability software design, development and testing.

As an Accessibility Consultant, David is an Appointee to the Ontario government AODA advisory council, Brock University Accessibility Advisory Council member, and supports forward thinking organizations with accessibility subject matter expertise.

As a Digital Inclusion Advocate, David is a frequent speaker at software and accessibility conferences (Canadian International and the Ontario Digital Summits), facilitator for training workshops, supports emerging innovation augmented reality tools, and gives voice to the digital communication needs of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

Follow David on Twitter: @DaveBest99

Hanna Leavitt is an author/teacher based in Victoria, British Columbia. She has her B.A. and Master's in Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. She is the author of "The Disability Experience: Working Toward Belonging," published by Orca Book Publishers of Victoria, B.C., in April 2021.