Naidex 2026 - The Highlights

For the third time, I attended the national disability expo known as Naidex, which took place at Birmingham’s NEC.
The event is a combination of live presentation talks, panel discussions, exhibitions, and demonstrations showcasing products and developments in accessibility.

Panel Discussions

Panel discussion featuring Nick Singh from IKEA, Millie Flemington-Claire from Human Beauty, Hannah Tantush from Introum, and previous Naidex guest Amy Pohl, a content creator and activist.

Panel discussion featuring Jessica Schibli, Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC; Luke Sepahin, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Sky Original Programming at Sky UK; Nicole Steven, Creative Diversity Disability Project Manager at Channel 4; and Sam Tatlow, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ITV.

I had a very brief glimpse of a panel discussion From Sketch to Wardrobe: Designing an Accessible Retail Experience.
Speakers included Nick Singh from IKEA, Millie Flemington-Claire from Human Beauty, Hannah Tantush from Introum, and previous Naidex guest Amy Pohl, a content creator and activist.
During my brief attendance, some of the issues addressed included discrimination and how artificial intelligence is driving positive developments in inclusivity.

These panel discussions were running at the same time as a presentation by Michelle Owens CBE (details later in this article).

I began day two of the event by attending The Power of Presence: Delivering True Representation On and Off the Screen. The discussion included voices from some of the leading representatives in diversity and inclusion in UK television.
The panellists included: Jessica Schibli, Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC; Luke Sepahin, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Sky Original Programming at Sky UK; Nicole Steven, Creative Diversity Disability Project Manager at Channel 4; and Sam Tatlow, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ITV.

During the discussion, they shared examples of initiatives aimed at improving on-screen and off-screen representation of disability. They addressed matters including the importance of integrated representation, authenticity, and lived experience.

Unfortunately, I was unable to ask a question during the Q&A session. However, I did have the opportunity to ask the following question separately:
"What can be done to ensure a balanced perspective, particularly in news, documentaries, and current affairs, when high-profile figures make inaccurate generalisations?".
Most of the panelists agreed with the point I raised.

Cecilia Carter-Aris (Disabled by Society) and Jenny Victory, Governor of Gibraltar, addressed the importance of disabled representation in politics. They discussed issues such as the lack of representation and visibility, and emphasised that one person cannot represent the lived experiences of all disabilities. They also highlighted how difficult it is to develop balanced policies without diverse perspectives.

Through my awareness project, there is a growing number of neurodivergent women being formally diagnosed. My attendance at Naidex concluded with This Is Us: Generations of Women Struggling to Obtain a Diagnosis. Guests included Joyce Coomber Sewell from Coomber Sewell Training CIC, Pamela Aculey from Just Like Me and MIXED Reality, and Sammi Ford from her organisation of the same name.

Presenation talks

Michelle Owens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain

Sir Stephen Timms MP, The Minister for Social Security and Disability

Michelle Owens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, spoke about her experiences as a neurodivergent individual. She discussed boundaries and shared suggestions on how inclusivity can be improved. These included universal design, better standards, improved communication, and greater openness to accommodate differences. This can help remove barriers and discourage masking.
Michelle also addressed biases that can disadvantage neurodivergent individuals, while highlighting that artificial intelligence could be a transformative development.

The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, delivered a brief speech on his department’s developments. He introduced a new consultation and discussed a call for evidence on the review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This follows the government being voted against on the reform bill in late 2025. The “Timms Review” consultation on Personal Independence Payment will last for 28 days.

A breif listen

I had a breif listen to conversations and panel discussions including Dr. Mark Fosbrook
Disability Inclusion Manager of the West Midlands Combined Authority hosted the discussion Impact and Loneliness: The Importance of Community with Nabila Gardner
Director of Ways for Wellbeing UK, Sammy Ahmed from Deaf World, Steve Keith a Volunteer Birmingham and Black Country from Sight Loss Council .

Also I watch an interview with Jodie Ounsley

Networking & people I have met

Posing with Nicole Steven Creative Diversity Disability Project Manager at Channel 4

Posing with Ed James Propositions Manager at Lloyds Banking Group.

Posing with Jodie Ounsley, Athlete, former rugby player, and cast member of the current version of the TV series Gladiators.

At the event, I met a variety of people from different backgrounds, including exhibition teams and guests.
It was great to see Ed James, Propositions Manager at Lloyds Banking Group. I also met several people at the National Rail stand, including representatives from Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry Trains, and London North Eastern Railway (LNER). From ITV plc, I met Beth Matthews, Access Coordinator at ITV Studios.

Last year, I wrote an article on ableist behaviour relating to the use of sunflower lanyards. I had the opportunity to speak with the team at Hidden Disabilities, the organisation behind the lanyard scheme, including Chantal Boyce, Head of Communications.
(See my original article on wearing lanyards.)

I also met representatives from retailers Primark and Currys.
I had a brief chat with Jodie Ounsley, athlete, former rugby player, and cast member of the current version of the TV series Gladiators.
I also met additional people from previous events.

Conclusion

This year’s attendance at Naidex was my busiest yet, and I networked with more people and organisations than in previous years. There are potentially further opportunities that may arise from attending.

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Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000 , he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also am involved with salsa classes in the local community
as an assistant. I also have participated in major dancing conventions in Birmingham's, including Motion City (created by Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity) during the summer and Latinmotion's NYE Fest during the New Year public holiday.
In 2022. Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games