From client consultations and auditing content, to training, writing and research, it’s a busy schedule for Susi Miller of eLaHub
Running a business involves wearing many hats, and as the founder and Director of eLaHub, my days are filled with a variety of tasks – from client consultations and auditing, to training, writing and research.
It’s a role that constantly evolves, and I wouldn’t have it any other way
Of course, there’s also the usual list of responsibilities that come with running a small business: marketing, sales, website maintenance, social media, networking, finance and writing proposals etc. Any entrepreneur will tell you that these tasks are both essential and very time-consuming, but rather than dwell on them, I want to focus on what it’s like to be an eLearning Accessibility Consultant – a role that’s still so rare I had to start my own business to make it happen!
While each day tends to involve a mixture of activities, I’ve broken them down day by day to give a clearer idea of the type of things I do. Here’s an overview of what a typical week might involve.
Monday: Client consultations and strategy
Mondays are often dedicated to client consultations, which form the foundation of our work at eLaHub. These meetings allow us to help organisations address their specific challenges around eLearning accessibility. Some clients seek guidance on creating a strategic roadmap to embed accessibility across their learning programmes, while others might need help implementing the internationally recognised Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or gaining traction for internal accessibility initiatives.
What I enjoy most about these consultations is the opportunity to problem-solve. It’s incredibly rewarding to listen to a client’s challenges, identify their pain points, and propose solutions that will make a real difference.
For example, one recent client was a leading authoring tool provider who wanted to become a market leader in accessibility. I developed a blended learning programme for their L&D team, which equipped them to confidently support customers and create resources to help users develop accessible and inclusive learning content using their tool.
Ultimately, these consultations are about empowering clients to take control of their accessibility journey. It’s gratifying to see them grow in confidence and become advocates for accessible learning content within their own organisations.
Tuesday: Auditing learning content
On Tuesdays, I often focus on auditing learning content for accessibility, which is one of the most important services we offer. In the early days of eLaHub, I saw a persistent issue that was impacting the ability of my clients to make their learning content accessible. I realised that traditional web accessibility audits very often overlooked the specific needs of eLearning content developed using authoring tools.
As a result, these audits typically led to expensive technical assessments that were difficult to implement and frequently compromised interactivity and effective learning experiences in the name of accessibility. To address this problem, I developed the unique eLahub ‘active auditing’ approach.
Our auditing goes beyond simply checking boxes for WCAG compliance. Of course, we evaluate technical requirements such as colour contrast and compatibility with assistive technology etc, but we go beyond that. We also offer guidance on improving the effectiveness, usability and learner experience of resources, while understanding the unique challenges practitioners face from tool limitations and organisational or client requirements. The aim of our approach is to increase the confidence of learning practitioners to enable them to fix accessibility issues in their existing content and to empower them to apply what they’ve learnt to future projects.
I love this part of my work – it sometimes feels a bit like being a detective. It’s also inspiring to review the work of other practitioners in order to learn from them and develop my own practice. I’m constantly challenged to think creatively about how accessibility and good design can work together to create impactful and effective learning content that improves the learning experience for everyone.
Wednesday: Training and workshops
Wednesdays are often spent delivering training workshops, which is a particularly fulfilling aspect of my job. I developed eLaHub’s virtual instructor-led Digital Accessibility Awareness Raising Workshop to help organisations understand the importance of accessibility. The goal of these sessions is to change mindsets. It’s not just about teaching the technical guidelines – it’s about helping people understand why accessibility matters and how it can transform digital content for everyone.
I love the interaction these workshops bring. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the ‘light bulb’ moment when participants realise the positive impact that accessibility can have. It’s the moment they understand that accessibility is not a tick-box exercise but a way to create more inclusive and effective digital experiences for everyone.
Thursday: Writing and book development
Thursday is typically my writing day. As someone deeply passionate about knowledge sharing, writing forms a significant part of my role. Right now, I’m working on the second edition of my book, Designing Accessible Learning Content, which has been a fascinating but challenging project. The new edition will feature updates reflecting the WCAG 2.2 guidelines which were released in October 2023.
Writing is something I enjoy, but it doesn’t come without its challenges, particularly because of my dyslexia. I’ve developed coping strategies, such as using Microsoft’s Immersive Reader to help with proofreading, but simplifying technical concepts and making them accessible to a wide audience can still be tricky. This is especially true when dealing with the complexities of WCAG. Version 2.2 introduced nine new criteria, and part of my role is to translate these complex technical requirements into plain, actionable advice that learning practitioners can use.
Despite the difficulties, writing is immensely rewarding. Knowing that this book will empower learning professionals to create accessible content keeps me motivated. The second edition feels like an important step forward in helping practitioners keep up to date and making accessibility a natural part of their design process.
Friday: Research and development
Friday is often spent on research and development. Accessibility is a rapidly evolving field, and it’s essential to stay aware of the latest trends and updates. Much of this time is spent ensuring that my online self-access Designing Accessible Learning Content Programme remains current and relevant. This programme was born out of my frustration with the lack of hands-on practical support available for creating accessible learning content, and it has since become a go-to resource for learning practitioners.
I also run the forum which supports this programme. This is a vibrant community where practitioners can ask questions and share their experiences. Managing this is a fantastic way to stay connected to the real-world challenges that organisations are facing, and it helps me keep the programme relevant to learning practitioner needs. The research needed to answer the questions asked can sometimes be time-consuming, but it’s always worth it when I’m able to offer practical, effective solutions.
Saturday: Advocacy and public speaking
Although I try hard to keep a good work life balance, like most entrepreneurs my work invariably creeps into the weekend. Saturdays are often spent preparing for public speaking engagements – whether it’s a webinar, a podcast, or a conference. Advocacy is an important part of what I do. I’m passionate about spreading the message that eLearning accessibility isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating better learning experiences for everyone. Public speaking gives me the platform to reach a wider audience and advocate for accessibility in a way that sparks real change.
Daily reality: A blend of everything
While breaking down my week into days helps explain the various aspects of my role, in reality, most days involve a blend of all these activities. I might start the morning with a client meeting, spend the afternoon auditing content, and finish the day by writing or researching. Flexibility is key in this job, and being able to juggle multiple tasks is essential.
It’s a continuous learning process too. Every client brings new challenges, and each project pushes me to find new solutions. Staying hands-on with the content creation process is also vital. It ensures that I’m practising what I preach and that I’m always aware of the latest developments in accessibility standards.
Final thoughts
Being an eLearning accessibility consultant is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever had. There are days when the workload feels overwhelming – any small business owner will understand that – but the knowledge that I’m making a difference keeps me going.
What I love most about this job is the impact it has. Whether through consultancy, auditing, training, or advocacy, I know that the work I do helps organisations create more accessible and inclusive learning experiences for everyone. Most importantly, it helps ensure that learners with disabilities and access needs have the same opportunities as everyone else to engage with and benefit from learning content.
It’s a role that constantly evolves, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful every day to be doing work that I believe in, and to be helping others create accessible learning content that truly makes a difference.
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Susi Miller is Founder and Director of eLaHub
