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Speaking
Engagements

Speaking has become one of the most powerful parts of my work. When accessibility is discussed in travel and tourism, disabled voices are still too often missing from the room. Sharing lived experience helps change that.


My keynote talks, panels and workshops combine personal stories, practical examples and clear takeaways that audiences can apply to their own work. I speak regularly at tourism conferences and industry events, and every session is grounded in real experience from years of travelling, writing and working within the industry.

Topics I cover:

  • Accessible tourism through a lived experience lens

  • Inclusive storytelling and authentic representation

  • The power of inclusive marketing and communications

  • The business case for accessible and inclusive tourism

  • Practical ways organisations can make travel more inclusive

Carrie-Ann Lightley sits in a wheelchair on stage, speaking while holding notes and a presentation remote. Behind her, a large screen displays key points about her experience in accessible travel, with soft stage lighting and a dark backdrop dotted with small lights.

My signature talk

Inclusive Tourism: A Lived Experience Perspective

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This talk explores what accessibility really looks like from the perspective of a disabled traveller, and why lived experience matters when shaping travel experiences and communication. Drawing on personal journeys, industry insight and practical examples, it challenges common assumptions about accessibility and encourages organisations to move beyond good intentions towards meaningful, inclusive action.

Carrie-Ann Lightley sits on a panel alongside other speakers at an event titled “Icons of Inclusion.” The group is seated on stage with microphones and small tables, smiling towards the audience, while a host stands at a podium to the side.
“I have worked with Carrie-Ann as a speaker on two occasions.  Once at an in-person event and once on a webinar. She brings a voice for all disabled travellers which resonates in every walk of life.  
 
If you want to know why it’s so important to give the disabled community a voice, make sure you book Carrie-Ann to speak at your event.  Her community will thank you for being heard!” 

— Howard Salinger, Managing Director, Travel Connection Group

Where I've spoken

​I've delivered keynotes, chaired panels and co-hosted sessions at events including:

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  • VisitScotland's Tay Country Tourism conference

  • Visit Belfast's Embrace the Inclusive Spirit conference

  • VisitScotland's Unlocking the Potential: The Power of Inclusive Marketing webinar

  • Naidex

  • Icons of Inclusion

  • Transreport's Community Network Celebration

  • Travel Connection Group's The Power of Inclusive Storytelling webinar

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​If you're planning an event or conference and would like to discuss a keynote, panel or workshop, I'd love to hear from you.

©2026 Carrie-Ann Lightley​ | Cookies & Privacy

Image credits: VisitScotland/Allan Myles /Lydia Smith. Rachel Airey. Joel Ryder Media for Icons of Inclusion/Out There Publishing Ltd.

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