Adam Spencer
About Adam
Adam is recognized as one of the top international experts in PDF and PDF accessibility technologies. He’s committed to reshaping the PDF accessibility industry through investment and development of new and exciting approaches to both document and web accessibility.
Adam’s entry into the world of accessibility began in 2009, when his mother, a banker, requested his help in developing software that would help her staff that were blind to read their documents. Soon, he saw a great opportunity in developing even more software to help tear down barriers to information, and co-founded the company Accessibil-IT. It was a huge success, but after departing in 2018, Adam started AbleDocs, a world leader in digital accessibility products and services.
Before entering the accessibility sector, Adam went to university to study economics and politics with plans to become a lawyer. In his second year, he started a company with some friends to install wireless networking in student housing. This business venture lit an interest in software development that would define his career journey.
Adam has been an active member in the standards authoring community for eight years and continues to contribute to ISO 32000-1/2 and ISO 14289-1/2. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Standards Council of Canada for PDF and PDF Accessibility.
Entrepreneur
Founder of one of the fastest-growing digital accessibility companies in the world.
Changemaker
Transforming the digital accessibility industry and opening the internet for people with disabilities.
Advocate
Promoting and advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the digital space.
A Leader in the Community
Adam’s passion for accessibility reaches far beyond AbleDocs. He’s constantly finding ways to be active in the community and educating others on the importance of accessibility.
- Chair of the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee(Link Opens in New Window)
- Vice-Chair of Standards Council of Canada for PDF and PDF Accessibility
- 2014 Community Spirit Award Recipient, Access Award sponsored by MEDIchair Halton(Link Opens in New Window)
- Professor at Mohawk College
Contact Adam
Email: adam@adamspencer.ca
Adam has been featured in publications like:
Adam in the News
From authoring articles to being quoted, Adam Spencer is a highly sought-after leader in the digital accessibility space.
Digital Accessibility: The Universal Language Bridging Worlds
MediumDigital Accessibility: The Universal Language Bridging Worlds - Read Article Opens Medium in New WindowIn an era dominated by the rapid digitization of almost every facet of our lives, the term ‘global language’ has taken on a new meaning. Beyond the confines of spoken dialects and regional tongues, a new form of communication emerges that unites people irrespective of their physical or cognitive abilities. It’s the language of digital accessibility.
Building a Business Case for Digital Accessibility: Not Just Compliance, but Competitive Advantage
MediumBuilding a Business Case for Digital Accessibility: Not Just Compliance, but Competitive Advantage - Read Article Opens Medium in New WindowIn a digitally connected world, accessibility is no longer a luxury or an afterthought. It’s a necessity. For businesses, ignoring digital accessibility can lead to legal complications and isolate a significant portion of potential customers. Surprisingly, many organizations still underestimate the value of making their digital platforms more accessible. If you need to champion this cause within your company, here’s how to build a compelling business case for digital accessibility.
Debunking the Misconceptions of Digital Accessibility Within Organizations
MediumDebunking the Misconceptions of Digital Accessibility Within Organizations - Read Article Opens Medium in New WindowIn today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, digital accessibility is a term that resonates across boardrooms. However, many organizations still grapple with numerous misconceptions surrounding the topic. These misunderstandings often hinder the adoption of best practices that not only promote inclusivity but also have the potential to drive business success.
Let’s delve into these misconceptions and set the record straight.
Adam Spencer Interview with CIO Applications
CIO ApplicationsAdam Spencer Interview with CIO Applications - Read Article Opens CIO Applications in New Window“With a best-in-class technology and deep category expertise, we are here to guide at every step of the way in being compliant,” begins Spencer.