About

My name is Peter Heery. I'm User Experience Principal for Accessibility at BBC, working across audience-facing products on web, native apps and television.

I have nearly twenty years of experience across enterprise software, consumer apps and large-scale media platforms. My background in product management and user research shapes how I approach accessibility.

Much of my work is defining what good accessibility looks like when established standards and guidance don't give a clear answer. That's particularly relevant to newer technologies and platforms, including Smart TVs and video on demand.

I use qualitative and quantitative research to understand what disabled people need from digital products, where they encounter barriers and how to remove them. That evidence informs product decisions.

At the BBC, I lead the development of the Product Accessibility Guidelines, an outcomes-based approach that helps product teams make accessibility decisions at every stage, from discovery and design through to delivery.

I'm originally from Northern Ireland, and I now live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I'm also a dad. That comes first.

Standards and industry

I represent the BBC at the W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group, which maintains the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and is developing WCAG 3.

I also represent the BBC on the Digital Television Group's Accessibility and User Experience Working Group. The DTG is the UK industry association for digital television, and its members include broadcasters, platform operators and manufacturers.

Speaking

At CSUN 2025 I presented BBC research into the barriers blind and partially sighted audiences encounter on Smart TVs and video on demand. You can read the write-up, TV accessibility: insights from research.

I'm happy to speak at conferences, meetups and podcasts. Get in touch if you'd like me to.

Accessibility Scotland

I've been involved in organising Accessibility Scotland since 2016. It's a volunteer-run, not-for-profit conference bringing together people working in digital accessibility and inclusive design.

I'm a trustee of the charity, which is registered in Scotland (SC048612). My involvement has included developing the programme, selecting speakers, securing sponsorship and making the event accessible to disabled speakers and attendees.

What people say

"His knowledge in mobile accessibility is as good as it gets plus he really understands how people use the web."

Henny Swan, Director, Tetralogical

"If you're looking for someone who has both the hard and soft skills to build or contribute to an accessibility or inclusive design practice, he will bring incredible knowledge and compassion."

Erica Ellis, Head of Product Equity Design, Uber

"Peter's passion for building inclusive products, combined with his pragmatic and practical approach to collaborating with engineers, designers, and product managers, make him an excellent fit for any team committed to delivering accessible products."

Sinéad Davis Cochrane, Senior Research Manager, Workday

More recommendations are available on my LinkedIn profile.