About

About Me


How I got to where I am today …

It started with a single moment that changed everything.

One night, I slept through a fire drill. I’m hard of hearing, and I wasn’t wearing my hearing aids.
I didn’t hear the alarm.

That moment made one thing clear: accessibility gaps aren’t abstract—they’re real, and they carry real risk.

I wanted to fix that problem.

I took a simple idea and turned it into a product, launching Lisnen, an AI-powered app that uses smart devices and microphones to detect critical sounds—like fire alarms—and send alerts when immediate attention is needed.

Lisnen showed me what was possible when technology, data, and inclusion come together.

Seeing the bigger picture

As Lisnen grew, so did my perspective.

I began to see how accessibility isn’t just about tools or compliance—it’s about systems, communication, decision-making, and experience. I connected the dots between technology, policy, emergency preparedness, tourism, and how countries like Canada can lead in disability inclusion through innovation.

Along the way, I gained hands-on experience in accessibility, disability inclusion, partnerships, marketing, sales, and what it truly takes to launch and scale a technology product for social good.

Sharing what I’ve learned

I’ve always believed that progress accelerates when knowledge is shared.

I’ve openly shared my experiences and insights through media and public speaking, with features in OntarioTV, Huffington Post, Globe and Mail, Global TV, Toronto Star, and more.

I’ve spoken internationally at conferences including FWD50, A11Y Toronto, M-Enabling (U.S.), and most recently the Accessibility Tourism Summit in Italy, working with organizations that want to turn accessibility commitments into real-world outcomes.

The learning never stopped.

As my work expanded, so did my involvement at the policy and standards level.

I became the first person with a disability to be certified as a ForHumanity Auditor in accessibility and disability inclusion—giving me a behind-the-scenes understanding of how standards, governance, and accountability are built.

I currently serve or have served as:

  • A standard committee member for the CSA group on customer service accessibility
  • A Technical Committee Member for Plain Language at Accessibility Standards Canada
  • A member of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council for Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
  • A Steering Committee Member on AI with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
  • A Board Member with Creative Users Projects

These roles give me a rare vantage point—bridging lived experience, regulation, and organizational reality.

Where my work is focused today

Today, I help organizations move beyond fragmented accessibility efforts by offering:

  • Accessibility Assessment that provides a clear, cross-functional view of accessibility readiness that reveals what’s working, what’s not, and where risk lives and where to prioritize improvements with real impact
  • Workshops and training that align teams, leadership, and partners

My work is especially focused on:

  • Tourism & visitor experiences
  • Emergency management and preparedness
  • Organizations advancing DEI through measurable, accountable accessibility

This work complements Lisnen—and in many cases, prepares organizations to adopt inclusive technology more effectively.

Recognition along the way

I’ve been honoured to receive:

  • 2023 Women in IT Canada – Impact Award
  • Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch (2019)
  • Top Venture, Black Founders Network Demo Day (2025)

Why this matters

Accessibility isn’t a checkbox.
It’s not a policy.
And it’s not solved by good intentions alone.

It requires clarity, coordination, and accountability.

That’s the work I do—helping organizations understand where they are today, where they need to go next, and how to get there with confidence.

What’s next?

Beyond building Lisnen, my work now focuses on helping organizations see, measure, and strengthen their accessibility efforts in a clear, practical way.

My strength lies in translating lived experience, policy insight, and systems thinking into meaningful, measurable change.

I work directly with organizations and in collaboration with DEI partners to move accessibility from intention to impact—without overwhelm, silos, or guesswork.

Some other things I do:

Consult: Empower entrepreneurs to launch and grow transformative ideas.

Write: I occasionally write posts on LinkedIn and articles on hearing care marketing and on Making Sense Sunday, a newsletter connecting the everyday experience to people with hearing loss or those servicing them.

Speak: I speak on several topics relating to AI, digital inclusion and business development.

If you’re feeling like you’d like to chat, email me at info [@] eyraabraham [.] com!

My past career journey

Education: I acquired an MSc in Tourism and Events from Bournemouth University and a BSc in Computer Science from McGill University.

Career History: My work spanned a number of industries, including municipal and provincial government, independent and post-secondary schools, insurance, retail, exhibitions & events, and an e-learning start-up. What can I say?! I learned a lot.