Accessibility, communication, and community
I believe accessible communication helps create communities where more people can participate, contribute, and belong.
Please note: I’m currently working full time as an accessibility specialist with Left Turn Right Turn. Learn more about our work. I’m not currently accepting accessibility consulting, training, or communications projects. This website serves as a professional portfolio and a place to share my work, writing, and interests.
Hi, I’m Leanna (she/they)
I’m an accessibility professional based in British Columbia with expertise in accessible communications, plain language, disability inclusion, and digital accessibility.
With more than a decade of professional experience, as well as my own lived experience of disability and divergence, I wholeheartedly believe in what I do. I’m motivated to help others and make sure everyone is welcome and included.
Leanna Manning, a multiply neurodivergent and disabled person. She has green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair. Leanna wears a red, green, and blue floral jacket. Photo by Hayf Photography.
What I care about
Accessible communications
Clear communication helps more people participate, understand, and belong. I’m passionate about making information easier to find, understand, and use through thoughtful, accessible communication practices.
Strategic communications
Communication shapes how people experience organizations, services, and communities. I’m interested in the ways strategy, language, and accessibility can work together to build trust and create meaningful connections.
Plain language
Words shape experiences. I’m fascinated by how language can either create barriers or open doors, and I believe plain language is one of the most powerful accessibility tools we have.
Conversations about accessibility
Accessibility is a practice of learning, listening, and improving. I enjoy thoughtful conversations about disability, communication, and what it takes to create a greater sense of belonging.
Speaking and presentations
I believe accessibility becomes more impactful when people can see how it connects to their everyday life. I enjoy helping audiences explore accessibility, communication, and community building in practical ways.
Creative collaborations
Creativity has always been an important part of who I am. Whether through writing, visual art, or collaboration, creativity helps me make sense of the world. It’s also one of the ways I connect with community and imagine more accessible futures.
Artwork of overlapping green, yellow, and brown circles and scribbles from coloured pencils. On top are green leaves and stems from a plant.
An Invitation to creative collaboration
An artist at heart, I’m always seeking out ways in which I can collaborate creatively with others. I do this across various mediums in a way that brings together diverse talents to craft inspiring projects with social impact.
If you’d like to discuss collaborating with me on a creative project, I would love to know more.
On the blog
We rely on Leanna for all of our plain language needs because we share the same philosophy: it’s all about the audience.
You have to test with real people. Leanna is methodical in her approach, and she understand that plain language goes beyond the words you use.
— Noah Senecal-Junkeer, Co-Founder and Team Lead at Easy Surf
“As a content reviewer, Leanna takes the time to dig into, digest, and dissect the writing in front of her.
She then takes different vantage points in order to generate thoughtful and thorough feedback that reflects the multiple perspectives that inform her practice.”
— Leo Chow, Internal Program Manager at Small Business BC
“Leanna has been an important associate for Untapped Accessibility since day one of our business.
As an accessibility consultant, Leanna gracefully balances expert knowledge with a generous approach. I can always trust Leanna will give me high quality work in the time frame promised. From plain language reviews to presentations and analysis, Leanna’s talents seem almost endless.”
— Trish Kelly, Managing Director at Untapped Accessibility
“You approached the project with diligence and determination — just what was required.”
— Shannon, Founder and CEO of a mid-size content marketing agency
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