Dermot Beattie, founder of The Dandelion Group based in Belfast, has been announced as a speaker at BarCamp Belfast 2025, taking place on September 26 at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Building on Andy McMillan’s 2009 success, organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay & Retro Rooms) and Jennie Wallace (Beyond Skin) have brought the captivating day to fruition alongside the event’s headline sponsors Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay, Infinity 21, The Alchemists Forum, Morrow Communications and media partner Excalibur Press.
This year’s BarCamp will feature 17 sessions across two stages, covering topics as diverse as how to retire in ten years, using AI in PR, accessibility in design, generative coding, neurodiversity and email marketing.
The Dandelion Group, which supports working age individuals with acquired disabilities by promoting inclusive employment, peer support and employer collaboration, has also been named as the official charity partner for BarCamp Belfast 2025.
Dermot’s talk, titled “Accessibility in Design”, will share his personal experience of living with vision loss and navigating digital products, while highlighting the critical importance of inclusive design. Attendees can expect a candid look at the techniques and software tools Dermot uses day to day, alongside reflections on the barriers that poor design creates for people who are visually impaired.
The session will give audiences the chance to gain a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with an acquired disability while working in tech, and to use that insight as a starting point for improving accessibility in their own designs.
Dermot said: “Last year’s BarCamp is where I was inspired to start The Dandelion Group so it felt right to take part in it this year. I am even more excited that The Dandelion Group has been chosen as the charity partner for BarCamp Belfast 2025. I think it is a great idea. It gives people like myself an opportunity to present our thoughts on a topic where we might not get the chance to in other similar events.”
BarCamp Belfast co-organiser Jennie Wallace welcomed Dermot’s contribution. Jennie said: “BarCamp is about creating a space where anyone can contribute, learn and share. This year, we are covering everything from ‘How to Retire in 10 Years’ to ‘AI Disasters in PR’. We want to ignite ideas in all kinds of creatives. For us, it is about learning, collaboration and fun.”
Following last year’s success, BarCamp Belfast has returned with an eclectic mix of founders, developers, creatives, and industry experts sharing their knowledge in an open, informal environment.
Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to drop in throughout the day, listen to talks, or even deliver one themselves.
For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2025 and to register for the September 26 event, go to barcampbelfast.com.
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