Background
For some time it had been a matter of discussion that Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities (Round Table) should institute a Life Membership category for people who had made an outstanding contribution to the Print Disability sector.
As the Executive pondered the matter it became apparent that it was not appropriate to create a Life Membership category for individuals as Round Table does not have any membership categories for individuals. Round Table is an organisation of organisations. However, the concept of public recognition for outstanding service was both appealing and long overdue. This was the genesis of the Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Award
Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are presented with a memento in the form of a twin plaque. Each memento comprises two separate rosewood timber circular plaques, 24 cm in diameter. The plaques are connected by a metal hinge allowing, if preferred, the two plaques to stand upright when rested at an angle. Alternatively, they can be displayed by being hung on a wall. On the front of each plaque is a silver metal plate on which the Round Table logo and the following words are written: “Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, Lifetime Achievement Award, ‘the person’s full name’, and ‘the year in which it was awarded’. Why two attached plaques? Because on one plaque the words are in print and on the other they are in braille.
Tammy Axelsen
Tammy was the administration officer for the Round Table and sadly passed away in June 2015. The Lifetime Achievement was renamed in her honour in 2016.
Nominations
Nominations open on the day following each Annual General Meeting. Any Round Table Member Organisation, Round Table Executive Committee Member, Round Table Sub-Committee or Round Table Working Party can nominate.
- The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination Information (doc, 106 KB)
- The Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination Form.
2025 Award
The Round Table Executive Committee are proud to announce Neil Jarvis as the recipient of the 2025 Tammy Axelsen Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was presented to Neil at the annual conference dinner in Melbourne on Monday, 26 May.
Neil has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing digital accessibility, significantly impacting the print disability sector through his extensive career spanning advocacy, training, leadership, and policy development. His work has not only improved access to information for individuals with visual impairments but also influenced global standards and best practices in accessible publishing.
Leadership in Adaptive Technology and Accessible Publishing:
His involvement with the British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) as a trustee from 2002 to 2004 underscored his commitment to building digital skills within the blind and low-vision community.
From 2005-2018, he worked in various roles at the Blind Foundation New Zealand. Under his leadership, the Foundation established partnerships that made mobile screen-reading software more affordable, enabling greater independence for blind users. His strategic influence continued as he assumed senior leadership roles from 2008 to 2018, overseeing library services, accessible format production, and international relations. Notably, he led the digitization of the Foundation’s library service, managed government contracts related to accessible information, and spearheaded advocacy efforts for international copyright reform and accessible publishing.
A key highlight of Neil’s work was his tenure on the Board of the DAISY Consortium for ten years, where he played a crucial role in advancing global accessible publishing initiatives. He was instrumental in the development of low-cost braille technology, serving as Company Secretary for the Transforming Braille Group, which partnered with Orbit Technology to create affordable electronic braille devices.
Advocacy for the Marrakesh Treaty and Global Accessibility Initiatives
Neil’s impact extended to international advocacy through his leadership in the World Blind Union’s (WBU) campaign for the Marrakesh Treaty. From 2012 to the present, he has worked to facilitate the treaty’s adoption and implementation across the Asia-Pacific region. His efforts have involved collaborations with WIPO’s Accessible Books Consortium, publishers, and blindness organizations worldwide. He has presented at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to printed materials.
In New Zealand, Neil played a pivotal role in the country’s campaign to join the Marrakesh Treaty, working closely with government agencies to amend copyright legislation. His advocacy ensured that print-disabled individuals could benefit from increased access to accessible reading materials both nationally and internationally.
Contributions to the Round Table on Information Access and BLENNZ: Neil’s leadership extended to the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, where he served on the Executive Committee from 2012 to 2021, including six years as President.
Additionally, Neil contributed to the Blind & Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ) as a Board of Trustees member from 2012 to 2018. He later advised BLENNZ on accessible information services, assisted in establishing its transcription service, and facilitated its recognition as an authorized entity under New Zealand’s copyright law. His expertise ensured that educational materials became more accessible to blind and low-vision students.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Neil’s three-decade career has left an indelible mark on the print disability sector. His leadership in accessible publishing, advocacy for digital inclusion, and contributions to international copyright reform have transformed the landscape for individuals with print disabilities. His work continues to influence global best practices, ensuring that accessibility remains a fundamental consideration in publishing, education, and digital technology.
Past award recipients
- 2025 – Neil Jarvis
- 2023 – Kathy Riessen
- 2019 – Tom Macmahon
- 2018 – Christine Simpson
- 2017 – Ramona Mandy
- 2016 – Nigel Herring
- 2015 – Elisabeth Wegener
- 2014 – Bill Jolley, Janet Reynolds
- 2013 – Frances Gentle
- 2012 – Josie Howse
- 2011 – Jacqueline Booty, Jan Smark Nilsson
- 2010 – John Simpson
- 2009 – Bruce Maguire, Mary Schnackenberg (inaugural awards)
Read more about past Round Table Lifetime Achievement Award winners.