Nov 2025 – Present · 5 mos

• Supporting the charity's mission to help disabled people and their families to have vital respite breaks and holidays.

Oct 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

• Charity ambassador for UP - The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement. At UP we believe that Cerebral Palsy shouldn’t be a barrier to living a full and active life. With better understanding, and dedicated and continuous medical provision, adults with Cerebral Palsy can be better supported to delay and cope with the degenerative impact Cerebral Palsy can have on the body.

Feb 2021 – Feb 2025 · 4 yrs

• Leadership & Strategy: Playing a key role in the senior management team, shaping the strategic direction of AccessAble to ensure its services met the needs of millions of users.
• Brand Management: Overseeing all aspects of brand development, ensuring consistency and a strong, positive public image. Spearheaded the rebranding efforts to keep AccessAble at the forefront of accessible travel services.
• Content Creation & SEO: Led the creation of SEO-optimized content, increasing visibility and engagement across all platforms. Managed the development of engaging and informative marketing materials, press releases, and blog posts.
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Established and expanded collaborative partnerships with key organisations in the tourism and accessibility sectors. Successfully grew the AccessAble Ambassadors network, connecting with 36 freelance content creators by 2023.
• Webinars & Thought Leadership: Launched a series of industry-facing webinars, hosting and leading discussions on disability and accessibility issues, further positioning AccessAble as a thought leader.
• Podcast Host: Founded and hosted the AccessAble podcast, where insightful conversations with experts and advocates help organisations understand and address accessibility challenges.

Jun 2018 – Feb 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

• Website & App Development: Contributed significantly to the redesign of AccessAble’s website and app, driving user growth from 1.5 million in 2018 to over 6 million in 2023.
• Influencer Engagement: Created and managed the AccessAble Ambassadors network, collaborating with top influencers and bloggers in the disability community. This network, including prominent figures like Simply Emma and The Deaf Traveller, helped amplify AccessAble’s reach.
• User Consultation & Beta Testing: Coordinated comprehensive user consultation and beta testing, ensuring that the website and app met the real-world needs of disabled users.
• Social Media and Content Strategy: Developed and implemented a structured social media and content strategy to promote AccessAble’s partners and services. This included the integration of accessibility information into the websites of major Destination Management Organisations.
• Content Creation: Wrote and edited engaging content for online and offline channels, including blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, and promotional materials, boosting AccessAble’s online presence.

Jan 2017 – Present · 9 yrs 3 mos

• I specialise in accessible travel storytelling - writing, speaking, facilitating and creating content that inspires disabled people to explore the world, and helps travel brands and destinations become more inclusive.
• Through my blog www.CarrieAnnLightley.com, I’ve built one of the UK’s leading platforms for accessible travel, alongside a growing social media presence. My work includes:
• Writing features and copy for publications such as The Independent, The Telegraph, and Conde Nast Traveller.
• Collaborating with brands including Visit Belfast, Cotswolds Tourism, and Limitless Travel.
• Creating engaging, real-life social content - e.g. "come with me" travel reels for Instagram.
• Delivering keynotes, webinars and workshops on inclusive marketing, accessible travel, and Cerebral Palsy advocacy.
• Speaking at events such as Naidex (4x), Embrace The Inclusive Spirit (Belfast 2025, keynote), and CP Teens UK’s Ball (2019, special guest).

Jun 2005 – Jun 2018 · 13 yrs · Kendal, Cumbria, UK

• Service Management: Managed the national information service, providing essential advice and support to disabled travellers and accessible tourism businesses across the UK. Handled thousands of enquiries and provided tailored solutions to meet diverse accessibility needs.
• Campaign Leadership: Led the creation and launch of the “Tourism is for Everybody” campaign, promoting inclusive travel through a dedicated website, social media channels, and marketing collateral.
• Rebranding Project: Managed the comprehensive rebranding of Tourism for All UK, ensuring that the new brand reflected the organisation’s mission and values while increasing its appeal and visibility.
• Content Development: Oversaw content management for the organisation’s website and publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance in all accessible travel information.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly travelled across the UK and overseas to represent the organisation at meetings, exhibitions, and conferences. Acted as a spokesperson and expert panellist on accessible tourism, contributing to campaigns and discussions at the highest levels, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Young Disabled People.
• LMS & Training Development: Supported the development of a Learning Management System and online training courses aimed at educating tourism businesses on accessibility best practices.

Mar 2004 – Jun 2005 · 1 yr 3 mos · Kendal

• Payroll, interview candidate selection, absence mionitoring, training.

Apr 2002 – Aug 2003 · 1 yr 4 mos · Kendal