Episode 14

full
Published on:

18th Feb 2025

Mark Lapole - Director, Accessibility - eBay

Join us in this episode of The Digital Accessibility Podcast as we sit down with Mark Lapole, Director of Accessibility at eBay. With over 15 years at eBay and a career spanning roles at Google and Thomson Reuters, Mark shares his insights into fostering an accessibility-first culture within a global organization.

We explore:

  • Mark’s journey into accessibility, from early web development to shaping eBay’s digital inclusion strategy.
  • eBay’s approach to accessibility – from their open-source Mind Patterns & UI Core Components to their INCLUDE Figma plugin for designers.
  • The challenges of building an accessibility champions program and why eBay’s initial attempts fell short.
  • The role of external accessibility consultancies and how they support eBay’s internal team.
  • The European Accessibility Act (EAA) – how eBay is preparing, the uncertainties surrounding enforcement, and what it means for global companies.
  • Avoiding burnout in accessibility leadership – Mark shares candid reflections on personal challenges, balancing priorities, and supporting his team’s well-being.

This conversation offers a practical and honest perspective on embedding accessibility into product development, navigating regulatory shifts, and the evolving role of accessibility professionals in tech.

Resource Links:

🔹 PCR Digital – Digital & Technology Recruitment: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

🔹 eBay Mind Patterns & UI Core Components: https://github.com/eBay/mindpatterns

🔹 INCLUDE Figma Plugin: https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/123456789

🔹 Disability:IN – Corporate Accessibility & Inclusion: https://www.disabilityin.org/

🔹 European Accessibility Act Overview: https://bit.ly/4hlHMEm

🔹 TechShare Pro Conference: https://abilitynet.org.uk/techshare-pro

Mark’s Social Media:

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lapole/

Joe’s Social Media:

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeajames/

🔹 Twitter (X): @A11yJoe

🎧 Subscribe & listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Digital Accessibility Podcast

About the Podcast

The Digital Accessibility Podcast
Interviews with Digital Accessibility Leaders
In The Digital Accessibility Podcast, Accessibility Leaders are interviewed by Joe James about the importance of digital accessibility in business and society.

Joe is a Digital Accessibility Recruiter at PCR Digital with an inquisitive mind and a passion for the space.

Tune in for key insights, personal accounts, and takeaways about the importance of digital accessibility, told by experts.

Contact: joe.james@pcrdigital.com
PCR Digital: https://www.pcrdigital.com/

About your host

Profile picture for Joe James

Joe James

Hi! I'm Joe. I'm a Technical Recruitment Consultant who's worked in a huge variety of industries. Having worked to hire specialists for one of the world leaders in digital accessibility, my own passion for and interest in the field has grown.

My aim is to chat with thought leaders and advocates within the space to raise more awareness of the field in general and help to understand what we can all be doing to ensure all areas of the web/technology are accessible to everyone.