Professor • Speaker • Writer • Disability Advocate
I work at the intersection of disability, inclusion and organisational change, combining research, lived experience and practical action to help create a more accessible world.
As a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Inclusion at Royal Holloway University of London, I explore how organisations, institutions and everyday environments can better support participation, belonging and opportunity for disabled people. My work spans research, speaking, training, advisory work, writing and public engagement across higher education, business, policy and culture.
Whether I’m presenting a keynote, advising an organisation, training professionals or conducting research, my goal remains the same: helping people rethink assumptions about disability, capability and inclusion.
Work with Me
My work is shaped by being disabled myself, by years of research with disabled communities globally, and by the reality that most systems and spaces still aren’t designed with us in mind. I want to change that.
I collaborate with organisations across higher education, business, government, charities and the cultural sector to create more inclusive environments, policies and practices.
- Speaking — Keynotes, conference presentations, panels and public engagement events exploring disability, inclusion, leadership, accessibility and belonging.
- Training & Capacity Building— Professional development programmes on disability inclusion, sensory accessibility, research methods, inclusive leadership and organisational change.
- Advisory & Consulting — Strategic advice, accessibility reviews, inclusion audits, policy development and organisational change support.
What I work On
My research, training and public engagement focus on improving participation, belonging and opportunity for disabled people within organisations and society.
Disability, Work and Entrepreneurship
How disabled people navigate, challenge and reshape workplaces, organisations and economic systems that were never designed with them in mind.
Higher Education and Organisational Change
Creating more inclusive universities and workplaces through disability-inclusive leadership, accessibility and culture change.
Access, Culture and Everyday Life
Exploring inclusion in museums, travel, leisure, public spaces and the arts, and what it takes to move from access as aspiration to access in practice.
Inclusive Research and Storytelling
Using participatory, co-created and creative methods that centre lived experience and challenge traditional approaches to knowledge production.
Selected Organisations
I have spoken, trained, collaborated or advised organisations including:
- British Council
- Guide Dogs UK
- Times Higher Education
- Museum Association
- Museum Development South East (MDSE)
- Turbine Potsdam (football club)
- Planet Abled
- Spectrum Brands
- National Council of Women GB
- Government Events
- Various Universities, museums, charities and public-sector organisations across the UK and internationally
Writing
I write for academic, professional and public audiences about disability, inclusion, leadership, work and everyday life.
My writing includes academic books and articles, reports, essays, opinion pieces, public scholarship and creative non-fiction.
Books
Academic and non-academic books exploring disability, inclusion and organisational change.
Academic Publications
Journal articles, chapters and reports.
Essays and Articles
Public-facing writing, opinion pieces and prize-winning essays.
Blog
Reflections on disability, inclusion, research, advocacy and everyday life.
Beyond Research
Not everyone reads academic papers, and that’s exactly the point.
Alongside research and writing, I work through exhibitions, documentaries, media production, podcasts and creative collaborations that bring disability experiences and perspectives to wider audiences.
Recent projects include exhibitions created with blind and partially sighted artists, media creation projects, documentaries and collaborations with cultural organisations seeking to improve access and participation.
Explore Projects & Impact
About Me
I’m a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Inclusion at Royal Holloway University of London, a speaker, writer and disability advocate.
As a blind professional and researcher, I bring both lived experience and scholarly expertise to conversations about disability, accessibility and inclusion. My work is grounded in the belief that disability is not a problem to be fixed but a valuable source of knowledge, insight and innovation.
Through research, teaching, public engagement and partnerships, I work to create a world in which disabled people can participate fully in every aspect of society.
Testimonial
“Professor Zeyen is an incredibly engaging speaker. She moved us emotionally, bringing laughter, shock, sadness and hope. Despite the serious topics, she left us with a strong sense of positivity and determination.”
President, 2nd Bundesliga Women’s Football Club
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with my research, writing, speaking engagements and projects, including updates that never make it onto social media.
Let’s Talk
Interested in speaking, training, advisory work, research collaboration or media engagement?
I’d be delighted to hear from you.