About Me

My name is Paolo Leonardi. I have been blind since birth, and I specialize in digital accessibility with an approach that combines technical expertise, user experience awareness, and a strong process-oriented mindset.

I work within one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions in the Information Governance Service. As a Digital Accessibility & Quality Assurance Specialist and assistive technology expert, I support the design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of websites, applications, IT procedures, and digital services, with the goal of making them truly accessible, usable, and inclusive.

In my work, accessibility process quality is not a separate activity, but a structural part of the process itself: it means identifying issues, preventing errors, and contributing to the development of sustainable solutions over time.

What I Do

I focus on:

• Technical accessibility testing on websites, applications, and digital documents
• User experience analysis, with a strong focus on interaction through assistive technology
• Supporting development teams in integrating accessibility into their processes
• Testing and quality assurance activities across the entire product lifecycle
• Producing guidelines, documentation, and technical content

My Approach

Accessibility is not just about complying with standards and regulations, but about designing experiences that truly work for everyone.

My approach combines:

• Technical expertise
• Direct experience with assistive technology
• Attention to detail and real user behavior
• A systemic, process-oriented vision

The goal is to turn accessibility from a formal requirement into tangible value.

Background

My background brings together different areas:

• Law studies
• Technological expertise
• Experience in testing and quality assurance
• Content creation and ICT technical documentation
• Music studies

I have also developed extensive experience in writing guides and documentation for users of assistive technology, contributing to a more practical and informed accessibility culture.

Beyond Work

Alongside my professional activity, I cultivate a strong passion for music: I am a pianist, holding a diploma with top honors from the prestigious Conservatorio di musica Santa Cecilia, and I am also involved in music composition.

This dimension enhances sensitivity, listening skills, and structural awareness — qualities that I bring into my work in the digital world.