Hello, I’m Aksana, a creative leader working at the intersection of disability-centred design, participatory research, and authentic storytelling.

Over 12 years I’ve led creative work that reaches people at scale. From building an in-house studio at Understood.org, where our campaigns reached 85 million people and measurably changed attitudes toward learning differences, to conducting participatory research with 70+ disabled creatives across East London as part of my MSc in Disability Design & Innovation at UCL, which I completed with distinction in 2025.

As a visually impaired creative, lived experience isn’t a footnote to my work; it’s the methodology. I know firsthand how design decisions create friction or ease, inclusion or exclusion. That knowledge shapes how I lead teams, frame briefs, engage communities, and evaluate outcomes.

My practice spans creative direction, brand development, participatory research, and community-led programme design. I founded s-i-d-d.org, a platform connecting design students with disability industry, and I perform with London Butoh Company because I believe creative practice and critical thinking belong together.

I’m currently collaborating with Loughborough University on making ethics processes more accessible, and I’m available for roles and partnerships where disability-centred expertise, creative leadership, and community methodology need to work together.