After more than 25 years of leadership in digital accessibility, Knowbility co-founder and Executive Director Sharron Rush will retire at the end of May 2026. Jillian Fortin Burtnett has joined the organization as incoming Executive Director, beginning her tenure this month and working alongside Sharron during an intentional transition period.
This is a moment of both gratitude and excitement for the Knowbility community.
Sharron's legacy
Sharron co-founded Knowbility in 1999 with Steve Guengerich. What started as a community collaboration in Austin — a creative, joyful effort to engage the tech sector in removing digital barriers for people with disabilities — grew into one of the most respected voices in the accessibility field.
Under Sharron's leadership, Knowbility has trained more than 6,000 web professionals through its annual John Slatin AccessU conference. The Accessibility Internet Rally, which began as a one-day hackathon in 1998, has become a global eight-week competition that has introduced thousands to digital equity — not as a legal mandate, but as a creative challenge. The monthly Be A Digital Ally webinar series has broken attendance records year after year. And Knowbility's consulting and accessibility services have helped organizations of all sizes build more inclusive digital experiences.
Sharron's work has been recognized by the Clinton White House, the FCC Chairman's Award for Innovation in Accessibility, the AARP Purpose Prize, the Texas Governor's Award for Volunteerism, and many others. She was invited to consult on disability and employment issues with the Obama White House, and has been honored by the US Congressional Black Caucus, the National Association of Social Workers, and SXSW Interactive.
But those who know Sharron know that it was never about the accolades. It was about the people — the staff of seven doing the work of seventy, the small army of volunteers, the AIR teams staying up late to cross the finish line, the AccessU instructors sharing their knowledge, and the millions of people with disabilities whose digital lives have been made better because Knowbility exists.
"It has been the privilege of my life to work within the community of disabled people and their allies on the critically important mission of digital inclusion," said Sharron. "Knowbility is grounded in collaborative effort and has been a true catalyst for progress in the field. Jillian brings the vision, energy, and deep commitment to inclusion that this work demands, and I could not be more confident in the future of this organization."
Jillian comes home
For Jillian Fortin Burtnett, this appointment is a homecoming.
Eighteen years ago, Jillian first learned about digital accessibility through Knowbility's Accessibility Internet Rally. That experience set the course of her career. She went on to spend nearly two decades as an accessibility advocate across the startup, agency, and nonprofit spaces — and returned to Knowbility's staff twice since 2010. Many in this community already know her well.
Jillian brings a firm grounding in Knowbility's history, mission, and role in the community, along with a clear vision for the future. She understands where this organization has been because she's been part of it — and she understands where it needs to go.
"As someone who first learned about accessibility through Knowbility's Accessibility Internet Rally, coming home to lead the organization that made me who I am today is truly a full circle moment," said Jillian. "I am honored to carry this mission forward and to build on the extraordinary foundation Sharron has created."
What's ahead
This transition is about more than continuity — it's about growth. The digital landscape is evolving fast, and the need for accessible, inclusive technology is only accelerating. Knowbility is preparing to meet that moment by scaling its programs, partnerships, and services to equip professionals with the training, tools, and support they need to create inclusive digital experiences for all.
Knowbility was founded from a collaborative community effort, and that spirit remains at the heart of everything the organization does. As Knowbility enters this new chapter, it is actively renewing the strong community partnerships that built this coalition and welcomes new ones.
No one should be deprived of access to online opportunities simply because they are disabled. That conviction has guided this work for more than 25 years. It always will.
Celebrate with us
To our AIR alumni, AccessU veterans, longtime volunteers, and everyone who has been part of this journey — we want to celebrate this moment with you. Join us at John Slatin AccessU, May 11–14, 2026. Come build your skills, reconnect with this incredible community, and help us kick off Knowbility's next chapter together. If Knowbility has been part of your story, we'd love to have you in the room for this one. Register for AccessU 2026
To learn more about partnering with Knowbility, volunteering, or supporting our work, please contact us.