Svetlana Kouznetsova

Svetlana Kouznetsova is the Founder of Svetlana Kouznetsova Consulting and B2B Accessibility Strategy Consultant, specializing in helping businesses make accessibility second nature across their web, media, events, and customer services. With over 25 years of experience in design, technology, and accessibility, she combines professional expertise with lived experience as a deaf individual to guide organizations in creating inclusive products, services, and digital content. Her mission is to position accessibility not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic advantage that expands audience reach and drives business growth.

Svetlana’s accessibility journey began as a web designer, where she first encountered the barriers faced by people with disabilities while navigating digital content. A pivotal moment in 2007, during her sister’s live-captioned graduation, inspired her to focus on optimizing captioning and communication access for businesses, media, and events. Through Svetlana Kouznetsova Consulting and her company Audio Accessibility, she provides consulting, training, and workshops that help organizations improve user experiences, increase ROI, and reach untapped audiences. She is also the author of Sound Is Not Enough: The Art of Captioning for Universal Access, now in its second edition, and delivered a TEDx talk in 2018 on how captions enhance audience engagement and accessibility.

In addition to consulting, Svetlana is an international speaker and thought leader on accessibility, universal design, and disability awareness. She holds a Master’s degree in Internet Technology for e-Commerce from Pace University and a BFA in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating with highest honors. Fluent in English and American Sign Language, Svetlana continues to advance global accessibility, helping organizations move beyond compliance to create inclusive environments that benefit all users.

• Certification, User Experience
• Professional Certificate, Web Accessibility

• Pace University - MS
• Rochester Institute of Technology -BFA

• Pace University Graduate Scholarship Awards: Edward J. Beineke, Jr. and General Endowed Funds (2002-2005)
• RIT Academic Awards: RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar (2000), NTID Academic Achievement (2000), RIT Dean's List (1996–2000)
• RIT Scholarship Awards: Women's Council, Nathaniel Rochester Society (1998-2000)

• Golden Key National Honor Society
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society