About Ben
“Accessibility isn’t just technology — it’s empowerment.”
Ben Lippincott is the Research Coordinator and Contracts Manager for the Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) at Shepherd Center. For more than 20 years, Ben has worked at the intersection of consumer technology, accessibility, and user experience, ensuring that innovations meet the real-world needs of people with disabilities. He manages industry-sponsored research projects, oversees contracts, and advises accessibility strategies that shape inclusive design.
Research specialties
- Accessibility and usability research (UX)
- Consumer-based technologies and services
- Industry-sponsored research in inclusive design
Education & training
- B.A. – Appalachian State University, 1999
Certifications
- CITI Certification for Human Subjects Research
Why his work matters
Ben’s research ensures that accessibility isn’t an afterthought but a driving force in technological innovation, improving independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
“I sustained a C6/7 spinal cord injury in 1999. After working at IBM, I wanted to combine my technology background with my lived experience to make a difference. At Shepherd, I’ve been able to work on projects that focus on consumer technologies, user needs, and disability — helping create solutions that truly matter.”
Beyond Shepherd
Ben serves on AT&T’s Advisory Panel on Access and Aging (AAPAA) and has published and presented nationally on assistive technology and accessibility.
