Freya Shaw, a blind software developer and former University of Huddersfield student, has created Hodr Engine, an accessible development software for creating game and music‑development tools. The platform is designed for blind and visually impaired creators. Inspired by her own struggle to find accessible software during her studies in Animation Production and Music Technologies (2020–2025), she learned Python and built the prototype herself.
Hodr Engine transforms 3D spaces into a navigable grid that works smoothly with screen readers, addressing the common accessibility barriers found in mainstream game engines. Her work has drawn attention from industry professionals with experience at Xbox and Sonos.
Freya has since founded Immersion Sound Studio, based at the university’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, earning multiple awards including an Innovate UK Unlocking Potential Award and a Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship. Faculty members praise her innovation for advancing inclusion in both game development and immersive audio.
Her project not only empowers blind and partially sighted developers but also raises broader awareness about accessibility gaps in creative software.
Read more about Freya’s accessible development software on Huddersfield Hub.
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Mark SMiller is a digital accessibility consultant who helps organizations build accessible, inclusive digital experiences. He speaks regularly at industry conferences,, CSUN, CVENt and apperes on many webinars and podace. , He trains teams on practical, sustainable accessibility workflows.
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