2016 Session Descriptions
Track A
Intro to ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
Abstract
In today’s modern web, it’s essential for developers to understand ARIA. This session explains what ARIA is, why it’s important to users of assistive technology, and proper coding techniques for using (or not using) ARIA. Examples are explored with a screen reader and code inspector. Keyboard interaction patterns are also explained.
Speaker: Dennis Lembree
Accessibility Testing Tools for Developers
Abstract
You don't have to be an accessibility expert to make your projects accessible, but you do have to make your projects accessible.
Identifying accessibility issues as early as possible can save an organization or project a substantial amount of money, time, and headaches over trying to augment a web site or application after initial development. Using testing tools during development for accessibility will definitely help with this process.
For developers that are novice to web accessibility this presentation is a great introduction into key aspects to consider while developing. For developers that are more familiar, this presentation exposes tools that will make accessibility easier. All users will gain from learning how to build accessibility into their development workflow using a variety of testing tools, from simple to intricate.
Speaker: Gerard Cohen
Getting Started with Accessibility Testing
Abstract
This talk will cover keyboard accessibility testing for beginners, as well as considerations for text-heavy sites accessible using headings and landmarks.
Speaker: Kimberly Munoz
Pragmatic Accessibility Testing in CI with AccessLint
Abstract
AccessLint CI is a pragmatic, developer-centric way to test web accessibility. It offers fixes and guidance on issues in near real-time, without "stopping the presses" with a failed build.
The session will look at why we built AccessLint CI, how it works, and some examples. It's especially geared towards developers who want free, robust, nonintrusive accessibility build tools.
Speaker: Cameron Cundif
Law for #A11y Campers: Digital Accessibility Legal Update Abstract
A fast-paced review of digital accessibility legal developments designed for #a11y campers. What is happening with Department of Justice regulations?
How can the law help dev and design teams get the resources they need for accessibility? What about new court cases and settlement agreements? And what the heck is Structured Negotiation?
Speaker: Lainey Feingold
Track B
Inclusive Design Thinking
Abstract
Accessibility should be considered from the absolute start of a software project development process all the way through to release.
Learn how to successfully create accessible digital products by incorporating an inclusive design process and get some tips on creating a culture change across your organization to support it.
Speaker: Bo Campbell
Paths to Accessibility Awareness and Implementation Across Organizations
Abstract
From creating “accessibility champions” to cross-disciplinary trainings, Mia Lipner from Pearson and Lowell Reade from Medallia will discuss approaches they’ve used toward the goal of improving accessibility. They will discuss factors including size of organizations, techniques for different audiences and lessons learned.
Speakers: Mia Lipner and Lowell Reade
Early prevention of accessibility issues with mockup & wireframe reviews
Abstract
A mockup or wireframe review is an opportunity to identify interaction design elements which are not fully accessible and will require changes. It's also the best time to identify any items that will need additional requirements to avoid becoming accessibility defects later on. After demonstrating the technique we will practice on a sample mockup. You'll leave this session with skills to apply on your next sprint.
Speaker: Aidan Tierney
Older Adults - Count Us In!
Abstract
What counts as “older” when we consider usability and accessibility for older adults?
There are likely to be many opportunities to fit products and services to this age demographic. Let’s be aware of how aging affects perceptual abilites, cognition, mobility and dexterity, and by extension, social interaction. Add to the mix, a variety of experiences and comfort levels with digital technology.
And we’ll advocate for engaging older adults in user research for products and services that are intended for them. With a few adjustments to recruiting techniques, resetting expectations about older participants' behavior, and what wonderful insights you can learn.
Speaker: Nancy Frishberg
Accessibility at the intersection of visual design and front-end development
Abstract
Some accessibility problems seem hard because of unclear expectations. Who is responsible for the keyboard experience? When is the right time to fix a UI widget library? Why is it hard to fix a color palette? We'll review technical solutions for common accessibility challenges, and identify how these solutions fit in the workflows for project teams.
Speaker: Mitchell Evan
Track C
Enhancing Accessibility for Date and Time selector: Lessons learned
Abstract
In this presentation I will share my experience adding accessibility to a Date and Time selector.
You can expect an interactive presentation with live coding and plenty of time for questions.
Speaker: Alan Souza
Developing Accessible Applications for Android
Abstract
On smartphones, Android is the most popular operating system in the world and yet not many apps are accessible. In this session, we'll be going through best practices, common mistakes, tools, from design to development for Android applications.
Speaker: Renato Iwashima
Time to start exploiting ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) 1.1
Abstract
After a quick overview of what’s new in ARIA 1.1, a demonstration of a couple new things you can do with it right now, and an overview of work on a new ARIA Authoring Practices Guide, we’ll dive into advanced discussion of the application of ARIA in product.
Speaker: Matt King
How Do We Move The Assistive Technology Conversation Forward
Abstract
With funding for disability services at an all time low and demand for Assistive Technology services at an all time high, Travis Snyder — AT specialist for San Francisco Unified School District— presents a developing AT paradigm for building “non-specialist” capacity to meet the growing demand for AT when there are not enough practitioners to go around.
Speaker: Travis Snyder
Using a screen reader: speech output vs. braille
Abstract
How do visually challenged users gain information from a screen reader? We will cover the use of speech output and braille with a web browser. We’ll review the differences and the advantages of each method, then consider how a tester can leverage this knowledge to effectively use their screen reader in accessibility testing.
Speaker: Joel Isaac