Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this event different from a traditional conference?
- Is this the first participant-driven event on digital accessibility?
- How much does it cost to participate in the event?
- How can I sponsor the event?
- Who should attend the event?
- What topics will be covered at the event?
- How do I propose a talk?
- If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?
- How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?
- Is there an X account I can follow for the latest information on the event?
- Is there a social hashtag for the event?
What makes this event different from a traditional conference?
Accessibility Camp Bay Area is a participant-driven event, known as a BarCamp or unconference. Participants drive the day, including shaping the schedule by suggesting topics of interest when they register. We follow many of the elements of the barcamp or unconference format. You are encouraged to check out the Wikipedia entry for BarCamp to get an overall feel of what to expect during the day.
Is this the first participant-driven event on digital accessibility?
Accessibility Camp Bay Area is part of a series of sister events whose focus has been on digital accessibility and users with disabilities. Since 2009, these have taken place in: Washington D.C., Boston, Guelph, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Tokyo, Seattle and Los Angeles. Visit the Accessibility Camp website to learn more about the broader community that Accessibility Camp Bay Area is joining.
How much does it cost to participate in the event?
This event is free to attend.
How can I sponsor the event?
If you are interested in supporting the event, drop an e-mail to a11ycampbay@gmail.com.
Who should attend the event?
Whether you are just getting started or advanced in your knowledge on digital accessibility, a student, professional, or a person with a disability, the event is for you. It is an opportunity for designers, developers, usability, accessibility, other IT professionals and users with disabilities to share and interact with each other. Whether you spend all, some, or none of your time working in digital accessibility, so long as you have an interest, please consider registering to attend.
What topics will be covered at the event?
When registering, participants tell us what digital accessibility topic(s) they would like to hear about. A list of possible topics are listed here as examples. We will do our best to find local or out-of-town speakers to cover the most popular topics requested.
- techniques for developing accessible mobile applications,
- inclusive design,
- HTML5 accessibility issues,
- gaming and accessibility,
- the role of research, usability and design in accessibility,
- Accessible Rich Internet Applications,
- open source accessibility,
- accessibility testing techniques,
- eDocument accessibility,
- how to break into the IT accessibility field,
- end-user perspectives on what makes technology accessible,
- etc.
How do I propose a talk?
Follow the instructions under PROPOSE A TALK. Topics will be collected and either single person or panels lasting 45 minutes will be slotted into the schedule. Three sessions will run concurrently. No one is guaranteed a presentation slot, this is determined based on interest of fellow attendees. For anyone thinking of presenting, please read Making Events Accessible.
If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?
If you end up presenting, you are welcomed to use a slide deck. However, given the informal nature of the event, it is not a must. Bryce Johnson with Accessibility Camp Seattle explained it best when he said: "we want to emphasize conversation and reduce presentation." Also, if you choose to provide handouts, you are responsible for making sure to bring accessible formats (e.g., Word, tagged PDF). E-mail a11ycampbay@gmail.com with any questions. For anyone thinking of presenting, please read Making Events Accessible.
How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?
Please indicate whether you will need disability-related accommodations on the registration form. As this event is funded through sponsors, accommodations will be available based on funding received. You will be contacted to confirm accommodations prior to the event. All disability-related accommodations must be received no later than May 15 to allow for time to confirm appropriate arrangements.
Is there an X account I can follow for the latest information on the event?
The Twitter handle for Accessibility Camp Bay Area is @a11ycampbay.
Is there a social hashtag for the event?
The hashtag on all socials for the event is #A11yCampBay. We encourage folks attending in person and remotely to use the hashtag.