Making Educational Materials Accessible

Presenters: 
Tricia Flinn and Bekah Sedwick

Session Description:
Learn how to make your documents more accessible as you create them and tips for building accessibility into your everyday workflows.

After completing this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key components of an accessible document.
• Be familiar with document style hierarchies and how to apply them.
• Write basic alt text for document images.
• Understand the structure constraints of accessible tables.
• Recognize the elements of accessible charts and graphs.
• Check Microsoft Office documents for accessibility.
• Remediate basic document accessibility errors.

Reframing Language to Promote Age-Inclusive Digital Spaces

Presenters:
Justin Lam

Session Description:
Defining accessibility to websites, mobile applications, and other digital media remains a significant obstacle for people with disabilities. Part of the challenge comes from the fact that specific access needs can vary across different age groups. For instance, the most common disability among younger adults (18 to 44) are cognitive ones, while that of older adults (65 and above) are mobility disabilities. Currently, some improvements have been already proposed and implemented to address these access needs, with many centered on improving comprehension of text, location of information, and recognition of access links. In this workshop, we will explore different examples of age-friendly language. We will then provide best practice recommendations for reframing our digital spaces to be inclusive of people with disabilities across all age groups.

Practical Steps to Inclusive Content, Design, and More for the Neurodiverse Community

Presenter:
Stephanie Weis

Session description:
Imagine a world where websites, apps, and digital experiences seamlessly cater to everyone, regardless of how our brains process information. The only way we begin that journey is by letting go of stigma, increasing understanding, and opening ourselves up to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape for all.

Participants will discuss the following topics as they relate to the neurodiverse brain:

• How neurodiversity can show up in work or class.

• Examples of how some neurodiverse brains process information.

• The impact of design on everything from Google Docs to websites.

• Importance of clear language.

• Predictability is key.

• What neurodivergent hell looks like.

• Fortunate favors the collaborator.