Accessibility Events Postponed? You Can Still Grow Your Knowledge
Updated: October 18, 2023
When unprecedented circumstances cause the postponing or canceling of accessibility events, what can you do to stay current on accessibility topics and trends?
There are effective alternatives to continue your accessibility education without physically attending conferences: Virtual accessibility events and recordings from past meetings allow you to learn about what’s new in the world of accessibility from the comfort of your own home.
Why Accessibility Learning Matters
Accessibility is important. It supports inclusivity and diversity and helps to provide equal access for people with disabilities, both in physical and digital spaces. Sharing information and knowledge is what helps accessibility to progress in our society and to remain top-of-mind.
One of the best ways to spread accessibility awareness is to provide educational opportunities, such as accessibility events. Conferences provide accessibility advocates, experts, and novices a chance to connect, learn, share knowledge, and spread awareness on the importance of accessibility.
During times of uncertainty, finding alternative platforms to broaden our knowledge and spread awareness helps ensure that accessibility doesn’t fall behind. Even when events are placed on hold due to reasons beyond control, accessibility remains as crucial as ever.
Virtual Accessibility Events to Attend
The following virtual accessibility events aim to educate attendees on accessibility and empower them to make their web presence more accessible.
A Future Date
A Future Date is a free virtual accessibility conference put together by passionate volunteers as a way to make up for canceled and postponed conferences due to COVID-19.
This event took place on April 21-23, 2020, and featured curated sessions from events canceled in 2020, such as CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.
Speakers included Lainey Feingold and Tim Elder, who provided legal updates for digital accessibility. Lucy Greco, Lainey Feingold, and Ted Drake spoke to the importance of including people with disabilities in our workforce. Lily Bond and Lanya Butler from 3Play Media presented insights on implementing accessibility into your organization with no dedicated resources.
The list of wonderful speakers and informative presentations goes on. One thing we know for sure? You don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from some of the top experts in the digital accessibility field. Although the event has already happened, you can still view the presentation recordings on A Future Date’s YouTube channel.
AccessU Online
AccessU Online is part of the AccessU Conference (powered by Knowability) and takes place entirely online from May 13-14, 2020. Designed as a virtual training conference, AccessU Online provides twelve live classes from experts on digital accessibility techniques and policies. This event will be hosted on Zoom.
Tickets for this virtual event start at $145. Session and registration information are available on Knowability’s site. Contact AccessU Online’s event staff with questions or for more information.
Online Accessibility Content and Resources
There’s plenty of educational content available online that can help keep your accessibility knowledge sharp.
Video Accessibility Course
3Play Media offers a free video accessibility course designed to empower individuals to make smart accessibility choices at any organization.
Key topics covered in the course include tips for how to make online videos accessible, benefits of accessibility, and legal compliance for video accessibility.
Once you complete the six learning tracks, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate of completion. Your newfound knowledge on all things video accessibility will help drive accessibility initiatives forward at your organization.
ACCESS Recordings
3Play Media provides recordings from our annual digital accessibility conference, ACCESS. These recordings of past sessions allow viewers to revisit presentations from experts on digital accessibility topics that remain relevant today.
Here are some of our popular recorded sessions from past ACCESS events:
- Navigating the Galaxy of Accessibility Laws with Lainey Feingold
- How to Use Accessible Video to Improve Comprehension with USFSP
- Down-to-Earth for Centralizing Accessibility with HubSpot
Accessibility Events on the Horizon
Once things go back to normal, and they will, accessibility events will resume as planned. There’s something special about attending conferences (both in-person and virtually) where you can connect with others who share a common goal: to make the world more accessible. If you’re excited about future accessibility events, rest assured there are plenty on the horizon.
Accessing Higher Ground
Accessing Higher Ground (AHG) 2020 is an annual conference located in Denver, CO (previously located in Westminster, CO). This conference aims to educate attendees about accessible media, universal design, and assistive technology. It’s a conference that’s fitting for anyone, from those in higher education to business professionals to accessibility enthusiasts.
AHG 2020 takes place on November 16-20. You can learn more about ticket information and the session schedule directly on the Accessing Higher Ground website.
ACCESS at Home
ACCESS at Home is a completely virtual (free) event by 3Play Media for the accessibility enthusiast. Whether you already have a video accessibility initiative at your organization or not, you’ll leave empowered, motivated, and prepared to create a more universally accessible world.
We will host expert-led sessions that provide you with the tools necessary to navigate virtual accessibility confidently during uncertain times. You’ll learn from accessibility professionals in all industries on how to make your websites, communications, and videos accessible.
Attendees also have the chance to network with other professionals and will find opportunities for growth and professional development.
ACCESS at Home will take place on May 27-29, 2020, and registration is now open.*
We hope to see you there!
Further Reading
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