In the world of mainstream software and app development, accessibility is often an issue that gets prioritized last if it's considered at all.
For years, Austin's Knowbility, Inc. has been holding an annual conference, AccessU, to train developers on techniques and strategies for making websites, apps and other technology accessible to the blind, visually impaired, hearing impaired and those who have mobility impairments and cognitive or learning disabilities.
For the last few years, Knowbility has also been offering a one-day after-conference set of boot camps for those who can't attend AccessU, which is being held Monday and Tuesday this week. The Wednesday boot camps include topics such as "Mobile Accessibility," "Accessible UX Design," "Accessibility Build" which deals with strategy, and "Accessibility for ASP.net."
Knowbility's community program director Jessica Looney, said AccessU is continuing to grow, up to about 270 attendees this year, 50 more than in 2015. "We have a very diverse group of people coming," she said, "it's not just state employees. Companies from all over the world are sending their folks to get some practical knowledge."
Knowbility is offering the boot camps at 10 percent off, bringing the cost to $395 for the all-day Wednesday sessions, which are being held at St. Edward's University.
On Monday night (May 9), AccessU is also holding a special event at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar: two award-winning South by Southwest short films will be shown and a contest will be held for the best audio description. The screening will be hosted by "Blind Film Critic" Tommy Edison, who was a keynote at last year's AccessU. It's open to conference attendees and the general public. TIckets are $22 and include food and drink.
About the Author
