| 10 a.m. |
| From Websites to Site Plans: Building Accessibility (LSG) - Room 1 |
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Stream: Learn Share Grow! (LSG)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Billy Gregory, Director of Training, The Paciello Group (TPG), and Jenny Hiseler, Accessibility Specialist, Human Space (a division of Quadrangle)
Description: Digital and built environment accessibility are often talked about as two separate things, with two different groups of users. We know, however, that the people who get excluded by barriers to access in the physical world are often those who get alienated online.
In this session, Jenny and Billy will draw on years of auditing both the built and digital worlds to examine the similarities between web and built accessibility. Sharing anecdotes and how-tos from each side, and by exploring the core concepts and principles in the other's work, they'll demonstrate that building accessibly means designing for the whole user.
Learning Outcomes
This talk will encourage you to reflect on what you know about accessibility and inclusive design and consider how that knowledge can be used as a foundation in growing outside of your expertise. Core principles will be explored on the digital and physical sides of accessibility to remind you that nobody's life is so neatly divided, and that to build accessibly we must build for the whole person.
Presenter Biographies
Before joining TPG, and after failing to realize his rock star dream, Billy Gregory was a front-end developer discovering his true love of the internet: ensuring everyone can use it.
Now the director of training at TPG, Billy knows the challenges and apprehension faced by people new to accessibility. He teaches designers, developers, and other professionals to build a better web, often by pointing to barriers found in the built environment.
Outside of work, Billy is one half of the popular duo "Viking and The Lumberjack" and co-organizer of the #a11yTO Conference and meetup group. He still isn't a rock star.
Formerly a technician for high-technology wheelchairs, Jenny Hiseler began her accessibility career as a built environment auditor. She has assessed over 200 buildings and spaces and taken on project management and community engagement roles. In house at Quadrangle, she provides AODA training and consults on architecture and design projects.
Outside of work, Jennifer volunteers with several organizations, working for the legal rights of people with disabilities and their inclusion in city building and digital spaces. Jenny is also a co-org of the #a11yTO group and is iffy about the title "Accessibility Specialist" because there's always something new and cool to learn.
Contact Information
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| Interventions for Improving the Participation of Youth with Disabilities in STEM Disciplines (ATL) - Room 2 |
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Stream: Accessible Teaching & Learning (ATL)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Kendall Kolne, M.Sc., PhD (Cand.), Postdoctoral Fellow, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Description: I will present the findings from my recent systematic review of programs and interventions for increasing the interest and participation of children and youth with disabilities in STEM disciplines. You will learn about and discuss issues related to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in STEM education and careers, and the effectiveness of existing interventions aimed at improving participation in STEM disciplines. I will highlight gaps in the literature where more research is required, and you will leave with an understanding of the next steps required to improve the participation of youth with disabilities in STEM fields.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Understand existing research investigating the participation of youth with disabilities in STEM education and careers, including the components of these interventions and their effectiveness
- Formulate your own ideas for future research related to participation in STEM disciplines
- Apply your knowledge and ideas towards pursuing your own research aimed at engaging youth with disabilities in STEM disciplines
Presenter Biography
Kendall Kolne is a postdoctoral fellow at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She completed her doctoral work in the School of Communication Science and Disorders at McGill University, which she will defend in spring 2019. Her research focus is two-fold—firstly investigating the cognitive underpinnings of literacy development, and secondly, increasing the inclusion and participation of girls with disabilities in STEM disciplines.
Contact Information
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| International Levels of Employment Study (NIAI) - Room 3 |
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Stream: National & International Accessibility Issues (NIAI)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, Head of Research and Chief Accessibility Officer, CNIB
Description: CNIB undertook a project to understand the levels of employment for people with sight loss. Our research partners included Vision Australia, and the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. Previous statistical studies done by governments and national blindness organizations on levels of employment for working age people who are blind or visually impaired are now over ten years old; therefore, CNIB undertook a quantitative research study to understand the barriers and success factors for current levels of employment for people who are blind or visually impaired. Results of the study will presented through PowerPoint.
The results of the study suggest programs and services geared towards increased community engagement in paid work, team sports and extracurricular activities at school along with mentorship programs will help increase the employability of working age individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
Presenter Biography
Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai is the head of research and chief accessibility officer for the CNIB. Dr. Sukhai is Canada's only congenitally blind biomedical research scientist. Dr. Sukhai's research program focuses on indicators of social inclusion "particularly education, employment and technology use" for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, as well as measurement of healthcare outcomes for the blind or partially sighted population. Dr. Sukhai is passionate about accessibility, inclusion and universal design in education "particularly science education" and in the workplace.
Contact Information
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| Live Remediation of an Inaccessible Website (WA) - Room 4 |
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Stream: Web Accessibility (WA)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Liam Morland, BA, Web Accessibility Lead, University of Waterloo
Description: This is a demonstration of the process of conducting accessibility remediation on an inaccessible website. I will start with a sample inaccessible web page and demonstrate the use of various accessibility checking tools. I will fix each accessibility problem in turn and explain what I am doing to achieve WCAG compliance. Questions are welcome during the session.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Better understand how to use the W3C HTML Validator, WAVE Toolbar, and Axe accessibility checkers
- Fix various problems identified by the above tools
Presenter Biography
Liam Morland is a web developer and web accessibility lead at the University of Waterloo. As a member of the central web team, he works on the Drupal project and contributes to accessibility across campus. Liam has made accessible web pages ever since he made his first website in 1994.
Outside of work, Liam is a youth leader and adult trainer in the scouting movement.
Contact Information
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| Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education: An unWorkshop (ATL) - Room 5 (double session) |
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Stream: Accessible Teaching & Learning (ATL)
Session Level: Advanced
Participation: This is an "un-workshop" and you will drive the session's focus. Bring your ideas, resources, questions, and your own device.
Presenters: Jodie Black, BA, B.Ed, M.Ed. Teaching and Learning Specialist, Fleming College, and Darla Benton Kearney, BA, B.Ed., MA, Universal Design for Learning Curriculum Consultant, Mohawk College
Description: In this "un-workshop" about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we'll take an unconference approach. As facilitators, we will guide you to create the agenda for the workshop and share your expertise and experience in UDL in higher education. We hope that you come away with an increased network of UDL practitioners in higher education, ways to think about the intersections between UDL and accessibility, and a variety of resources that could help you in your work.
Note: This is a double session scheduled from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Explore UDL integration in higher education, including opportunities, challenges and resources
- Build your network of UDL colleagues
Presenter Biographies
Jodie Black is an educator dedicated to improving the college learning experience for all students. With 11 years' experience working in higher education, she has led Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiatives at two colleges and loves helping others integrate UDL into their design of systems, curriculum, services, faculty development, and policy. She co-leads the UDL Higher Education Special Interest Group for the UDL IRN and enjoys collaborating within and across institutions.
For 12 years, Darla Benton Kearney supported students with disabilities in the Accessible Learning Services department at Mohawk College; however, in 2016, Darla became the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Consultant in the Centre for Teaching and Learning, tasked with facilitating the advancement of UDL at Mohawk College. In this role, Darla works collaboratively with academic programs, as well as Accessible Learning Services, to implement UDL college-wide. She'd love to spend time collaborating with you, too.
Contact Information
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| 11 a.m. |
| Explain WCAG 2.1 Like I'm Five (AODA/WCAG) - Room 1 |
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Stream: AODA Standards, WCAG & Related Accessibility Legislation (AODA/WCAG)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Toan Tran, Enterprise Digital Accessibility Consultant, RBC
Description: Whether you are new to accessibility or already familiar with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, this is an easy-to-understand introduction to what's new in WCAG 2.1. I find the detailed language of the W3C recommendation hard to understand. In this session I will describe each new success criteria in simple terms and provide examples and demos to help you understand the 17 new criteria, primarily focusing on the 5 Level A criteria and 7 level AA criteria.
After the session, you will understand the challenges a user with a disability may experience when navigating websites and mobile applications that are not designed with accessibility in mind. In addition, you will learn by implementing these new success criteria and which groups of users will benefit from these new criteria. The WCAG 2.1 formally became a W3C recommendation on June 5, 2018.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Identify what’s new in Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
- Determine the main areas of focus for WCAG 2.1
- Understand the intent and purpose of these new success criteria
- Identify which type of user with disabilities WCAG 2.1 benefits
- Understand how implementing WCAG 2.1 can be used to further enhance the accessibility of websites and applications
Presenter Biography
Toan Tran is an enterprise digital accessibility consultant at RBC with over 15 years of experience working in digital accessibility.
As a subject matter expert in digital accessibility, Toan provides consultation on developing accessible applications to various project teams, including providing expertise on how to conduct accessibility testing on a variety of platforms such as web, desktop, responsive web and mobile. Toan is currently part of the Enterprise Digital Accessibility team at RBC.
Contact Information
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| Beyond Compliance: Co-Designing Accessible Learning with Students with Disabilities in Post-secondary Institutions (ATL) - Room 2 |
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Stream: Accessible Teaching & Learning (ATL)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar, PhD, Accessibility Program Manager, D2L Corporation
Description: This session will describe how post-secondary institutions could co-design the education process in collaboration with learners with disabilities to make learning more accessible for everyone. Drawing from the Accessibility Practices Framework developed and practiced by D2L Corporation in its mission to be an inclusive educational technology company, a framework of practices will be suggested for post-secondary institutions to adopt and adapt. Sufficient time will be allocated during the session for audience feedback and dialogue.
Learning Outcomes
The objective of this session is to emphasize the need for educational institutions to co-design the educational process along with learners with disabilities to make learning accessible. Applying the Accessibility Practices Framework of an inclusive educational technology company to the context of post-secondary institutions, this session will show how those practices can be adopted, adapted and practiced for making learning more accessible.
Presenter Biography
Sam Chandrashekar is passionate about making education accessible to diverse learners through accessible technology and inclusive design. She works as accessibility program manager with D2L Corporation. She also holds a position as adjunct professor with OCAD University's Master of Design program in Inclusive Design. She has taught four cohorts and supervised over 50 inclusive design student research projects.
Sam is a member of the Ontario government's Post-Secondary Education Standards Development Committee under AODA, and a member of the Curriculum Development and Recommendation Committee of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Sam worked on improving web access for users with vision loss during her doctoral and post-doctoral studies with the University of Toronto. She has a PhD from the University of Toronto and an M.Sc. in human-computer interaction from University College London, UK.
Contact Information
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| Disclosure and Workplace Accommodations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (DRA) - Room 3 |
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Stream: Disability Research & Accommodation (DRA)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Sally Lindsay, PhD, Senior Scientist, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Victoria Osten, PhD (Cand.), Research Co-ordinator, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Description: This presentation will share results from a recent systematic review examining the literature on disclosure and accommodations for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You will have the opportunity to actively engage in a discussion about the 26 studies included in the review. We will highlight our findings showing the variability in rates of disclosure and receiving workplace accommodations; benefits and limitations of disclosing in the workplace; and important factors affecting decisions to disclose. You will receive valuable information and resources to guide the disability disclosure process and gain a better understanding of the types of workplace accommodations available to persons with ASD.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Facilitate disability disclosure discussions and negotiate workplace accommodations
- Understand the benefits of disclosing—including greater acceptance and inclusion, and limitations such as experiencing stigma and discrimination
- Identify factors that may affect a decision to disclose including age at diagnosis, social demands of the job, and workplace policies
Presenter Biographies
Sally Lindsay is a senior scientist in the Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and associate professor in the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the social inclusion of youth and young adults with disabilities.
Victoria Osten is a research coordinator in the TRAIL lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto.
Contact Information
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| Like, Share, Retweet: The Power of Accessible Social Media (WA) - Room 4 |
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Stream: Web Accessibility (WA)
Session Level: Introductory
Participation: Bring your laptop or smartphone
Presenter: Matisse Hamel-Nelis, Manager, Employee Engagement and Development, CNIB
Description: This session will show you how to create accessible social media content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using the root platforms for someone who is sighted or a JAWS or VoiceOver user.
You will receive a brief history on the social media landscape, a case study of CNIB and its content creation (from inaccessible to accessible), with a hands-on demonstration on posting to Twitter from the event and making it accessible.
You will also receive a handout with step-by-step directions on how to create accessible content for these platforms.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Create accessible social media content for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
Presenter Biography
Matisse Hamel-Nelis an award-winning communications professional with a passion for accessibility. Currently enrolled in Mohawk College's Accessible Media Production program, Matisse has focused her efforts accessible digital content creation, specifically around social media.
Contact Information
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| Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education: An unWorkshop (ATL) - Room 5 (continued) |
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Stream: Accessible Teaching & Learning (ATL)
Session Level: Advanced
Participation: This is an "un-workshop" and you will drive the session's focus. Bring your ideas, resources, questions, and your own device.
Presenters: Jodie Black, BA, B.Ed, M.Ed. Teaching and Learning Specialist, Fleming College, and Darla Benton Kearney, BA, B.Ed., MA, Universal Design for Learning Curriculum Consultant, Mohawk College
Description: In this "un-workshop" about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we'll take an unconference approach. As facilitators, we will guide you to create the agenda for the workshop and share your expertise and experience in UDL in higher education. We hope that you come away with an increased network of UDL practitioners in higher education, ways to think about the intersections between UDL and accessibility, and a variety of resources that could help you in your work.
Note: This is a double session scheduled from 2:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Explore UDL integration in higher education, including opportunities, challenges and resources
- Build your network of UDL colleagues
Presenter Biographies
Jodie Black is an educator dedicated to improving the college learning experience for all students. With 11 years' experience working in higher education, she has led Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiatives at two colleges and loves helping others integrate UDL into their design of systems, curriculum, services, faculty development, and policy. She co-leads the UDL Higher Education Special Interest Group for the UDL IRN and enjoys collaborating within and across institutions.
For 12 years, Darla Benton Kearney supported students with disabilities in the Accessible Learning Services department at Mohawk College; however, in 2016, Darla became the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Consultant in the Centre for Teaching and Learning, tasked with facilitating the advancement of UDL at Mohawk College. In this role, Darla works collaboratively with academic programs, as well as Accessible Learning Services, to implement UDL college-wide. She'd love to spend time collaborating with you, too.
Contact Information
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| 1:30 p.m. |
| Rethinking and Reworking City Accessibility Education using Critical Disability Studies: A Case Study (LSG) - Room 1 |
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Stream: Learn Share Grow! (LSG)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenter: Melanie Stone, MA (Critical Disability Studies), MA (WSFR), PhD (Cand.), Accessibility Specialist, City of London
Description: The current legislated Customer Service (CS) Accessibility training is limited in scope and efficacy. This presentation showcases the impact of Critical Disability Studies (CDS) and creative accessibility education in the City of London as part of improved accessibility training in corporate orientation. It connects educators with a toolkit for effective creative problem-solving and goes beyond the AODA CS standard to prepare and engage employees and students with concepts familiar to CDS.
By re-imagining what is possible, not simply what is required by law, students of the accessibility training are equipped with the kinds of problem-solving strategies that will effectively transform the way they carry out their day-to-day tasks. In this presentation, I will provide the interactive activities and discussion, as well as the information and resource tools to implement improved corporate accessibility education that will move us all past compliance obsession.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Re-imagine corporate training initiatives and create opportunities for meaningful change using critical disability studies
- Recognize the results of improved training in the organization, and begin a culture shift away from mere compliance with AODA standards and towards integration of accessibility awareness
Presenter Biography
Melanie Stone is a longtime accessibility advocate currently working at the City of London as the City's accessibility specialist. She is currently completing her doctoral work at Western University where she is working with mothers with disabilities to examine the intersection of motherhood, disability and work engagement. She has acted as the accessibility commissioner for the Society of Graduate Students at Western, and the co-chair of the society's equity committee. She is currently the vice president of Women's Sledge Hockey of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of sporting opportunities for women and girls with disabilities.
Contact Information
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| Access to Self-Administered Mental Health Care on Campus: Roadblocks and Resiliencies (DRA) - Room 2 |
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Stream: Disability Research & Accommodation (DRA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenter: Loa Gordon, MA, Public Issues Anthropology, University of Guelph
Description: While self-care is increasingly being viewed as an avenue toward student wellness, post-secondary students with mental health struggles face numerous structural barriers within the university that prevent them from caring for themselves.
You are invited to listen to a presentation that will explore student self-administered care based on fieldwork that took place at the University of Guelph.
The objective of this presentation is to inform students, stakeholders, and those galvanized to improve campus mental health care, about the undertheorized area of self-care while equipping them with tools for making our campuses more inclusive and wellness oriented spaces.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Theoretically grasp the concept of self-care in student populations
- Identify structural barriers that prevent students with mental health challenges from accessing this configuration of care during their studies
- Utilize the appropriate tools for ensuring that students with mental health challenges are cared for (and importantly, can care for themselves) on our campuses
Presenter Biography
Loa Gordon is a student of anthropology with an interdisciplinary focus on critical disability studies. She received a bachelor’s degree with a double major in anthropology and psychology from McGill University and a master’s degree in public issues anthropology from the University of Guelph.
Loa is interested in mental health inequality, caregiving practices in clinical and alternative milieus, and the subjective experiences of students with mental health struggles. She has conducted fieldwork that examines the function of self-administered forms of care as expressions of agency among Canadian post-secondary students.
Contact Information
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| Web Video Accessibility - Towards 2020 (DMA) - Room 3 |
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Stream: Document & Media Accessibility (DMA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Rob Harvie, Director, Inclusive Media and Design, and Charles Silverman, Lead Developer, CapScribe
Description: In this session, we'll cover current and new accessible media tools, trends, standards, and legislation pertaining to video and audio accessibility. Relevant to both public and private organizations in Ontario, we'll review the upcoming AODA Info & Comm Standards Development Committee recommendations, and how these could impact captioning and audio description requirements in the province.
We will also share our progress on a full re-imagining and re-coding of CapScribe, the captioning and descriptive video editor that for many years was made freely available to non-profit organizations and individuals in order to encourage these practices in-house. Our goal is to bring CapScribe up to date as a fast, inclusive media editor for all.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be familiar with:
- Current and new technology trends in web video and audio accessibility
- Upcoming AODA Standards Development Committee recommendations as relevant to real time and post-production captioning and description
- New, relevant survey results and feedback from Mohawk College's Accessible Media Production graduate program
- Broadcast Accessibility Fund CapScribe 2.0 innovation platform project
Presenter Biographies
Rob Harvie brings a rich background in ICT and accessibility solutions. While working at the University of Toronto over a few decades, he spent a large chunk of his time in research work with the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre on various federally-funded media accessibility research initiatives. He directed Information Technology Services for the Faculty of Information, and taught human-computer interaction and emerging technologies—including augmented reality and multi-sensory interfaces at the Institute for Communications, Culture and IT, the McLuhan Program in Culture and Technology, and Continuing Studies. Rob continues his lecturing on inclusive design at colleges and universities, serves on various working and advisory groups, and is founding director of Inclusive Media and Design, a Toronto-based consultancy, media services and training group.
Having worked in accessible media software development since the eighties, Charles Silverman knows what makes for a well-considered, intuitive interface. First with CAST in collaboration with the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) at WGBH/PBS in Boston, the Centre for Learning Technologies at Ryerson University, and then the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre at the University of Toronto, Charles innovated on solutions to help ensure everyone was included. One of these projects was CapScribe, used in-house at Inclusive Media and Design to meet the needs of clients such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the CNIB, and government ministries and educational institutions across Canada.
Contact Information
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| Machine Learning and Web Accessibility: Opportunities and Challenges According to Six Experts (WA) - Room 4 |
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Stream: Web Accessibility (WA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Laura Johnson, Senior Software Developer, Myplanet
Description: What is currently happening with machine learning in regard to web accessibility? To try to answer this question, we conducted interviews with six leading web accessibility experts*. The experts pointed to some interesting problems, as well as several areas where we could leverage machine learning algorithms that are already in use, such as image recognition and content clarifier to improve existing accessibility tools. There are also opportunities to provide high-level warnings of accessibility issues, or to extract and reorganize content for better presentation for different types of users. We will share the findings of the research in this session.
*Web accessibility experts: Sina Bahram, Denis Boudreau, Karl Groves, David MacDonald, Jared Smith and Everett Zufelt
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Leverage machine learning for improvement of existing accessibility tools using algorithms that are already in use—such as image recognition and content clarifier
- Use machine learning to provide high-level warnings of accessibility issues, and extract and reorganize content on web pages for users with various disabilities
Presenter Biography
Laura Johnson is a senior software developer at Myplanet. In 2018, she published an article comparing leading accessibility testing tools and presented her findings at the Guelph Accessibility Conference and at DrupalCon Nashville. She has published an article on her current research on machine learning and web accessibility, and will be presenting her findings at the Front End Accessibility Summit at DrupalCon Seattle in April 2019.
Contact Information
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| Document Accessibility Testing: Just Because It Talks Doesn't Mean It's Accessible (DMA) - Room 5 |
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Stream: Document & Media Accessibility (DMA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Jen Goulden, Project and Quality Manager, Crawford Technologies, and Aimée Ubbink, Document Accessibility Specialist, Crawford Technologies
Description: Whether you deal with public-facing documents, or personal and confidential information, testing is an essential component in the conversion process. Just because the font is big doesn't mean the content is readable by someone with low vision. Just because the screen reader talks or there's braille on a page, it doesn't mean the end user is getting the information you're trying to convey.
In this session, we'll discuss the need to test for content accuracy and compliance with industry standards for each format. We'll also look at testing tools and demonstrate why it's important to use assistive technology in document accessibility testing.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of content accuracy
- Identify considerations for personal and confidential information
- Comply with industry standards for each accessible format
- Understand accessibility checkers such as PAC 2.0
- Understand the importance of assistive technology—such as screen readers and braille displays in document accessibility testing
Presenter Biographies
Jen Goulden, EDP, has 15 years' experience in the field of document accessibility. She holds a master's degree in linguistics from the University of Ottawa, speaks English, French and Spanish, and is a certified braille transcriber. Before joining Crawford Technologies, Jen worked for the Federal Government as a human resources advisor in official languages and employee performance management. Since 2008, she has been a board member of Braille Literacy Canada and served as president from 2011 to 2018. She is treasurer of the International Council on English Braille and is Crawford Technologies' representative to the Braille Authority of North America.
Aimée Ubbink, EDP, PMP, is a document accessibility specialist with Crawford Technologies, specializing in the design and dissemination of accessible transaction documents. Since 1999, Aimée has worked with software developers to design systems for automated production, adhering to evolving standards, emerging technologies and formats. Familiar with common barriers companies encounter when meeting this legal requirement, she assists organizations in the development of accessibility solutions. Aimée is a member of Braille Literacy Canada, chair of Braille Transaction Documents Committee, a member of the PDF Association, and sits on the Technical Working Group and Liaison Working Group for PDF/UA.
Contact Information
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| 2:30 p.m. |
| Accessibility's in Your Hands: Promoting an Inclusive Enterprise Through Communications (LSG) - Room 1 |
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Stream: Learn Share Grow! (LSG)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: Erika Faust, Senior IT Accessibility Analyst, TD Bank
Description: Incorporating accessible practices into all employees' daily work builds more inclusive organizations.
This session will explore the communications strategies used at TD Bank to drive awareness and acceptance of accessibility across the enterprise, both through grassroots and official channels. You will learn how humanizing disability and accessibility barriers has helped TD employees gain a more empathetic understanding, and how this is pushing them to embrace more accessible practices.
You will also learn practical tactics for spreading information, and about the roles individuals play in building a more inclusive and accessible workplace through internal social media, webinars, guides, tools and more.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Teach your colleagues and managers about the importance of accessibility
- Recognize how your teams can contribute to inclusivity and accessibility in your workplace
- Promote the importance of accessibility across your enterprises using existing internal channels and/or, where there is opportunity, by creating new ones, based on what has been successful at TD Bank
Presenter Biography
Erika Faust found her passion for accessibility while working in communications for community housing, where approximately 30% of residents have a disability; she found it important to design messages that everyone can read. Erika has worked in communications at TD Bank since 2016. She currently manages the communication strategy for the Assistive Technologies program and works with vendors to ensure they are providing accessible solutions for TD employees and customers. Erika graduated from the University of Guelph-Humber and is excited to see the Guelph campus in person for the first time.
Contact Information
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| Episodic Disability in Canadian Universities (NIAI) - Room 2 |
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Stream: National & International Accessibility Issues (NIAI)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Dr. Carla Rice, PhD, Canada Research Chair, Professor, College of Social & Applied Human Sciences/Founder, Re-Vision Centre for Art and Social Justice, University of Guelph, and Elisabeth Harrison, PhD (Cand.), Critical Disability Studies Program, York University
Description: Episodic disabilities—like MS, diabetes and depression—result in an unpredictable, fluctuating capacity to work.
In this interactive presentation, we draw from our Invisibility 2 Inclusion project to examine the struggle for inclusion facing people with episodic disabilities in the physical, social and political world of the neoliberalized university in Canada. When time and resources are scarce and the pressure to perform is ever-increasing, how can people with episodic disabilities be supported and included? You will view videos created by post-secondary faculty members, staff, and students with episodic disabilities and will engage in reflection and discussion around this pressing issue.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Understand what episodic disabilities are, and how people with episodic disabilities can be accommodated in the post-secondary sector
- Recognize the impacts of intensified productivity expectations on post-secondary faculty, staff and students, especially those with episodic disabilities
- Consider what you can do to promote the inclusion of people with episodic disabilities in the neoliberalized post-secondary sector
Presenter Biographies
Carla Rice is a professor and Canada research chair at the University of Guelph. She specializes in disability and embodiment studies, and in arts-based and research creation methodologies. She is currently principal investigator of Bodies in Translation: Activist Art, Technology and Access to Life, a multi-year, multi-site disability arts grant.
Elisabeth Harrison is a PhD candidate in critical disability studies at York University, where she received a SSHRC CGS Doctoral Scholarship. Her dissertation research uses narrative and digital storytelling methods to illuminate trans, genderqueer, gender nonconforming and nonbinary people's experiences with mental health care in Ontario. She is a co-investigator on the Invisibility 2 Inclusion project, which aims to improve opportunities for people with episodic disabilities in Ontario. She has taught courses in women and gender studies, psychology and education. Her research interests are in Mad studies, fat studies, and intersectionality theory.
Contact Information
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| MIDAS: A Student-Based Document Accessibility Remediation Service for Faculty (DMA) - Room 3 |
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Stream: Document & Media Accessibility (DMA)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenter: John Lee, MS, OTR, ATP, IAAP-certified, Assistive Technology Specialist, Disability Resource Center, Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo
Description: Making Instructional Documents Accessible to Students (MIDAS) is a Cal Poly project, started in spring 2017, to pilot a new faculty service designed to make significant progress in bringing online instructional materials up to accessibility standards. The project is a collaboration between the Disability Resource Center, the Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology, and library. MIDAS employs a team of student techs trained in remediating documents (e.g., PDF) for accessibility. Priority is given to faculty who use Open Educational Resources (OER), teach courses with higher annual enrollment, and extensively use digital documents that are posted online repeatedly.
In this session, you will learn about a pilot project in document accessibility remediation for faculty at the university level.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Start a similar accessibilty remediation service employing students
Presenter Biography
Prior to working at the Disability Resource Center (DRC), John Lee worked at the Central Coast Assistive Technology Center for 16 years. He has a great deal of experience in evaluating and training people in the use of assistive technology. John received a BA in history and a MS in occupational therapy, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Contact Information
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| Redesigning Ryerson.ca: Strategies for Implementing Web Accessibility in a Large Content Management System (WA) - Room 4 |
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Stream: Web Accessibility (WA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Presenter: Adam Chaboryk, CPACC, IT Accessibility Specialist at Ryerson University
Description: In late 2017, Ryerson University redesigned its online presence by introducing a new website template, bringing the website up to date with current industry best practices. With more than 1000 website editors and 40,000 web pages, ensuring brand consistency, usability and website accessibility posed its challenges.
In this presentation, I will discuss the goals, challenges and outcomes of the redesign after its release in 2017. The presentation will explore what's "under the hood" of the redesign by highlighting:
- The accessible design of the template and the use of its components
- The template and how it eliminates over 50% of 143 accessibility test cases
- The editing interface of the content management system and how it facilitates accessibility where possible
- The usability, functionality, SEO, brand and accessibility and how they converge to create a powerful content management system
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Apply strategies for implementing website accessibility solutions across a large domain
- Understand how accessibility, SEO, and brand conformance converge to create a powerful content management system
Presenter Biography
Adam Chaboryk is an IT accessibility specialist at Ryerson University. In this role, Adam enables the Ryerson community with the resources and guidance to create a more inclusive digital environment for all learners, faculty, staff and the general public.
Contact Information
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| Describing Images in Higher Education Content - Science or Art? (DMA) - Room 5 |
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Stream: Document & Media Accessibility (DMA)
Session Level: Intermediate
Participation: Bring your own laptops or tablets to participate in the hands-on
Presenter: Pina D'Intino, Mdes, PMP, CCPAC, Global Accessibility Lead, Cognizant, and Todd Marquis Boutin, CPACC, Senior Director, Accessibility, SPi Global
Description: Accessible educational content or converting existing content into an accessible digital format requires many different skills. One can argue that since the content probably began in some form of electronic format, it should be easy to take that and bind it into a digital ebook and, voila, you are done.
How is context taken into consideration when using AI? Creating understandable and usable descriptions or alt text is key to learning for many people with disabilities.
Learn how large publishing companies achieve this and how you can make a difference when alt text is done at the beginning of the process. Take aways include knowing how to do it right, learn how to categorize and assess for resource requirements, and practical hands-on interactive exercises.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Better understand the different phases of creating or converting to digital books
- Understand what alt text is and how is it used for AT users
- Understand where AI and automation plays a role in alt text
- Recognize how cost estimation and the management of thousands of images requiring alt text is handled
Presenter Biographies
Pina D'Intino is an accessibility strategist and implemention specialist, public speaker, and a person with a disability. She works for Cognizant as their global accessibility lead. In this role, Pina manages accessible publishing projects and works with a number of local businesses to increase their accessibility compliance. She is an advisor on several AODA and Service Canada committees and initiatives, and loves engaging people in interesting, action-driven discussions.
Todd Marquis Boutin is the senior director of accessibility at SPi Global, a market leader in providing content services to educational publishers. He joined SPi Global as an alt text writer in 2012, before advancing through a series of leadership positions in the alternative text department. Since 2015, he has overseen the production of over 1,000,000 descriptions for an increasingly wide range of subject areas, course levels, product types, and platforms. He also works with clients and internal teams to develop effective product and process guidelines for alternative text.
Contact Information
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| 3:30 p.m. |
| Accessibility is Accessible (LSG) - Room 1 |
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Stream: Learn Share Grow! (LSG)
Session Level: Introductory
Participation: Although not required, those who want to engage with online links, content and resources, should have access to a computer and/or smartphone with internet access.
Presenter: Lisa Syms, CPAAC, Accessibility and Communications Specialist
Description: Accessibility resources and tools are often open source, free or low cost, but where do you find them? You will discover just how accessible accessibility is and learn ways to become more engaged in accessibility.
This presentation includes a compilation of accessibility resources, ideas and links that were researched and collected over the past 18 months. Topics will include but are not limited to: conferences, meetups, programs, training, courses and certifications related to accessibility, dates of interest related to accessibility, and disability and online resources like A11y Style Guide, WEBAim, etc.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Further your interest and knowledge in accessibility through available courses and programs, virtual events, conferences and meetups, and digital media (i.e. podcasts and blogs)
Presenter Biography
Lisa Syms is an accessibility and communications specialist. She helps organizations meet or go beyond accessibility standards, remove accessibility barriers, and create inclusive cultures. Lisa is a graduate of Mohawk College's Accessible Media Production program. She continues to build on her accessibility knowledge and skills and is particularly passionate about clear communications and accessible content creation.
Lisa currently works as an inclusive design consultant at CIBC Digital. In this role, she provides subject-matter expertise to project and marketing teams on inclusive and accessible content planning, creation and maintenance.
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| Inclusive Design and Overcoming Accessibility Barriers (AT) - Room 2 |
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Stream: Adaptive Technology (AT)
Session Level: Introductory
Participation: Laptop is optional.
Presenters: Chelsea E. Mohler, BALANCE for Blind Adults, and Sandy Feldman, Freelance Web Accessibility Consultant and Designer
Description: With the revolution of innovative types of smart home technology, individuals with disabilities can optimize independence and live/age in place.
Universal Design can enhance independence for people with disabilities and the broader community. We aim to provide a framework, based in evidence and lived experience, to support the need for all technologies to be inclusively designed.
We will present the results of a literature review as well as lived and professional experience, and talk about new ways of optimizing mainstream technology. We will show the impact Universal Design can have for people with disabilities.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Better understand the tenets of Universal Design and smart home technology.
Further education is suggested for both practitioners and clients to effectively maintain independence in the home.
Presenter Biographies
Chelsea Mohler holds a master's degree from the University of Western Ontario in occupational science. She presently works in the dual roles of assistive technology educator and community engagement specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults. Chelsea is passionate about assisting clients to gain independence using assistive and mainstream technology and using technology to connect clients to both their digital and actual communities.
She has co-authored 'Creating a Culture of Accessibility in the Sciences' and has worked for several years mentoring post-secondary students with disabilities, helping them to find and implement new learning strategies.
Chelsea sits as an active member on the Ontario government education standards committee where she provides consultation and helps develop strategies to inform a more inclusive education landscape.
Sandy Feldman is a web designer and front-end developer who builds accessible custom WordPress themes. With experience in digital design and website creation, Sandy specializes in designing visually innovative sites, individually tailored to the client's needs and mission.
She is a veteran of Inclusive Media and Design's Web Accessibility team. She teaches developers how to build accessible sites and helps with accessibility audits.
A strong supporter of many disability-related communities, her volunteer websites include Blind Sailing Canada, TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club, and Toronto Ice Owls.
Contact Information
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| How the University of Guelph Developed the Digital Accessibility Resource Centre (LSG) - Room 3 |
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Stream: Learn Share Grow! (LSG)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Marinette Fargo, Digital Accessibility Analyst, Web & Development Solutions, Computing and Communications Services, University of Guelph, and Craig Hyatt, Manager, Web & Development Solutions, Computing and Communications Services, University of Guelph
Description: This presentation will tell the story of the Digital Accessibility Resource Centre (DARC) pilot project and how its development and delivery strategy was formed. You will learn about the approach we put into action to help foster a culture of inclusion as opposed to applying AODA legislation as our primary guiding principal.
This strategy included bringing students on board and building internal partnerships with individual departments while addressing their unique digital accessibility support needs.
Hear about what we've learned in our first year, and learn about the rewards and challenges of launching a campus-wide digital accessibility initiative that had to function with fiscally-limited resources while striving to meet AODA compliance obligations.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Understand how U of G formed a small team to help support a campus-wide digital accessibility strategy
- Recognize opportunities to enhance a culture of inclusion within a corporate learning environment
Presenter Biographies
Marinette Fargo has been working in the field of accessibility and accommodation at the University of Guelph since 2008. Currently, she runs the Digital Accessibility Resource Centre (DARC). The DARC team monitors the state of web and digital content accessibility campus wide and coordinates accessibility training, testing and consulting.
Craig Hyatt leads the newly formed Digital Accessibility Resource Centre team in Computing & Communications Services, the central IT organization at the University of Guelph.
Contact Information
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| Making CBC Kids News Accessible from the Start (WA) - Room 4 |
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Stream: Web Accessibility (WA)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Robert Carr, B.Sc., Web Accessibility Analyst, CBC, and Scott Andrechek, B.Sc. CS, Kids Platform Developer, CBC
Description: We want to show you how we created an accessible kids news platform at the CBC. We will talk about the journey that started with wireframes, turned into designs and then into a live product. This was all done with accessibility in mind from the start, with many improvements along the way. As the project developed, we incorporated accessibility-specific testing to improve the audience experience continually. You will take away from this presentation a better idea of how new sites can incorporate accessibility into their production processes.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Understand how to incorporate accessibility into product development at a large company
- Conduct testing and make suggestions for improvement
- Recognize why it’s important to include accessibility experts early and often
Presenter Biographies
Robert Carr is a web accessibility analyst at the CBC in Toronto. Previous to this role, he worked closely with one of the major Canadian banks in a similar position. Before getting into accessibility, Rob worked as a web developer and support manager. He is also a graduate from University of Guelph where he studied Biology.
Scott Andrechek is a web developer at CBC on the Kids Products team. He previously worked at a small non-profit that focused on making transportation accessible for the disabled and elderly. He now works on making accessible platforms for content creators that reach both Canadian and international audiences.
Contact Information
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| Meaningful Accessibility in the Built Environment (ID) - Room 5 |
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Stream: Inclusive Design (ID)
Session Level: Introductory
Presenters: Sarah McCarthy, M.Sc., MBA, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Rick Hansen Foundation, and Julie Sawchuk, B.Sc. (Env), B.Ed, RHFAC, Sawchuk Accessible Solutions
Description: Today, 1/7 Canadian adults identify as having a mobility, vision or hearing disability. This number is expected to increase to 1/5 by 2036. Of the with disabilities who do not work, 57% believe they could if barriers were removed. This would allow more than half a million people to find meaningful employment and contribute millions of dollars to our GDP.
The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program (RHFAC) was designed to create meaningful access in the built environment.
Learning Outcomes
After this session, you will be able to:
- Analyze a building's access for all users including those with hearing, vision and/or mobility challenges, and understand where improvements can be made
- Develop a strong understanding of Universal Design and how it is applied
- Understand the economic and societal importance of ensuring that the built environment is accessible for all
Presenter Biographies
Sarah McCarthy is the vice president of Strategic Initiatives at the Rick Hansen Foundation, where she is responsible for leading the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. She brings national and international experience to this role, having previously worked for an association management consulting firm where she served as executive director of several non-profit professional health care organizations.
Sarah holds an M.Sc. in pharmacology and therapeutics, and an MBA in strategic management from the University of British Columbia.
Having taught high school science for 16 years, Julie Sawchuk has now turned to teaching a new topic: accessibility. After sustaining a spinal cord injury from a collision between a car and her bike in 2015, she is living life with paralysis. One challenge that Julie faces (along with 30% of the Canadian population) is a lack of accessibility. Getting around in the community and at friends' homes, doing shopping, participating in sports, and attending community events all pose a different set of challenges.
Julie has been a consultant for various building projects in Huron County including Cowbell, Blyth Memorial Hall, Huron Christian School and the 2017 IPM. She has also overseen the universal design construction of her new home. She is a member of the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee, represents the Rick Hansen Foundation as a speaking ambassador and brought StopGap to Huron County.
Julie is also one of the first in Ontario to be a Certified Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional. She has started her own business, Sawchuk Accessible Solutions, which helps companies large and small learn how easy access can be.
Contact Information
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George Joeckel has been at Utah State University since 2008 and at WebAIM since 2015. He completed the masters program in instructional psychology & technology at Brigham Young University in 2007.
Dr. Matthew H. Schneps is a founding member of the 