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You are here: Home » Alternate Format, Artificial Intelligence, Uncategorized » Accessibility Agents: Building Human-Centered AI Workflows for Trusted Accessibility Automation at Scale

Accessibility Agents: Building Human-Centered AI Workflows for Trusted Accessibility Automation at Scale

Scheduled at 10:30am in Mattie Silks on Monday, November 16.

#42876

Speaker(s)

  • Jeff Bishop, IT Accessibility Consultant, The University of Arizona

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 2-day
  • Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: A Windows or Mac-based laptop and headphones (if utilizing screen reading technology with speech).
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: Pre-conference

Summary

This hands-on workshop introduces Accessibility Agents—human-centered AI workflows that help professionals analyze accessibility issues, reference authoritative standards, and generate remediation guidance. Participants will learn to build agent teams using Visual Studio Code, GitHub and Copilot. The workshop concludes with participants committing a working accessibility agent to an open-source repository.

Abstract

Accessibility teams across higher education face increasing demands as institutions respond to evolving accessibility expectations such as WCAG 2.2 and new regulatory requirements under Title II. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities to scale accessibility work while maintaining quality, accountability, and transparency. This full-day workshop introduces the concept of Accessibility Agents—human-centered automation workflows that assist accessibility professionals by analyzing digital content, identifying accessibility barriers, and generating remediation guidance grounded in authoritative accessibility standards. Participants will explore how accessibility agents can be created using modern development tools such as Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot while collaborating through open-source workflows on GitHub. Accessibility evaluation frameworks including axe-core and guidance from Accessibility Insights will be integrated into these workflows to ensure automated analysis remains grounded in trusted accessibility standards. A key concept explored in the workshop is the use of agent teams—coordinated groups of specialized subagents designed to support accessibility professionals by performing structured analysis, gathering evidence, and referencing authoritative resources. These agents are not intended to replace human expertise; instead, they extend the capabilities of accessibility professionals and help them address accessibility challenges across large digital environments. Participants will learn how to design agents that intentionally incorporate authoritative accessibility resources into their responses, improving reliability and confidence in automated accessibility guidance. The workshop concludes with a hands-on capstone in which participants design and implement an accessibility agent and commit their work to the open-source Accessibility Agents repository.

Keypoints

  1. Cognitive and learning accessibility can help design agents that improve understanding and usability.
  2. Exploring artificial intelligence to improve accessibility, productivity, and student success.
  3. Alternate formats that expand access to information, learning, and meaningful participation.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Artificial Intelligence, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Jeff Bishop

ful results:

Jeff Bishop is an IT Accessibility Consultant at the University of Arizona and President of Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS). His work is grounded in a students-first philosophy that emphasizes empowerment, lifelong learning, and the belief that technology should open doors rather than create barriers. Jeff is passionate about helping learners, educators, and institutions embrace the full range of tools and technologies available to achieve meaningful, far-reaching results in accessibility, education, and digital inclusion.

A former Microsoft accessibility leader, Jeff brings deep experience in assistive technology, inclusive design, and practical innovation. He is especially committed to ensuring that blind and low vision students are not only supported in accessing technology, but are encouraged to use it creatively, confidently, and strategically to learn, grow, and lead. His work reflects a strong belief that when students are equipped with the right tools, guidance, and opportunities, they can shape their own futures and influence the world around them.

Through his leadership, teaching, and community engagement, Jeff champions an approach to accessibility that values curiosity, adaptability, and continuous growth. He believes that embracing both established and emerging technologies—including AI, accessible development tools, and collaborative platforms—can help create richer learning experiences, stronger outcomes, and more inclusive futures for all.