How to Create Accessible Experiences That Inspire

Handouts

Presented at 2:30pm in Matchless on Monday, November 6, 2023.

#38380

Speaker(s)

  • Marcelo Paiva, Accessibility Lead, Rhonda Weiss Center for Accessible IDEA Data
  • Mark Zebley, UX Designer, AEM Corporation

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 3-hr
  • Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: Bring your Windows or Mac laptop to take full advantage of the workshop.
  • Expertise Level: All Levels
  • Type of session: Pre-conference

Summary

Unlock the potential of digital accessibility at our workshop, "How to Create Accessible Experiences That Inspire." Discover how content can unintentionally create barriers and explore strategies to overcome them. Learn rapid prototyping to develop inclusive solutions. Involve people with disabilities for valuable feedback. No coding skills required. Join us and shape a future where everyone can fully engage in the digital world. Let's create accessible experiences together!

Abstract

Access to data is crucial in today's digital age, but almost one in four adults in the US faces barriers due to disabilities, especially when accessing Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data. At the Rhonda Weiss Center for Accessible IDEA data, our goal is to improve equity by promoting accessibility beyond minimum compliance.

In our workshop, “How to Create Accessible Experiences That Inspire," we emphasize a content-first approach to accessible design. We explore how digital content unintentionally creates barriers and how understanding the needs of users of assistive technology can help us avoid those pitfalls.

We introduce rapid prototyping, a method to quickly develop and test accessible solutions. Through hands-on exercises, we guide you in creating functional and inclusive prototypes.

Collecting early and frequent feedback is key. We demonstrate involving people with disabilities in evaluating early concepts, ensuring their needs are considered throughout the design process. Don't worry about coding skills; our workshop is accessible to all. Bring your

Windows or Mac laptop and a willingness to learn.

Together, we'll dive into accessible digital design, striving to create a world where everyone can participate fully and independently. Join us in shaping a more inclusive digital future.

Keypoints

  1. Inclusive design enriches user experience for all, not just those with disabilities.
  2. Early user testing with diverse groups eliminates costly redesigns.
  3. Designing with words (i.e., real content) empowers content creators to prioritize accessibility from the outset.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Accessible Educational Materials, Assistive Technology, Faculty Development & Support, Research, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Marcelo Paiva

Marcelo Paiva is an accomplished professional in the field of User Experience (UX) and Accessibility, currently serving as the Accessibility Lead at the Rhonda Weiss Center for Accessible IDEA Data. Marcelo's work at the center involves the development of accessible design systems and tools, focusing on content prioritization and user evaluations to ensure inclusivity for users with disabilities. His innovative work includes the development of a web tool that aids in creating fully accessible prototypes, exemplifying his commitment to accessible design.

Beyond his role at the Weiss Center, Marcelo is an active community leader in South Florida's UX and Accessibility scene. He regularly hosts monthly meetups where professionals gather to share knowledge, discuss new ideas, and promote best practices in accessible design. Marcelo is also a frequent speaker at conferences worldwide, sharing his own tools, expertise and advocating for the integration of accessibility considerations early in the design process.

Marcelo's reputation extends beyond regional boundaries, recognized globally as an evangelist for building and deploying accessible design systems. He leverages his platform to shape a more inclusive digital world where technology is accessible to all, emphasizing the need for an "Accessibility-first" approach in design. His contributions to the field have made a significant impact, inspiring others in the industry to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their work.

Mark Zebley

Introducing Mark Zebley, a professional renowned for his expertise in creative problem solving and intuitive design. With over a decade of experience, Mark excels in simplifying complex processes into user-friendly interactions, making digital tasks approachable for all. Throughout his career, Mark has specialized in designing UI/UX systems that cater to diverse user bases - with a focus on creating intuitive frameworks that allow users to approach a wide range of digital tasks from a familiar foundation. His passion lies in distilling complex concepts into easily consumable user experiences, ensuring accessibility and a seamless user journey. Currently, Mark collaborates with a dedicated team that builds web components and tools surpassing 508 compliance for accessibility in websites and web applications. His invaluable contributions ensure that the final products not only meet accessibility standards but also exceed user expectations. Mark's true talent lies in bridging the gap between intricate functionalities and user-friendly interfaces. He is exceptional at crafting intuitive frameworks that empower users, regardless of their technical expertise, to engage seamlessly with digital platforms, redefining the way they interact with technology.

Handout(s)