Workshop Accessibility Guidelines

🧏🏽 How To Design For (And With) Deaf People (https://lnkd.in/gUmw-fQU), with practical UX guidelines to keep in mind for 466 million people who experience hearing loss ↓ Sign languages are not just gestures or pantomime. They are 4D spatial languages with their own grammar and syntax, separate from spoken languages, and they don't have a written form. They rely heavily on facial expression to convey meaning and emphasis. And: they are also not universal — every country has its own sign language and dialects. 1. Don’t make the phone required or the only method of contact. 2. Provide text alternatives for all audible alerts or notices. 3. Add haptic feedback on mobile (e.g. vibration patterns). 4. Ensure good lighting to help people see facial expressions. 5. Circular seating usually works bet so everyone can see each other’s face. 6. Include descriptions of non-spoken sounds (e.g., rain, laughter). 7. Add a transcript and closed captions for audio and video. 8. Clearly identify each speaker in all audio and video content. 9. Design multiple ways to communicate in every instance (online + in-person) 10. Invite video participants to keep camera on to facilitate lip-reading. 11. Always test products with the actual community, instead of assumptions. Deafness spans a broad continuum, from minor to profound hearing loss. Around 90–95% of deaf people come from hearing families, and deafness often isn’t merely a condition that people are born with. It frequently occurs due to exposure to loud noises, and it also emerges with age, disease and accidents. Don’t assume that every deaf person can lip read. You can see only about 30% of words on someone’s mouth. That’s why many deaf people need additional visual cues, like text or cued speech. Full article: https://lnkd.in/gUmw-fQU --- I keep repeating myself like a broken record, but better accessibility always benefits everyone. Solving a problem for one specific exclusion usually benefits many. When we improve experiences for some groups of people, there are always ways of how it improves experiences for entirely different groups as well. As Marie Van Driessche noted, to design a great experience for accessibility, we must design with people, rather than for them. And that means always including people with lived experience of exclusion into the design process — as they are the true experts. Huge thanks to Marie Van Driessche, Svetlana Kouznetsova, Meryl Evans, CPACC, Dr. Stephanie Cawthon, Beatriz G., Johanna Steiner, Brenden Gilbert, Caitlin Quinn, Olivier Nourry and many others for sharing what they've learned, so I could learn from you! Thank you so much! 👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾 Please do leave pointers in the comments to useful resources or wonderful people who study, research and write on the topic! Happy designing, everyone — and thank you so much for reading! 🎉🥳

Making your events more accessible for blind & visually impaired people really isn’t as hard as you think. Here are my top tips. 1. Provide precise venue information. Include things like clear drop off and pick up point information, what the key features of the building are, a rough description of where the toilets are, describe where the reception desk is, and let us know in advance if you’ll need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan completed. Bonus points for using a service like Euan's Guide or AccessAble to provide specialist access information. 2. Provide as much event information as possible. Share all key details in advance, ideally by email in an accessible format. Include timings, speaker names, attendee names, a brief agenda, and any known accessibility considerations. It helps us plan travel, support, and energy levels and it also helps us know who’s attending so when we’re surprised with a “Hey Robbie!” we can narrow it down to who it might be. 3. Food information is key. It sounds simple, but make sure menus are firstly available, then accessible - even for buffets. Relying on a fellow attendee to tell me something “looks chickeney” gives me the absolute fear. Include dietary details in an electronic format we can read with a screen reader, and avoid handwritten or printed-only menus. Tell us how food will be served so we can prepare (for example, buffet vs plated service). 4. Ask about adjustments - don’t assume you’ll know what someone needs. Just ask the question when people register. Keep it open and inclusive, such as “Do you have any access requirements you’d like us to be aware of?” 5. Provide complimentary +1 places as an adjustment - if someone needs a guide, PA, or support worker to attend with them, they shouldn’t be charged double. It’s an inclusion basic that makes a big difference. 6. Finally, provide training to your staff and event volunteers. Organisations like The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and RNIB can help you here with things like sighted guide training. And most importantly - don’t wait until someone asks before you do this. It won’t help just blind people, it’ll help everyone. Think about this list - is there anything on here that genuine would help you as a sighted person? Build accessibility in from the start and everyone benefits. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #Adjustments #DiversityAndInclusion #Content

Want an effective, low-cost way to make your events more accessible? Try offering an Accessibility Pre-Event Checklist! 🌟 This checklist gives all attendees a heads-up on essential accessibility details, helping everyone feel welcome and prepared. Think: ✅ Accessible transportation options and venue entrances ✅ Steps for requesting accommodations ✅ Available assistive technologies (like captioning or ALDs) ✅ Information on accessible restrooms, quiet zones, and emergency procedures An accessibility checklist helps attendees feel confident they’ll have the support they need, reducing anxiety about navigating a new space or arranging accommodations. Plus, a pre-event checklist shows your commitment to inclusion right from the start. ___________________ Here's a streamlined sample of an Accessibility Pre-Event Checklist: "Welcome! To make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve put together a checklist to help you prepare and get the most out of Salesforce events. Here’s what to know: #Before You Arrive □ Accommodation Requests: If you need specific accommodations (e.g., ASL interpretation, reserved seating, mobility support), please contact our Accessibility Team at least two weeks in advance. □ Public transit routes and shuttle services with accessible features will be available on our event website. #Venue Accessibility □ Accessible Entrances: All main entrances, restrooms, and levels are accessible by wheelchair. □ Quiet Zones & Sensory Rooms: Designated quiet zones and sensory-friendly rooms are available for anyone needing a calm space. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating, low lighting, and noise reduction. #Event Technology □ Live Captions & Transcripts: AI-generated captions and real-time captions will be provided in all main sessions. Transcripts will be available in the event app. □ Event App Accessibility: Our event app is screen-reader compatible, and provides real-time updates for easier navigation. #During the Event □ Session Accessibility: Accessible seating, reserved spots for those with mobility devices, and ASL interpreters are available at key sessions. Check the app or schedule for more information. □ Meal & Break Options: Dietary accommodations are available at all meals. Attendees with food allergies or specific dietary needs can contact our team or visit the Disability Help Desk for more information." #AccessibleEvents #InclusionMatters #EventPlanning #DisabilityInclusion #Trailblazer

What would you do if your audience couldn't see you or your slides? This past weekend, I had the honor to work with the Florida Business Enterprise Program (BEP), The mission of the BEP is to provide people who are legally blind with rewarding and profitable entrepreneurial ventures, broaden their economic opportunities, and invigorate all blind people to be self-supporting, while dispelling misconceptions about blind people by showcasing their abilities. The BEP administers one of the largest vending and food service programs operated by people who are legally blind in the United States. The BEP prides itself in allowing visually impaired entrepreneurs independence in their day-to-day operations, while at the same time providing continual support through professional business consultants and educational workshops. I was invited to speak because one of their members heard me speak at their National Conference. As a professional speaker I pride myself in making all of my programs an engaging interactive learning experience. Here are few ways I work to make my programs impactful for people with a visual impairment: 1. Paint pictures with your words. Slow down and be very descriptive during your presentation. Let people hear the images you want them to "see." Let people know where you are in the room or where people are who ask questions. Describe in detail what you look like or how you are moving. The people you work with appreciate when you make time to "set the table" before you "serve the meal." 2. Make content accessible before you step on stage. Provide notes or slides in screen-reader friendly formats so everyone can fully participate. 3. Prioritize clarity over flash. Meet with the organization ahead of time to understand participants wants and needs. This will help you establish clear structure, strong pacing, and intentional pauses. 4. Connect through voice and presence. Your tone, energy, and authenticity become your “visuals.” People feel your passion before they see your slides. This experience reminded me: when you strip away distractions, the heart of speaking is human connection. And that’s something everyone can see. 5. Let them participate. Your program can't be engaging if you don't allow the audience to engage. I made time for attendees to share their experiences with me, so I could understand what it was like to be a visually impaired or blind business owner. Participation leads to understanding and as attendees shared with me...a program that isn't boring. Bonus - Be sure to add alt text to all images you post on social media and your website. This allows for people who lack vision to "see" your photograph or image because you can describe the image to them. Thank you Deia Starr Rank and Speaker Exchange for making my experience possible. #keynotespeaker #speakingtips #publicspeakingadvice #workingwiththeblind #mindset

If some guests can't access all your features… it’s simply not ready for the public. When planning an event, there are a million factors to consider. And accessibility should be at the top of that list. It is absolutely essential that every one of your guests or participants enjoy your event to the fullest, without feeling left out of certain parts. If you're committed to inclusion, it's not that hard or expensive! Here are a few things to consider. ➡️ Use high contrast colors. This is extremely helpful to those with low vision (and everyone) ➡️ Have captions and/or an ASL interpreter. This way you can make sure that EVERYONE understands and benefits from the information you're sharing. ➡️ Adding braille to signage is another inexpensive way to help your guests navigate your event. ➡️ Make sure service animals are allowed in the space and accommodate the needs that come with that. ➡️ Ensure washrooms and seating are accessible. If you're committed to inclusion and want to make your spaces accessible to all, but aren't sure where to start, just DM me. I've consulted with numerous companies and event planners to help ensure that their event is accessible to all attending. Also, most of these tips are geared to in-person events. Let me now in the comments if you found this post helpful, and would like me to create another post on virtual events and how you can make sure they're accessible too! #Accessibility: A black background with white and blue text that reads: If your event in inaccessible, it's unfinished. #Disability #Community #Inclusion #Accessibility

Inclusivity at events — it’s so important. Let’s talk about it! 🤗 This list isn’t comprehensive, but it’s a start. Keep these six things in mind: 1. Accessibility: Ensure the venue is accessible to people with disabilities. Does it have great ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms? And for your sessions, are you offering captions, transcripts, or sign language interpreters? 2. Diverse representation: Choose speakers, panelists, and moderators who look like the general population. You should have all sorts of genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds represented. 3. Inclusive language & signage: Prioritize inclusive language in all of your communications, and consider offering pronoun badges for attendees. Also, be sure your signage is easy to read and includes multiple languages if necessary. 4. Dietary considerations: Provide a variety of food options to cater to different dietary needs and preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, and kosher options. Also, be sure to clearly label all food with allergen information. And don't forget the mocktails. 5. Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays when scheduling events, and respect cultural practices and customs, such as prayer times and attire. 6. Inclusive spatial planning: Designate a specific Mother’s Room, Prayer Room, and Meditation Room to let attendees step away and attend to their personal needs.

September is Deaf Awareness Month, and while today is the last day, it’s the perfect time to start prioritizing accessibility and inclusion. I grew up surrounded by deafness and hearing loss, using sign language since before I could speak. It's a part of my everyday life, and so I joined the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Working Group (DHHWG) as an ally to improve accessibility in tech. As an organizer of BSidesPGH, I’m proud to say we’re not just making recommendations—we’re putting them into practice. As the DHHWG was drafting event best practices, we've been adopting them and learning as we go. If you're looking to get started, here are a few tips from our guide: 🔹 Budget early for accessibility needs such as captioning and interpreters 🔹 Offer multiple options for accommodations like live captions and interpreters 🔹 Provide reserved seating at the front for those who need it 🔹 Don't just record the talks, but all parts of the conference, and include captions. If you have interpreters, include them in your recordings as well If you're Deaf or Hard of Hearing and in tech, I invite you to join our group. And if you’re an ally, take action by reviewing our resources and advocating for better accessibility. We can create a tech industry where everyone is welcome. Find us on the CNCF Slack at #deaf-and-hard-of-hearing #DeafAwarenessMonth #DHHWG #CNCF #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #DeafInTech