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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250807T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250807T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
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SUMMARY:Hiring for Inclusion: Building an Accessibility-Centric Workforce: Catherine Sherry and Kate
DESCRIPTION:Join Catherine Sherry and Kate O’Connor from Onward Accessibility for an engaging session focused on building a more inclusive and accessibility-forward hiring process. Drawing from their extensive experience in accessibility-focused consulting and staffing\, Catherine and Kate will guide participants through effective strategies for recruiting\, interviewing\, and onboarding individuals with disabilities. Attendees will gain practical tools\, actionable policies\, and insights into the cultural shifts necessary to create equitable opportunities and foster a truly accessible workforce from the ground up. \n\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom.\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nCatherine Sherry\, CPACC\nDirector of Staffing\, Onward Accessibility\nCatherine Sherry leads Onward Accessibility’s staffing efforts\, empowering top companies to connect with diverse digital accessibility professionals. She has over 15 years of experience in the industry\, a passion for accessibility advocacy\, and a proven track record of recruiting qualified candidates with disabilities. Sherry is also a long-time member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). \nKate O’Connor\, CPACC\nVP and Practice Leader\, Onward Accessibility\nKate O’Connor oversees Onward Accessibility\, a division of Onward Search dedicated to providing companies with digital accessibility (a11y) solutions and talent. She has nearly 20 years of hands-on design experience and a successful track record of partnering with clients to build and mature a11y programs as well as digital initiatives. O’Connor is also a long-time member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/hiring-for-inclusion-building-an-accessibility-centric-workforce-catherine-sherry-and-kate/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/08072025-Catherine-Sherry-and-Kate-OConnor.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250521T142042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T142042Z
UID:10000681-1752141600-1752147000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Elementor Accessibility: Angela Bowman & David Denedo
DESCRIPTION:In this talk\, Angela and David will dive into practical strategies for working with options in Elementor that allow you to make your site more WCAG compliant\, including:\n\nAssigning proper ARIA landmarks to header\, content\, and footer areas\nNaming menus and other widgets in Elementor for correct ARIA\nUsing Site Settings to define accessible Global Colors and scalable typography\nAdding aria labels to icons\, buttons\, and images that are linked\n\nAngela and David will provide a few custom code snippets to improve accessibility of the following:\n\nRespect reduce motion effects with CSS\nAdd aria-current=“page” to Mega Menu submenu items\nAdd pause button to self-hosted background videos\n\nAnd lastly\, this talk will explore accessibility challenges with Elementor template kits\, complex Elementor widgets\, and things to watch out for.\n\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom.\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nAngela Bowman\nWeb Designer\, Meetup Organizer\, and Podcast Co-Host\nAngela works primarily with Elementor\, building highly customized sites with dynamic content. She loves traveling\, outdoor adventures\, and raising backyard chickens. \nDavid Denedo\nWeb Designer and Content Creator\nDavid works primarily with Bricks and Elementor. He is passionate about accessibility\, dynamic content\, and solving mathematical problems. He also loves playing Scrabble and Chess. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/elementor-accessibility-angela-bowman-david-denedo/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07102025-Angela-Bowman-and-David-Denedo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250616T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250424T165804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250424T165804Z
UID:10000676-1750100400-1750105800@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:From Conference to Industry Association: Bri Norton\, Ricky Onsman\, and Amanda Mace
DESCRIPTION:How does an annual accessibility conference grow into a national industry association with real policy influence? Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation about what it takes to scale an accessibility-focused initiative into an organization with national reach and impact.\n\nIn this session\, we will explore the journey of evolving from a one-time event into a structured\, sustainable\, and strategic industry body. We’ll share lessons learned and insights gained along the way\, including:\n\nIdentifying your target audience and building meaningful connections\nManaging and growing membership while maintaining community focus\nRaising your national profile and becoming a recognized voice in accessibility\nChoosing a focus and setting boundaries to stay aligned with your mission\nTransitioning from an annual in-person event to ongoing virtual programming\nBalancing funding\, sustainability\, and organizational costs\nBuilding advocacy capacity and influencing digital accessibility policy\n\nWhether you’re part of a grassroots initiative\, a community event organizer\, or someone passionate about accessibility advocacy\, this session offers actionable strategies for scaling impact and making a difference. \nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speakers\n\n\n\nBrigitta (Bri) Norton\nDigital Accessibility Consultant at Ability Works\nBri is a Digital Strategist and User Experience and Accessibility specialist based in Canberra\, Australia and has been an Accessibility Lead for both State and Federal Government and is currently a Digital Accessibility Consultant at Ability Works. Bri has more recently co-developed inclusive research workshops to share how to include accessibility earlier in the project lifecycle which includes engaging with people with disability as part of inclusive research activities. \nAmongst her professional experience with government agencies and local businesses\, Bri is the co-chair for Australia’s Web Accessibility Initiative OZeWAI.org\, a Standards Australia Accessible ICT Procurement Committee Member and a member of the ResearchOps.Community Cheese Board. \nRicky Onsman\nPrincipal Technical Writer for the Knowledge Center at TPGi\nRicky Onsman is Principal Technical Writer for the Knowledge Center at TPGi\, a global digital accessibility company. He writes guidance articles for TPGi staff and clients conducting manual accessibility audits\, as well helping to craft the rules engine for TPGi’s automated testing tools\, developing training courses\, and writing blog posts. \nRicky built his first website in 1994\, when it was still assumed that accessibility was a given\, and since then has worked in IT for a range of companies and organizations\, then as a freelance web designer and front end developer\, then as an accessibility specialist with organisations like AccessIQ\, Simply Accessible\, AccessibilityOz\, Intopia\, Tenon\, and now TPGi. \nRicky has been a member of the Australian Web Accessibility Initiative (OZeWAI) since 2014 and\, as a Committee Member\, has played a key role in developing the organization’s web presence and newsletters\, and its transition from conference organizer to national industry association. \nAmanda Mace\nVice President at GrackleDocs\nAmanda is a Subject Matter Expert in Digital Accessibility with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. She manages the Australasia office for GrackleDocs while growing and promoting the brand across the region. She also manages the audit team which is responsible for manual WCAG audits for our clients. Amanda is one of only two Australian-based W3C evangelists and the W3C Australian Western Region Chapter manager. \nWhen it comes to accessibility\, she believes that innovation with accessibility built into it provides security\, independence\, and privacy for people with disabilities and ultimately better\, more usable digital products for all. She has spent her career advocating that it is everyone’s job to do their bit to remove barriers so all people can have equal access and equal opportunity in the digital world. Using her expertise in WCAG and PDF/UA to educate and help others understand digital access as well as how to go above and beyond standards\, to ensuring great user experiences. \nShe is certified by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as a Certified Professional. Having begun her accessibility career as a WCAG auditor/tester\, she worked her way up in that small business through to management. Throughout her career\, She has had many opportunities to contribute to educating others about digital accessibility including\, co-authoring a book chapter for the textbook\, “Web Accessibility A Foundation for Research\,” as well as a white paper entitled\, “Digital Accessibility: Perceptions\, Expectations and Reality.” \n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/from-conference-to-industry-association-bri-norton-ricky-onsman-and-amanda-mace/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/061625-From-Conference-to-Industry-Association.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250605T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250423T171351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T171351Z
UID:10000675-1749117600-1749123000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:ARIA for Beginners: Maria Maldonado
DESCRIPTION:Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) is a set of attributes that improve web accessibility for people using assistive technologies. It enhances HTML by adding details to interactive elements\, making web applications easier to navigate and use.\n\nJoin us for this beginner-friendly session\, where we’ll explore what ARIA is\, when to use it (and when not to)\, and best practices for ensuring an inclusive digital experience. Whether you’re a developer\, designer\, or accessibility advocate\, this event will equip you with essential ARIA knowledge to enhance web accessibility.\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom.\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nMaria José Maldonado is a seasoned Web Accessibility professional with a strong foundation in education. Since transitioning to the field in 2018\, she has been dedicated to advancing accessibility testing and fostering digital inclusivity. Holding CPACC\, WAS\, and CPWA certifications\, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of WCAG standards and legal requirements. \nHer expertise spans assistive technologies\, automated testing tools\, and responsive design\, ensuring seamless user experiences across diverse platforms. Passionate about creating accessible digital environments\, she collaborates with teams to drive meaningful\, user-centered accessibility solutions. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/aria-for-beginners-maria-maldonado/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/060525-Maria-Maldonado.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250519T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250519T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250418T155926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250418T155926Z
UID:10000673-1747681200-1747686600@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Selling Accessibility Panel Discussion: Amber Hinds\, Bet Hannon\, Gen Herres\, Ron Zasadzinski\, and Scott Tobin
DESCRIPTION:Ensuring accessibility in WordPress projects isn’t just a legal or ethical responsibility—it’s a powerful value-add for clients. But how do you effectively communicate its importance and integrate it into your sales process? \n\nJoin us for a panel discussion where agency owners and freelancers will share insights on positioning accessibility as a competitive advantage\, overcoming client objections\, and pricing accessibility services effectively. Whether you’re struggling to get client buy-in or looking to refine your sales approach\, this conversation will provide actionable takeaways to help you confidently sell accessibility in WordPress projects.\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nAmber Hinds\nCEO of Equalize Digital\nAmber Hinds is the CEO of Equalize Digital\, Inc.\, a company specializing in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup\, board president/co-lead organizer of the WP Accessibility Day nonprofit\, and participates in the WordPress core accessibility team. Through her work at Equalize Digital\, Amber is striving to create a world where all people have equal access to information and tools on the internet\, regardless of ability. Since 2010\, she has led teams building websites and web applications for nonprofits\, K-12 and higher education institutions\, government agencies\, and businesses of all sizes\, and has become a passionate accessibility advocate. \nBet Hannon\nCEO and Founder of AccessiCart\nBet Hannon had a first career in nonprofit management but was downsized in the 2008 financial crisis. She stumbled into freelance web development\, bootstrapped an agency\, and in 2016 when a client needed web accessibility\, got her team up to speed with that. Today\, she’s the CEO and founder of AccessiCart\, a services agency that focuses on accessibility and eCommerce (or anything with a checkout form). She lives in Bend\, Oregon\, and loves hiking and snowshoeing. \nGen Herres\nFounder of Easy A11y Guide\nGen Herres is the Founder of Easy A11y Guide\, which helps website owners & agencies to improve their accessibility. With 15 years of WordPress development experience\, and 5 years of accessibility\, Gen brings practical knowledge from working on over 1\,000 websites to the accessibility space. She’s a DHS Trusted Tester for Section 508\, a well-known speaker\, and an accessibility advocate. She’s spoken at meetups\, on podcasts\, at WordCamp US\, and WP Accessibility Day\, and is an IAAP member. She’s helped plugins\, themes\, and web agencies refine their accessibility processes and websites that real people can use. She also organizes the Baltimore WordPress meetup group. \nRon Zasadzinski\nFounder and CEO of CodeGeek\nRon started CodeGeek in 2002\, and since then\, he and his team have worked with clients all over the U.S. to create custom websites and web apps.\nWhether in business or in life\, Ron’s goal every day is to help people be the best they can be. He’s passionate about making the web more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Ron is involved in several ventures\, including co-founding the Fort Collins Internet Professionals (FCIP) Meetup and being a flight instructor with over 30 years and 8\,000 hours of flying experience. In his free time\, Ron enjoys following NASA missions with great interest\, hiking\, skiing\, and traveling with his wife to see the many wonders this world has to offer.\n\nScott Tobin\nFounder and President of Sector45\nScott Tobin is the Founder and President of Sector45\, a specialized medical marketing agency serving the aesthetic industry. With over 18 years of experience in medical marketing and more than 25 years in digital marketing\, he brings deep expertise in internet services\, strategic planning\, SEO\, search marketing\, and practice growth. Scott is dedicated to helping medical professionals enhance their online presence and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.\n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/selling-accessibility-panel-discussion-amber-hinds-bet-hannon-gen-herres-ron-zasadzinski-and-scott-tobin/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/051925-Selling-Accessibility-Panel-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250516
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250502T034406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T034406Z
UID:10000677-1747267200-1747353599@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025
DESCRIPTION:Join us in celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) by pledging your time to improve accessibility in WordPress. Whether you’re a developer\, designer\, content creator\, or site owner\, your skills can help make the internet more usable for millions of people with disabilities. Even one small fix—like adding alt text\, fixing heading levels\, or improving keyboard navigation—can make a big difference.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/global-accessibility-awareness-day-2025/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GAAD-Pledge-Featured-Image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250501T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250501T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250307T150911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T151119Z
UID:10000664-1746093600-1746099000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Remediation or Rebuild? — Amber Hinds and Steve Jones
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a presentation exploring the critical decision-making process behind determining whether a website can be remediated for accessibility compliance or if it needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch. \n\nAttendees will gain a clear understanding of the key factors that influence this choice\, including the severity of accessibility barriers\, the underlying technology and codebase\, long-term maintenance considerations\, and budget constraints. Using real-world examples and best practices\, Amber and Steve will walk through assessment strategies\, cost-benefit analyses\, and the potential risks and rewards of each approach.\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom.\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nAmber Hinds\nCEO\, Equalize Digital\nAmber Hinds is the CEO of Equalize Digital\, Inc.\, a company specializing in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup\, board president/co-lead organizer of the WP Accessibility Day nonprofit\, and participates in the WordPress core accessibility team. \nThrough her work at Equalize Digital\, Amber is striving to create a world where all people have equal access to information and tools on the internet\, regardless of ability. Since 2010\, she has led teams building websites and web applications for nonprofits\, K-12 and higher education institutions\, government agencies\, and businesses of all sizes\, and has become a passionate accessibility advocate\nSteve Jones\nCTO\, Equalize Digital\nSteve Jones is the Chief Technology Officer at Equalize Digital. Steve has developed highly custom WordPress websites for clients in the enterprise business\, higher ed\, and government sectors while also being an integral part of developing Equalize Digital’s accessibility auditing software\, Accessibility Checker. He oversees the delivery of Equalize Digital’s accessibility remediation services for WordPress websites. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/remediation-or-rebuild-amber-hinds-and-steve-jones/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05012025-Amber-Hinds-and-Steve-Jones.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250421T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250421T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250226T134640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T134712Z
UID:10000663-1745262000-1745267400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:UX\, UI\, and Accessibility: The Perfect Trio: Shannon Towell
DESCRIPTION:Good design isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s about making your products easy to use and accessible for everyone. In this presentation\, Shannon Towell\, a seasoned Experience Designer\, will break down the key things to watch for when building a website to ensure it’s user-friendly and inclusive. We’ll take a website\, audit it\, and improve it step by step\, updating its branding and layout to make it clearer and easier to use. Then\, we’ll explore how data can guide better design decisions and how UX applies beyond websites—helping museums and cultural institutions create more accessible\, engaging experiences. Whether you’re a designer\, developer\, or just curious about better digital experiences\, this session will give you practical takeaways to use in your own work. \nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nShannon Towell is the Experience Designer of your dreams\, forever donned in blue.\n\nBased in Melbourne\, Australia\, she has worked with an array of Australia’s top companies to create websites\, apps\, and research projects over the last nine years.\n\nFor the last two years\, her sole focus has been to make the internet a better place through accessible and user-friendly brands and websites through her self-named design business. Her latest endeavor\, Accessibility Clinic\, sees her targeting the museum and cultural institutions to create inclusive spaces in person and online.\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/ux-ui-and-accessibility-the-perfect-trio-shannon-towell/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/042125-Shannon-Towell.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250403T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250403T103000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250207T161409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T161409Z
UID:10000660-1743674400-1743676200@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Accessible Firebrand: “Why can’t I use my brand color there\, and if not there\, then where?”: Deneb Pulsipher & Mark Alvis
DESCRIPTION:Every company is strongly invested in their brand colors\, even when these don’t meet contrast ratio requirements against their site’s background color. From an accessibility specialist’s perspective\, it’s essential to know where these colors cannot be used\, but from a designer’s practical and aesthetic perspective\, it’s important to know where and how they can safely be used to build brand identity.\n\nIn this session\, you’ll learn how and why companies are often inclined to use their brand colors in inaccessible ways. Together\, we’ll examine real-world uses of brand colors in places that are clear and not-so-clear violations of the WCAG and other accessibility principles. We’ll discuss ways to demonstrate the problem to the company decision-makers\, including tools that can help illustrate the problem. We’ll suggest arguments to use to persuade decision-makers to change their tactics. Perhaps most importantly\, we’ll go over how companies can engagingly use their brand colors on their site in ways that don’t violate accessibility principles. This will make it so that decision-makers don’t balk as much at abandoning their inaccessible uses.\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nMark Alvis\nBrand + UI Designer\, SeaMonster Studios\nMark is a systems-oriented\, details guy disguised neatly as a brand & identity designer. Details matter to Mark. Pixels\, pantones\, and patterns… Mark brings a love of craft to his work – and 15 years of experience designing solutions from corporate and boutique clients. \nWhether it’s product packaging\, brand identity or user interface design for Microsoft\, Starbucks or even the local shop down the street\, it’s about putting the pieces together in a way that is appealing but also effective. \nWhen not drinking coffee (or designing the labels)\, you might find him moonlighting in Seattle’s music venues\, or tucking his 3 daughters into bed. \nDeneb Pulsipher\nCaptain Accessible\, SeaMonster Studios\n“Captain Accessible” Deneb (DEH-neb) gets excited about the inherent ability the web provides to let everyone access the same information\, whether they’re able to see or not\, hear or not\, use a mouse or not\, have no cognitive challenges\, or do. The internet can be accessed by nearly everyone through regular technologies like web browsers or assistive technologies like screen readers\, as long as we code it right. Deneb’s passion is making sure it’s coded right\, which means thoroughly reviewing all of our own sites before we release them into the wild\, and also sporadically emailing owners of the sites he happens on while surfing that could use some accessibility improvements. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/accessible-firebrand-why-cant-i-use-my-brand-color-there-and-if-not-there-then-where-deneb-pulsipher-mark-alvis/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04032025-Deneb-Pulsipher-Mark-Alvis.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250317T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250317T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250207T142039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T134633Z
UID:10000659-1742238000-1742243400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:From Concept to Code: Communicating Accessibility in the Design Handoff: Danielle Zarcaro
DESCRIPTION:A well-executed designer-to-developer handoff is key to ensuring a website is not only accessible but also stays true to the design that has been carefully and thoughtfully crafted. So\, how can a designer make sure the finished website is accessible and aligns with their design? How can designers help developers make the right accessibility choices?\n\nIn this session\, we’ll explore crucial details designers should provide to guide the implementation of their designs effectively. You’ll learn how to:\n\n\nCommunicate sizing and spacing preferences using minimums\, maximums\, and flexible units beyond fixed widths and percentages where appropriate.\nDefine focal points\, overlays\, and gradient placement for background images.\nProvide clear instructions for interactive elements\, hover states\, and keyboard navigation expectations.\nIdentify potential problem areas and suggest fallback options in case designs shift between breakpoints.\n\nBy improving the design handoff process and increasing transparency around key decisions\, designers can empower developers to create accessible\, functional\, and visually consistent experiences. \n\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nDanielle is the founder of Kinetic Iris\, a web development studio that partners with digital agencies to deliver expert website accessibility and development services for both new and existing websites. A lifelong night owl\, they have recently taken up crochet\, which has proven to be an excellent way to unwind and disconnect from so much screen time. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/from-concept-to-code-communicating-accessibility-in-the-design-handoff-danielle-zarcaro/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/031725-Danielle-Zarcaro.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250306T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250306T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20250203T154754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T142201Z
UID:10000403-1741255200-1741260600@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:We Need to Talk About Captions: Piccia Neri
DESCRIPTION:Don’t you love all the great AI tools available at the moment? Specifically – aren’t all the captions design tools fantastic? All those options! Animations\, flashing effects\, typography\, graphic treatments… Aren’t they so creative and great? \nNope. No they are not. Your fancy open captions are literally making billions of people sick. Think I’m exaggerating? Nope. I’m not. Join this presentation to find out how – and what to do instead. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nPiccia Neri empowers agencies\, businesses\, designers & developers to thrive and win on the web by putting their users at the centre. She does this as an accessible design and UX consultant and leader on global projects\, and as a course provider\, trainer\, coach and workshop leader. She speaks at conferences globally on UX and accessible design. Piccia’s current main focus is on balancing creativity and accessibility\, without sacrificing either. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/we-need-to-talk-about-captions-piccia-neri/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/030625-Piccia-Neri-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250217T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250217T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241224T181607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T153710Z
UID:10000398-1739818800-1739824200@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:The Law of Accessible Websites and Applications: Richard Hunt
DESCRIPTION:This four-part presentation will cover (a) the federal and state laws that require (or maybe do not require) that business websites be accessible to those with disabilities\, (b) what it means for a website to be accessible to those with disabilities\, (c) how effective software solutions are in finding and correcting accessibility failures and (d) the current status and likely future of litigation over website accessibility and the risks to website developers. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nRichard M. Hunt is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with more than forty years of\nexperience representing businesses and individuals in litigation\, arbitration\, and mediation. He has a nationwide practice focused on litigation and consultation concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act and the disability rights provisions of the Fair Housing Act. He has served as an adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at Texas Wesleyan School of Law\, an adjunct professor of Disability Law at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University\, and on the Examination Committee for Civil Trial Certification for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. \nHis blog\, Accessibility Defense (accessdefense.com)\, is a resource for legal and accessibility professionals interested in the latest developments in accessibility law or a deeper understanding of the issues related to these laws. He is also a frequent speaker on the ADA and FHA and has been interviewed by The Economist\, Forbes\, and other publications. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/the-law-of-accessible-websites-and-applications-richard-hunt/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02172025-Richard-Hunt.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241216T145121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T145121Z
UID:10000386-1738836000-1738841400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility: Thinking Beyond WCAG and Compliance: Chris Scholtens
DESCRIPTION:Move beyond mere WCAG compliance to create genuinely accessible digital experiences. While WCAG provides an essential baseline\, focusing solely on checklists can limit meaningful user impact. By understanding the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities—such as ADHD\, dyslexia\, or color blindness—organizations can innovate accessibility solutions that are perceivable\, operable\, understandable\, and robust. How do we strive for genuine accessibility efforts instead of performative actions\, prioritizing user benefit over optics? Beyond benefitting users\, investing in accessibility fosters innovation\, expands market reach\, and enhances brand loyalty.\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nChris is a Product Manager who is deeply passionate about delivering valuable products to customers\, a lover of gadgets\, tea\, Apple products\, board games\, old jazz and blues albums\, comic books\, accessible products\, and delightful UX. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/digital-accessibility-thinking-beyond-wcag-and-compliance-chris-scholtens/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/02062025-Chris-Scholtens.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250120T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241216T142323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T142456Z
UID:10000385-1737399600-1737405000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:How D&D Can Improve Accessibility: Using Roleplay During All Phases of Product Development to Better Consider User Experience: Nick Croft
DESCRIPTION:From creating persona-like character sheets to role-playing these characters during a project’s planning\, design\, development\, and testing phases\, you will learn how to improve the user experience-based development and overall accessibility of your products. \nDuring this talk\, Nick will discuss some “non-developer characters” (NDCs)\, how they interact with websites and apps\, and how taking the time to “role play” those characters can help improve accessibility. \nAt the end of the talk\, you will have access to new tools and ways of thinking about features\, content\, and design\, as well as approaches to testing. \nLearning outcomes: \n\nLearn the importance of considering the user experience in accessibility.\nA set of character sheets to consider for making accessible features.\nHow to use role-play through the product development lifecycle to ensure an accessible feature.\n\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nNick is passionate about Accessibility and has been most of his career. From working in the physical space of college campuses doing construction and maintenance during his 20s to becoming a principal developer for a WordPress VIP partner agency that has found a niche in higher ed and massive networks\, Nick has always put accessibility first. \nNick took the time to improve his knowledge by earning International Associate of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) certifications\, including Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)\, Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)\, and Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA). Nick has also completed his 508 Trusted Tester training. \nAfter earning these certifications\, tragedy struck\, and now Nick is father to a disabled daughter\, which has opened his eyes even further into the obstacles affecting people with disabilities. This has further increased his passion to make the world accessible. \nWhen not working\, Nick enjoys life in rural northern Virginia with his wife\, four children\, and two dogs. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/how-d-d-can-improve-accessibility-nick-croft/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/01202025-Nick-Croft.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250109T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250109T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241114T214315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T144521Z
UID:10000384-1736416800-1736422200@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Navigating the Future: Using WordPress Menu Blocks That Work for Everyone: Jennifer Dust and Eli Frigoli
DESCRIPTION:Since the navigation menu is typically the first and most-used point of user interaction within a website\, the menu must be accessible to all users – including those navigating the site through assistive technologies. This becomes even more important as a site grows and the menu complexity increases into multi-level megamenus. However\, not all megamenu blocks are built with accessibility in mind.\n\nIn this session\, we will discuss the importance of accessible navigation\, identify some common pitfalls of megamenu navigation solutions\, explore the structural patterns of a truly accessible navigation menu\, and learn how to determine which third-party solutions are developed with accessibility at the forefront by walking through the code structure of our custom megamenu block.\nLearning Outcomes:\n\nUnderstanding why accessible site navigation is important\nRecognizing common accessibility pitfalls of megamenu structure\nIdentifying key structural elements of a truly accessible navigation menu\nImplementing third-party solutions for megamenu blocks\n\n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speakers\n\n\n\nJennifer Dust\nSenior Manager of DevOps\, Aten Design Group\nWith a background in design and development\, Jennifer is an Acquia Certified Senior Manager of DevOps with several years of experience using Drupal & WordPress. She holds two master’s degrees\, one in Computer Science and the other in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management. Jennifer is an active maintainer of Prototype\, a component-based starting point for new Drupal themes and supports Drupal Core’s Single Directory Component documentation. \nIn previous roles\, they worked at the collegiate level as a developer and as an educator teaching Computer Science. As an avid learner\, Jennifer lives for those “ah-ha!” moments\, when the code clicks into place and you excitedly fist bump the air. \nEli Frigoli\nSenior WordPress Developer\, Aten Design Group\nWith a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science\, Eli is an experienced WordPress developer excited about building dynamic\, interactive websites. Eli has a background in software and front-end web development\, and is passionate about creating user experiences that are accessible and working on projects that make the world a better place one line of code at a time. An avid puzzle solver\, Eli embraces the challenge of tackling complex project requirements and turning them into beautiful solutions. \n\n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/navigating-the-future-using-wordpress-menu-blocks-that-work-for-everyone-michaela-lederman-and-eli-frigoli-2/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/0192025-Jennifer-Dust-Eli-Frigoli.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241216T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241216T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241022T155623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241022T155623Z
UID:10000382-1734375600-1734381000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Accessibility Strategy and Goal-Setting Workshop: Amber Hinds
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an interactive workshop to plan your accessibility goals and strategy for 2025. Amber will walk attendees through the process of creating an accessibility remediation roadmap\, with recommendations for prioritizing fixes and creating a timeline. There will be time to create and refine your accessibility roadmap and an opportunity to share it and get feedback during the workshop. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nAmber is the Founder & CEO at Equalize Digital\, a website accessibility consulting/accessible website development firm. She is working to build a more equitable web for people of all abilities. Amber is also the organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup and WordPress Accessibility Day conference. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/accessibility-strategy-and-goal-setting-workshop-amber-hinds/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/12162024-Amber-Hinds.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241205T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241022T150823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241127T153319Z
UID:10000381-1733392800-1733398200@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:How to Accurately Budget for Accessibility: Chris Hinds
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will cover essential accessibility products and services that should be part of every budget. Gain insight into what typical costs are for accessibility in 2024-2025\, and learn how to identify if you’re being lowballed or overcharged. We’ll also show you how to quickly project accessibility investment over 12 months\, by using a combination of “fixed” accessibility costs with variable costs based on key business activities that have an accessibility component. A lack of financial foresight\, means accessibility oversight. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nChris Hinds is the COO of Equalize Digital\, Inc.\, a company specializing in WordPress accessibility. He oversees the business development\, human resources\, and financial operations of the company\, and acts as an early-stage accessibility consultant for countless organizations who are looking to create more accessible outcomes with WordPress. \n\n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: Kinsta\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/how-to-accurately-budget-for-accessibility-chris-hinds/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1252024-Chris-Hinds.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241118T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20241010T152253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241010T152337Z
UID:10000380-1731956400-1731961800@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Managing Plugin Accessibility for the Long Term: Joe Dolson
DESCRIPTION:One common and frustrating experience for users with disabilities is when software they’ve depended on releases an update and loses its accessibility. It’s easy to imagine this is an isolated experience\, but it’s shockingly common. Accessibility is never something you can just do once; it needs to be improved and maintained\, even through major design refactors. Learn some methods for handling change and maintaining standards over time. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Joe Dolson\n\n\nJoe Dolson is a WordPress plugin developer\, web accessibility consultant\, and owner of Accessible Web Design. He’s part of the Make WordPress Accessible team\, the team dedicated to improving accessibility in the WordPress ecosystem\, and contributes 6 hours per week to the WordPress Accessibility\, Core\, and Themes teams. Joe teaches courses through LinkedIn Learning\, including having a course on WordPress Accessibility. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/managing-plugin-accessibility-for-the-long-term-joe-dolson/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/11182024-Joe-Dolson.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240919T155502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240919T155502Z
UID:10000379-1730973600-1730979000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Building an Accessible and Highly Usable Transportation Website: Ron Zasadzinski & Kevin Sholander
DESCRIPTION:Aim for perfection and accept excellence along the way. Our mission was to redesign and rebuild the transportation website for the City of Fort Collins\, Colorado\, conformant with WCAG 2.2 guidelines. At CodeGeek\, we wanted to take it a step further and make it not just conformant but as highly usable as possible for everyone\, including visitors using assistive technologies. We wanted to create one of the most usable transportation websites anywhere. \nJoin Kevin Sholander and Ron Zasadzinski as they review the accessibility and usability features created\, dive under the covers\, and show you how they did it. This includes creating accessible tables for the route schedules that work for sighted visitors and visitors using a range of assistive technologies\, including screen readers. This webinar will offer practical takeaways to help your team on your own journey to building complex\, accessible websites. Learn about strategies and techniques that can help create a more inclusive digital experience. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nRon Zasadzinski\nFounder and CEO at CodeGeek\nRon started CodeGeek in 2002\, and since then\, he and his team have worked with clients all over the U.S. to create custom websites and web apps. \nWhether in business or in life\, Ron’s goal every day is to help people be the best they can be. He’s passionate about making the web more accessible and inclusive for everyone. \nRon is involved in several ventures\, including co-founding the Fort Collins Internet Professionals (FCIP) Meetup and being a flight instructor with over 30 years and 8\,000 hours of flying experience. \nIn his free time\, Ron enjoys following NASA missions with great interest\, hiking\, skiing\, and traveling with his wife to see the many wonders this world has to offer. \nKevin Sholander\nSenior Web Developer\nWith a passion for creating seamless and accessible digital experiences\, Kevin has been a cornerstone of innovation at CodeGeek for the past five years. As a Senior Web Developer\, Kevin has played a pivotal role in crafting websites and web applications that serve a diverse clientele\, ranging from local businesses to international corporations. Specializing in accessibility\, his work ensures that every project is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly for individuals of all abilities. \nKevin’s technical prowess spans multiple programming languages and environments\, allowing him to tackle a wide array of projects with precision and creativity. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement has made him a versatile and invaluable member of the CodeGeek team. \nIn addition to his professional achievements\, Kevin has also shared his expertise as an adjunct instructor at Front Range Community College\, teaching Web Development and Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses. This experience not only highlights his depth of knowledge but also his commitment to fostering the next generation of tech talent. \nKevin’s journey in the tech industry is marked by a commitment to excellence and a drive to push the boundaries of what is possible. Whether working on a small website project\, a large-scale web application for an international company\, or mentoring future tech professionals\, he brings the same level of dedication and enthusiasm to every challenge. \n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nASL interpretation: Ninja Forms\nOrganizer\, live captions\, and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/building-an-accessible-and-highly-usable-transportation-website-ron-zasadzinski-kevin-sholander/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1172024-Ron-Zasadzinski-Kevin-Sholander.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241021T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241021T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240827T170044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T170044Z
UID:10000376-1729537200-1729542600@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:PDF Accessibility on the Web: Tricks and Traps: Ricky Onsman
DESCRIPTION:PDF documents on the web can be made accessible if the proper techniques are applied – but even then\, there are some things to watch out for. TPGi’s Principal Technical Writer\, Ricky Onsman\, highlights some problems and solutions. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Ricky Onsman\n\n\nRicky Onsman is the Principal Technical Writer at TPGi’s Knowledge Center. A veteran Australian designer\, front-end developer\, writer\, and editor\, his web experience extends to 30 years. He’s filled senior writing\, editing\, and marketing roles for the likes of UX Australia\, SitePoint\, Web Directions and Smashing Magazine. He spent 15 years as a freelance designer and front-end developer focused on building accessible websites (mostly WordPress) for a range of clients and then worked with several web design\, UX\, and accessibility-focused companies in Australia\, North America\, and Europe before joining the global team at TPGi\, where he works on the rules\, test procedures and solutions for accessibility auditors and engineers. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/pdf-accessibility-on-the-web-tricks-and-traps-ricky-onsman/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/102124-Ricky-Onsman.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240729T153209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240917T154650Z
UID:10000370-1727949600-1727955000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Updated: How Accessible are WordPress Forms by Default? Gen Herres
DESCRIPTION:One of the most common questions asked by WordPress users is: What form of plugin should I use? While there are many factors in selecting a WordPress form plugin\, an important element is whether users can actually fill it out. \nIn this presentation\, Gen will highlight several of the most popular WordPress form plugins and how accessible the forms they create are. Gen will evaluate against Section 508 (form testing) and WCAG 2.2 level AA criteria using the default WordPress theme and the same content. \nThis presentation will also include a detailed spreadsheet covering the form plugins tested and how they scored on each criterion. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout the Speaker\n\n\nGen Herres is an experienced WordPress developer\, a DHS Trusted Tester for Section 508\, a well-known speaker\, and an accessibility advocate. She’s spoken at meetups\, on podcasts\, at WordCamp US\, and WP Accessibility Day\, and is an IAAP member. \nWith the EasyA11yGuide.com\, Gen helps web agencies to tackle the challenging problem of web accessibility with their builds. She’s helped plugins\, themes\, and web agencies refine their accessibility processes and websites that real people can use. She also organizes the Baltimore WordPress meetup group. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nASL interpretation: Ninja Forms\nOrganizer\, live captions\, and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/navigating-the-future-using-wordpress-menu-blocks-that-work-for-everyone-michaela-lederman-and-eli-frigoli/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1032024-Gen-Herres.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240905T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240905T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240729T132302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240830T164628Z
UID:10000368-1725530400-1725535800@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Learning to be Accessible\, Perspective from a WordPress Product Company: Quay Morgan
DESCRIPTION:Accessibility does not often get the attention and priority it deserves. Why? I certainly can’t speak for anyone outside Ninja Forms\, but I can speak to our journey with accessibility in the hope that sharing motivates others to take those first steps and offer takeaways that will make the experience easier for others. \nJoin Quay Morgan as he delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by Ninja Forms in their pursuit of creating accessible products. This webinar will offer practical takeaways to help make the journey smoother for other companies and individuals. Learn about the strategies\, tools\, and mindset shifts that can pave the way for a more inclusive digital experience. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Quay Morgan\n\n\nQuay is the Brand Director at Ninja Forms\, where he’s worked for the better part of the last ten years in various roles. A former science teacher\, he got pulled into WordPress through a friend with a little plugin that started taking off. Quay enjoys listening\, learning how things work\, and breaking down complex but important topics for others to use to help make things better.\n\nOutside of work-life\, Quay is a dad to two grown boys and keeper to a small host of rescue animals. He enjoys reading scifi and philosophy\, gardening\, pc and pnp gaming\, and is probably listening to either Dave or the Dead.\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nASL: Ninja Forms\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/learning-to-be-accessible-perspective-from-a-wordpress-product-company-quay-morgan/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/952024-Quay-Morgan.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240819T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240819T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240729T133128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240729T133128Z
UID:10000369-1724094000-1724099400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Strategies for Creating Accessible Websites Using Divi Theme and Page Builder: Renee Dunn
DESCRIPTION:Renee Dunn from Elevage Digital will share strategies\, lessons learned\, and code examples for improving the accessibility of web pages built using the Divi theme and page builder. In this presentation\, we will review some of the most common accessibility challenges with Divi\, including navigation\, buttons\, icons\, animation\, and video. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Renee Dunn\n\n\nRenee has been a web developer for over 20 years and has been building sites on WordPress since 2010. She has built sites for non-profits\, B2B\, B2C\, and government organizations. She is the owner and Principal Consultant for Elevage Digital\, focusing on SEO and Website Accessibility. \nRenee has worked with a number of different theme and page-building tools\, including Divi\, Elementor\, Avada\, and KadenceWP. She currently has several clients using Divi\, which led to her exploration of how to make more accessible web pages using this theme and page builder. Outside of work\, Renee is a supporter of the Virginia wine industry\, has a Diploma in Wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust\, and was recently a judge in the Monticello Cup wine competition. She lives in Fredericksburg\, VA\, with her husband and two cats. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/strategies-for-creating-accessible-websites-using-divi-theme-and-page-builder-renee-dunn/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8192024-Renee-Dunn.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240801T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240801T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240621T145326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240621T145326Z
UID:10000367-1722506400-1722511800@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Accessible Content for Muggles: 10 Action Steps to Create Accessible Content
DESCRIPTION:Meet me at Platform and ¾ to hop on the accessibility express. Step into the magical world of content creation with the block editor and discover how to wield the powers of Gutenberg to create accessible websites. You don’t have to be a wizard to make your content accessible to all. \nIn this session\, you’ll learn how to leverage the native features of the block editor and block-enabled plugins to enhance accessibility with minimal effort. Paola will provide 10 actionable strategies to ensure your content adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)\, enhance user experience\, and broaden your audience reach. \nKey takeaways include accessibility basics\, ways to leverage Gutenberg for better accessibility and free WordPress plugins to streamline your content creation process. By the end of this session\, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform your standard WordPress content into a fully accessible experience. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Paola Gonzalez\n\n\nPaola Gonzalez is a professional marketer and content specialist focusing on web accessibility. Paola has been using WordPress since she was introduced to the platform in 2012 during her first marketing class and is passionate about creating top-quality content that covers even the most boring topics. \nBeyond her professional endeavors\, Paola enjoys the cultural vibrancy of opera\, reading thrillers\, playing video games\, and following the thrilling speed of Formula 1. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: IvyCat\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/accessible-content-for-muggles-10-action-steps-to-create-accessible-content/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/812024-Paola-Gonzalez.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240715T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240715T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240604T212722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T212722Z
UID:10000365-1721070000-1721075400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Which Page Builder is the Best (or Worst) at Accessibility: Amber Hinds
DESCRIPTION:Building an accessible website – one that works for people with disabilities and complies with accessibility laws around the world is easiest if you start from a solid foundation. Choosing the right page builder is key if you want to build an accessible website without having to spend a lot of time remediating problems. But which one is the best? \nIn this presentation\, Amber Hinds\, CEO of Equalize Digital\, will compare the accessibility of popular page builders: Avada\, Beaver Builder\, Bricks\, Divi\, Elementor\, Kadence\, and Site Origin. Want to find out which provides the best (or worst) foundation for accessibility? Tune in. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Amber Hinds\n\n\nAmber is the CEO of Equalize Digital\, a company that specializes in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of our meetup. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/which-page-builder-is-the-best-or-worst-at-accessibility-amber-hinds/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7152024-Amber-Hinds.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240711T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240711T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240523T144209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240523T144209Z
UID:10000349-1720692000-1720697400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Enhancing University Accessibility with Real-Time Web Registry Services: Gavin Colborne
DESCRIPTION:Discover how the world’s top universities are revolutionizing web accessibility and achieving stringent compliance standards through Real-Time Web Registry Services. This session will cover the key benefits of deploying these services\, provide a practical implementation guide\, and share success stories from renowned institutions. Learn actionable strategies to elevate accessibility and inclusivity at your university. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Gavin Colborne\n\n\nGavin Colborne is the Managing Director at Little Forest\, a service provider that focuses on accessibility solutions for universities. Little Forest’s award-winning software deploys their intelligent\, real-time web registry platform to ensure institutions’ web estate stays inclusive and compliant. \nGavin is passionate about making the web accessible and inclusive for everyone. He is excited to be immersed in the field of Web Governance and WCAG compliance for universities and multi-national organizations. \nWith over 20 years of experience in the industry\, Gavin understands the challenges faced by people who manage large suites of web domains and strives to improve the online experience for all website visitors. \nThroughout his career\, he has provided technical constancy and innovative software solutions to support inherent accessibility needs. \n\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: IvyCat\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/enhancing-university-accessibility-with-real-time-web-registry-services-gavin-colborne/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7112024-Gavin-Colborne.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240617T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240617T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240429T132439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240429T132502Z
UID:10000348-1718650800-1718656200@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Lifter LMS Accessibility Audit: Raghavendra and Amber Hinds
DESCRIPTION:Join us as Raghavendra\, Accessibility Auditor and Specialist\, and Amber Hinds\, CEO of Equalize Digital\, perform a live accessibility audit of the Lifter LMS WordPress Plugin and provide real-time feedback. \nThe presentation will demonstrate how to manually audit WordPress plugins for accessibility while providing real-time feedback to help the Lifter LMS team improve their plugin. In addition to identifying areas of improvement\, Ragha and Amber will provide recommendations for fixes. \nThis meetup is part of a series where we provide live feedback to WordPress plugin and theme developers. Our goal with these meetups is to provide useful feedback to developers so they can improve the accessibility of their products and\, in turn\, all of the websites that use them. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \n\nAbout Lifter LMS\n\nLifter LMS can help you easily create beautiful courses\, coaching programs\, private communities\, and more from your customizable LMS website that you own and control. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/lifter-lms-accessibility-audit-raghavendra-amber-hinds/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6172024-Ragha-and-Amber-Hinds.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240606T113000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240425T144723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T144723Z
UID:10000345-1717668000-1717673400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Six Levels of A11Y Maturity: Know Where You Are to Know Where You Are Going: Nick Croft
DESCRIPTION:Accessibility is such a large topic that teams can be overwhelmed by the possibilities. They don’t know where to focus efforts and often try hard to make accessible spaces\, but don’t have a solid plan that will lead to accomplishing their goals. This talk will break down the journey into six stages\, with clear descriptions of each stage and practical steps to move from one stage to the next. Find out where you are and chart where you will go. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Nick Croft\n\nNick “the Geek” Croft has been developing with WordPress for over a decade. Today he is a senior developer for Reaktiv Studios\, a WordPress VIP Partner. He has created several plugins for WordPress.org mostly using the Genesis framework as well as custom work for clients and his employer. \n\nNick is the author of the Genesis Explained\, a book that focuses on Genesis theme framework. He has completed his Web Accessibility Specialists (WAS)\, Certified Professional In Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)\, Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA)\, and 508 Trusted Tester certifications. Lately\, he has focused on writing highly efficient code\, automating all the things\, improving in Javascript and React\, security\, and accessibility. When he’s not working\, he enjoys spending time with his wife\, 4 children\, and a puppy and lives on a quiet cul de sac in the Shenandoah Valley. He also enjoys home improvement projects\, hiking\, and river activities.\n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: IvyCat\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/six-levels-of-a11y-maturity-know-where-you-are-to-know-where-you-are-going-nick-croft/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/662024-Nick-Croft.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240604T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240604T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240604T221534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240604T221608Z
UID:10000366-1717488000-1717520400@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Strategies for Creating Accessible Websites Using Divi Theme and Page Builder: Renee Dunn
DESCRIPTION:Renee Dunn from Elevage Digital will share strategies\, lessons learned\, and code examples for improving the accessibility of web pages built using the Divi theme and page builder. In this presentation\, we will review some of the most common accessibility challenges with Divi\, including navigation\, buttons\, icons\, animation\, and video. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \nAbout Renee Dunn\n\n\nRenee has been a web developer for over 20 years and has been building sites on WordPress since 2010. She has built sites for non-profits\, B2B\, B2C\, and government organizations. She is the owner and Principal Consultant for Elevage Digital\, focusing on SEO and Website Accessibility. \nRenee has worked with a number of different theme and page-building tools\, including Divi\, Elementor\, Avada\, and KadenceWP. She currently has several clients using Divi\, which led to her exploration of how to make more accessible web pages using this theme and page builder. \nOutside of work\, Renee is a supporter of the Virginia wine industry\, has a Diploma in Wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust\, and was recently a judge in the Monticello Cup wine competition. She lives in Fredericksburg\, VA\, with her husband and two cats. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/strategies-for-creating-accessible-websites-using-divi-theme-and-page-builder/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8192024-Renee-Dunn.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240520T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260406T162414
CREATED:20240329T204815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240401T133316Z
UID:10000344-1716231600-1716237000@equalizedigital.com
SUMMARY:Building Empathy with Stakeholders to Drive Accessibility: Simon Miner
DESCRIPTION:How can we help leaders really “get” the need for digital accessibility? In this session\, we will discuss proven methods for building support with stakeholders for your accessibility program. We’ll explore tools like the Site Unseen browser extension that you can use to foster appreciation for the challenges disabled users may face on your organization’s websites. \nWe’ll talk about how to align your accessibility goals with your institution’s culture and existing processes in ways that affect real change\, and we’ll cover listening and conversational techniques that cultivate trust with upper management and coworkers. \nYou’ll come away from this presentation with strategies you can start using immediately to constructively engage with colleagues and leaders to advance accessibility in your organization. \n\nThese meetups take place via Zoom and are live captioned. You must register to attend via Zoom. \n\nAbout Simon Miner\n\nSimon Miner is the founder of Pedal Point Solutions\, an agency that helps you learn\, practice\, and experience digital accessibility. He is a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) with more than 25 years experience in web development and software engineering. He is passionate about making websites accessible and creating tools to overcome digital barriers for people with disabilities. Simon has been training corporations\, colleges\, and community organizations in web accessibility for over 10 years. \n\nEvent Information\nSponsors\nThank you to our sponsors: \n\nLive captions: GoDaddy\nOrganizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker\nYour Business here! Learn about sponsorship\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility & Accommodations\nThis meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned\, thanks to our sponsors. Slide links will be provided when applicable\, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images\, etc. \nWe’re working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation. \nAll are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you\, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate you. \nCode of Conduct\nPlease note that this group is a welcoming space for all. As this event is part of the official WordPress Meetup program\, all attendees must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. \nBy RSVPing to this meetup\, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed\, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an organizer.
URL:https://equalizedigital.com/event/building-empathy-with-stakeholders-to-drive-accessibility-simon-miner/
CATEGORIES:WordPress Accessibility Meetups
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://equalizedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/5202024-Simon-Miner.png
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