How to create accessible websites

Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Leadership Auditorium, second floor

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites by people with disabilities. When your website is inaccessible, research shows you could be excluding up to 20 percent of your visitors. If your university website is inaccessible, you could be preventing access to education and student services. When your website is accessible, everyone can consume your information freely. Visually-impaired users can visit your website using a screen reader. Those who can’t use a mouse can navigate your site using a keyboard or other input device. Designing with accessibility in mind will also improve your SEO. Join my workshop to learn more about accessibility, the importance of universal design, and how to create a high-quality user experience that is inclusive and beneficial to all.

This workshop will cover:

  • Intro to accessibility, universal design, and why it’s important
  • WCAG accessibility standards and legal concerns
  • How to add accessibility testing to your workflow
  • Common accessibility issues and how to address them
  • Easy accessibility fixes that make a big impact

Speakers

Rachel Cherry

Senior software engineer, The Walt Disney Company

@bamadesigner LinkedIn

Rachel Chery is a senior software engineer for The Walt Disney Company with more than ten years experience in back and front-end web development and digital design. Before Disney, she spent over nine years working in higher education and is the Founder/Director of WPCampus, a community and conferences focused on using WordPress in higher education. When she’s not using WordPress to help build the web, she advocates for the importance of accessibility and works to encourage collaboration and professional development as a conference and meetup organizer. Rachel lives in Pasadena, California, but you can find her on