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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261006T100000
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CREATED:20251201T235139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T170223Z
UID:10000345-1791280800-1791284400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Join OIA digital accessibility staff for our weekly open office hours. \n\n\n\nThis is a dedicated time for USC staff and faculty members to ask questions related to digital accessibility\, website or document remediation\, consultations etc.. \n\n\n\nQuestions will be answered on a first-come first-serve basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-open-office-hours-9/2026-10-06/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
ORGANIZER;CN="Jimmy Thai":MAILTO:jimmytha@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260929T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260929T110000
DTSTAMP:20260915T170204Z
CREATED:20251030T201703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T170204Z
UID:10000338-1790676000-1790679600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Join OIA digital accessibility staff for our weekly open office hours. \n\n\n\nThis is a dedicated time for USC staff and faculty members to ask questions related to digital accessibility\, website or document remediation\, consultations etc.. \n\n\n\nQuestions will be answered on a first-come first-serve basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-open-office-hours-8/2026-09-29/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
ORGANIZER;CN="Jimmy Thai":MAILTO:jimmytha@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260922T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260922T110000
DTSTAMP:20260915T170145Z
CREATED:20251030T201634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T170145Z
UID:10000337-1790071200-1790074800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Join OIA digital accessibility staff for our weekly open office hours. \n\n\n\nThis is a dedicated time for USC staff and faculty members to ask questions related to digital accessibility\, website or document remediation\, consultations etc.. \n\n\n\nQuestions will be answered on a first-come first-serve basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-open-office-hours-7/2026-09-22/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
ORGANIZER;CN="Jimmy Thai":MAILTO:jimmytha@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260915T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260915T110000
DTSTAMP:20260915T170120Z
CREATED:20251201T235206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T170120Z
UID:10000346-1789466400-1789470000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Join OIA digital accessibility staff for our weekly open office hours. \n\n\n\nThis is a dedicated time for USC staff and faculty members to ask questions related to digital accessibility\, website or document remediation\, consultations etc.. \n\n\n\nQuestions will be answered on a first-come first-serve basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-open-office-hours-10/2026-09-15/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
ORGANIZER;CN="Jimmy Thai":MAILTO:jimmytha@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260521T110000
DTSTAMP:20260512T182632Z
CREATED:20260430T151610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T182632Z
UID:10000348-1779357600-1779361200@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:The Real Cost of Acessibility Shortcomings - Are We Exposed?
DESCRIPTION:Join the Digital Accessibility team for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21\, 10:00–11:00 AM on Zoom) and a candid\, risk-focused look at digital accessibility in higher education. This session moves beyond theory to examine three real legal cases that reveal how universities are held accountable for inaccessible content\, tools\, and platforms—even when they didn’t build them. \n\n\n\nThrough fast-paced case studies and practical insights\, we’ll explore where accessibility risks truly sit\, how they show up in practice\, and what it means for how we operate at USC. Walk away with a clearer understanding of institutional responsibility\, potential exposure\, and the steps being taken to reduce risk across our digital ecosystem. \n\n\n\nThis program is open to all eligible individuals. USC operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the university’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race\, sex\, ethnicity\, sexual orientation or any other prohibited factor. \n\n\n\nUSC Presenters: \n\n\n\n\nJimmy Thai\, ADA Coordinator Technical Remediation\n\n\n\nStephanie Steer\, Associate Director Digital Accessibility Procurement\n\n\n\nStacey M. Hearn\, Director Digital Accessibility\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Webinar ID: 913 8691 2604 *Requires USC.edu email to join
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/the-real-cost-of-acessibility-shortcomings-are-we-exposed/
ORGANIZER;CN="Office of Institutional Accessibility &amp%3B ADA Compliance":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260519T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260519T180000
DTSTAMP:20260430T153038Z
CREATED:20260430T153038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T153038Z
UID:10000350-1779210000-1779213600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Accessible does not equal equitable: Real human experience vs. compliance
DESCRIPTION:We’ve been told that accessibility is a checklist. Meet the criteria. Pass the audit. Ship the product. But real users tell a different story.  \n\n\n\nIn this webinar to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)\, we explore the uncomfortable truth that a product can be fully compliant and still fail the people it’s meant to support.  \n\n\n\nDrawing on real user experiences\, we’ll expose the hidden friction that standards don’t capture \, from cognitive overload to interaction fatigue and loss of confidence.  \n\n\n\nThis isn’t about dismissing accessibility standards. It’s about recognising their limits.  \n\n\n\nBecause if people can technically use your product\, but can’t use it easily\, safely\, or with dignity\, is it truly accessible. \n\n\n\nLearning outcomes Recognise the limitations of compliance as a measure of accessibility Understand how friction manifests for people with disability and other marginalised groups Explore a more human-centred approach to accessibility grounded in real experience
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/accessible-does-not-equal-equitable-real-human-experience-vs-compliance/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260507T090000
DTSTAMP:20260430T152620Z
CREATED:20260430T152620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T152620Z
UID:10000349-1778140800-1778144400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:From Buy-In to Built-In: Accessibility Learning as an Engine for Lasting Leadership Support
DESCRIPTION:As someone working toward accessibility\, you don’t need to be reminded that leadership buy‑in matters. But how do you ensure it continues past the initial urgency? Here’s what helps organizations move past that hurdle: effective learning that shows how accessibility fits into everyday work and larger business priorities. \n\n\n\nWhen organizations invest in learning that makes sense for their teams\, accessibility efforts are far more likely to connect to company‑wide initiatives like digital transformation\, risk management\, operational efficiency\, and customer experience. Accessibility stops feeling like extra work and starts showing up as part of how the business operates. \n\n\n\nOn May 7 at 11 AM ET\, join Christopher M. Lee\, PhD\, CEO & President of the G3ict and Managing Director of the IAAP\, and Corbb O’Connor\, Director of Thought Leadership at Level Access\, for a practical conversation about sustaining leadership support and building impactful learning programs in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. You’ll leave with concrete ideas for strengthening accessibility education across your organization and positioning your efforts in ways that executives recognize and support long-term.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/from-buy-in-to-built-in-accessibility-learning-as-an-engine-for-lasting-leadership-support/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260317T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260317T120000
DTSTAMP:20260303T165144Z
CREATED:20260303T165144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T165144Z
UID:10000347-1773745200-1773748800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Beyond The Deadline: Making Web Accessibility in Higher Education Sustainable
DESCRIPTION:The April 2026 Title II deadline isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting gate. There’s a world of difference between doing a giant one-time update and continuous accessibility that needs to be built into every higher ed website infrastructure.  \n\n\n\nJoin Pantheon\, New City\, and EdTech Connect to learn how to build sustainable accessibility operations that scale across your entire web presence.  \n\n\n\nIn this session\, you’ll learn: \n\n\n\n\nHow institutions are moving beyond one-time audits to establish continuous WCAG compliance—and why that shift makes accessibility routine operations rather than recurring emergencies\, \n\n\n\nOperational frameworks for embedding accessibility into daily and monthly workflows rather than treating it as a project\,\n\n\n\nWhy automated scans must be paired with manual testing\, including keyboard\, screen reader\, and colorblindness simulation—to catch what automation misses and filter what it gets wrong\,\n\n\n\nReal-world examples from dozens of extensive higher ed projects to that build in an established accessibility governance framework: what worked\, what didn’t\, and lessons learned\,\n\n\n\nPlatform capabilities that reduce manual effort through centralized template management\, automated testing\, and bulk operations across multi-site environments\,\n\n\n\nRisk mitigation strategies for maintaining WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance as your web ecosystem grows and evolves.\n\n\n\n\nWhether you’re staring down a backlog or working on a new website\, you’ll leave with actionable frameworks for making accessibility a sustainable practice\, not a recurring emergency. Link to virtual training provided upon registration. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNOTE: By registering for this free webinar\, you agree that Pantheon\, New City\, and EdTech Connect may contact you by email with event follow-up and related information about their services. You can opt out of these communications at any time.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/beyond-the-deadline-making-web-accessibility-in-higher-education-sustainable/
ORGANIZER;CN="EdTech (3rd party vendor)":MAILTO:jeff@edtechconnect.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260224T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260224T180000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170205Z
CREATED:20251003T184411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170205Z
UID:10000333-1771912800-1771956000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Deque AxeCon (multiple sessions over two days)
DESCRIPTION:AxeCon is where the global digital accessibility community comes together.  \n\n\n\nJoin fellow developers\, designers\, business users\, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels as we rally to advance digital accessibility programs everywhere. You will learn the latest trends in tech\, global compliance\, and more as we focus on building\, testing\, and delivering accessible digital experiences. \n\n\n\nJoin us for this two-day\, multi-track conference to help further your digital accessibility efforts. \n\n\n\nYou’ll connect with fellow advocates and allies and gain insight and inspiration from dozens of expert talks and presentations. \n\n\n\nRegistrants from all time zones are welcome! All sessions are free\, recorded\, and available on demand following the conference.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/deque-axecon-multiple-sessions-over-two-days/
CATEGORIES:Deque Axe-Con,Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170035Z
CREATED:20251107T181323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170035Z
UID:10000344-1765897200-1765900800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours-6/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251209T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251209T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170040Z
CREATED:20251107T181225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170040Z
UID:10000343-1765292400-1765296000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours-5/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170054Z
CREATED:20251107T181134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170054Z
UID:10000342-1764687600-1764691200@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours-4/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251125T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251125T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170102Z
CREATED:20251107T180825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170102Z
UID:10000341-1764082800-1764086400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours-3/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251118T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251118T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170108Z
CREATED:20251107T180703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170108Z
UID:10000340-1763478000-1763481600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours-2/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251111T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251111T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170114Z
CREATED:20251107T164828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170114Z
UID:10000339-1762873200-1762876800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Digital Accessibility Procurement Open Office Hours
DESCRIPTION:Have questions about digital accessibility in procurement? The Office of Institutional Accessibility’s Digital Accessibility team is here to help! \n\n\n\nThis weekly open session is your chance to get one-on-one guidance on topics like: \n\n\n\n\nHow to read and interpret an ACR or VPAT\n\n\n\nWhat accessibility questions to ask suppliers before you buy\n\n\n\nHow to include accessibility requirements in contracts\n\n\n\nTips for evaluating software demos or websites for accessibility issues\n\n\n\n\nBring your questions—big or small. Whether you’re reviewing a new tool\, preparing a purchase request\, or just trying to make sense of accessibility documentation\, we’ve got you covered. \n\n\n\nQuestions are answered on a first-come\, first-served basis.
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/digital-accessibility-procurement-open-office-hours/
CATEGORIES:Consultations
ORGANIZER;CN="USC Digital Accessibility":MAILTO:digitalaccessibility@usc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T210000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170128Z
CREATED:20251003T181921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170128Z
UID:10000324-1760644800-1760648400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Technical Checklist: Testing WordPress Themes and Plugins for Accessibility with Rodrigo Ibraim Teixeira
DESCRIPTION:Accessibility goes far beyond visual design. In WordPress projects\, themes and plugins play a key role in either enabling — or breaking — an inclusive browsing experience. This session presents a practical technical checklist that developers\, QA professionals\, and site maintainers can use to test and validate the accessibility of any WordPress theme or plugin\, whether during development\, audits\, or ongoing site maintenance. \n\n\n\nThe presentation demonstrates how to combine automated testing tools such as Axe\, WAVE\, and tota11y with manual techniques\, including keyboard navigation\, screen reader testing\, and semantic HTML inspection. Attendees will learn how to identify common accessibility issues introduced by popular plugins and understand how to select or fix themes that align with WCAG guidelines. \n\n\n\nThe session also covers the role of external assistive technologies that can enhance accessibility — including overlay solutions that add features such as built-in screen readers\, contrast adjustments\, and simplified navigation. While these tools may help users on partially accessible websites\, they are not a substitute for properly implemented code and robust accessibility testing. \n\n\n\nThis talk includes real-world examples\, free tools\, and actionable recommendations\, offering valuable insights for anyone working with WordPress who aims to build more accessible digital experiences. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Rodrigo Ibraim Teixeira\, digital accessibility consultant\, Equalweb Brasil \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/technical-checklist-testing-wordpress-themes-and-plugins-for-accessibility-with-rodrigo-ibraim-teixeira/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T200000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170135Z
CREATED:20251003T181637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170135Z
UID:10000323-1760641200-1760644800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Demystifying Screen Readers: Your Guide Intro to Manual Accessibility Testing for WordPress Sites with Deneb Pulsipher & Akosua Asabere
DESCRIPTION:Most accessibility professionals know that screen reader testing is essential — but very few feel confident doing it. In this session\, Akosua Asabere (a native screen reader user and seasoned accessibility engineer) and Deneb Pulsipher (a visual developer and accessibility advocate) team up to demystify screen reader use for beginners and intermediate testers alike. Together\, they’ll introduce key concepts from the Screen Reader Ropes Course — a structured framework designed to help WordPress professionals better understand how screen readers work\, what users experience\, and how to begin testing with confidence. \n\n\n\nParticipants will be equipped with the tools to: \n\n\n\n\nUnderstand how screen reader users navigate WordPress websites using tools like NVDA\, VoiceOver\, and TalkBack\n\n\n\nIdentify and describe common accessibility barriers in WordPress themes\, content structures\, and design components\n\n\n\nUse clear\, user-centered language to document accessibility issues in ways that resonate with developers and stakeholders\n\n\n\n\nThe session also explores how usability differs between sighted and non-sighted users\, and why collaboration across perspectives results in stronger accessibility outcomes. Whether you’re an accessibility consultant\, QA tester\, developer\, or content creator\, you’ll leave this session with the knowledge\, vocabulary\, and practical strategies to make your testing efforts more confident\, credible\, and impactful. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: Deneb Pulsipher\, Captain Accessible\, SeaMonster Studios & Akosua “Kosi” Asabere\, Sr. Accessibility Engineer & Inclusive Design Strategist\, Head of Accessibility\, Desert Wing Design\, LLC. \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/demystifying-screen-readers-your-guide-intro-to-manual-accessibility-testing-for-wordpress-sites-with-deneb-pulsipher-akosua-asabere/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T180000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170141Z
CREATED:20251003T181303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170141Z
UID:10000322-1760634000-1760637600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Make All WordPress Events Accessible with Joe A. Simpson Jr.
DESCRIPTION:We tend to think of accessibility only in terms of the websites we build\, but often fail to consider the physical and virtual spaces where we gather to storytell and create tomorrow’s WordPress. \n\n\n\nEvents such as WordCamps\, WordPress Meetups\, do_action\, etc\, come in various flavors powered by local communities around the world each year. But how do we ensure they’re all as open\, inclusive\, and accessible as possible? \n\n\n\nIn this engaging\, interactive presentation Joe will discuss creating shared baseline practices and examples to help remove common obstacles every event faces and address. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Joe A. Simpson\, Jr.\, LLC\, principal
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/make-all-wordpress-events-accessible-with-joe-a-simpson-jr/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T230000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170309Z
CREATED:20251003T182126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170309Z
UID:10000325-1760608800-1760655600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:The Future is Automated - But Will it Be Accessible with Rose Kivuva
DESCRIPTION:Rose Kivuva is a software developer and passionate advocate for accessibility and ethical technology. In this eye-opening session\, she takes a deep look at how artificial intelligence — while exciting and powerful — isn’t always designed with everyone in mind. From chatbots that can’t understand certain speech patterns to image generators that skip alt text\, many popular tools unintentionally leave people with disabilities behind. \n\n\n\nDrawing from her experience in open-source projects and real-world development\, Rose will break down where AI is falling short\, why it matters\, and what developers\, designers\, and content creators can do about it. You’ll see real examples\, learn about the risks of ignoring accessibility in automated tools\, and get practical steps to make sure your use of AI helps everyone\, not just the majority. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re building WordPress themes\, plugins\, or just writing content with AI help\, this talk will challenge you to think differently — and empower you to build smarter\, more inclusive tech for the future. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Rose Kivuva\, Software Enginess\, ByonB \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/the-future-is-automated-but-will-it-be-accessible-with-rose-kivuva/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T070000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170313Z
CREATED:20251003T183646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170313Z
UID:10000331-1760594400-1760598000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Advancing Accessibility Through Community & Open Source with Samuel Osei
DESCRIPTION:Digital skills training programs have the power to transform lives\, but for many people with disabilities (PWDs)\, accessibility barriers still limit full participation. \n\n\n\nThis session explores how WordPress\, as an open-source platform\, can be a catalyst for digital inclusion by enabling accessible learning environments and empowering underrepresented groups. \n\n\n\nThrough a case study of a community-driven initiative that trained PWDs in digital skills using WordPress\, the talk will highlight practical strategies for overcoming accessibility challenges\, building sustainable community support\, and scaling impact. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Samuel Osei\, Community Manager \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/advancing-accessibility-through-community-open-source-with-samuel-osei/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T050000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T060000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170318Z
CREATED:20251003T183435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170318Z
UID:10000330-1760590800-1760594400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Built the Website with an AI\, but is it Accessible with Janaki Konar & Fahad Lambate
DESCRIPTION:Currently\, AI is buzzing around the world where people want to find solutions that can be taken care through any AI implementation. It definitely enhances the productivity and helps find solutions to different problems. However\, one needs to ensure that the output given by the AI is also an accurate one and if it will actually work. \n\n\n\nThere is an early access available for the AI feature of WordPress \, AI Website Builder\, which can help anyone create a desired website in minutes. Here\, accessibility is not something which is default taken care of. Even with well-crafted prompts\, AI can miss key accessibility requirements. The talk will emphasize why tool-based evaluation and manual review still remain essential\, as we will explore how to take AI-generated websites and make them accessible. Through different examples\, you’ll learn how to evaluate and improve the accessibility of a website built using AI tools for some of the most common issues like color contrast\, links which are not meaningful\, headings for which the hierarchy is incorrect\, and so on. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a designer\, developer\, or content creator\, this session will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your AI-powered website meets web accessibility standards like WCAG. Attendees will also get knowledge on the accessibility tool which will help identify the accessibility issues on websites. The session will show how the tool maps problems to specific WCAG criteria\, where they occur and instance screenshots. Whether you are a developer\, designer or content creator\, this session offers practical insight into blending AI innovation with accessibility best practices. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: Janaki Konar\, Accessibility Testing QA Lead\, BarrierBreak & Fahad Lambate\, Associate Accessibility Director\, BarrierBreak \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/built-the-website-with-an-ai-but-is-it-accessible-with-janaki-konar-fahad-lambate/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T040000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T050000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170324Z
CREATED:20251003T183218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170324Z
UID:10000329-1760587200-1760590800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:A "Game" - Changing Approach to Accessibility Education with Olivia Richter
DESCRIPTION:Imagine a world\, where your mouse doesn’t work properly\, just your keyboard. Where text plays hide-and-seek\, but a screen reader always finds it. Welcome to a digital escape game set in a unique world where assistive and standard technologies swap roles. In this presentation\, I’ll take you behind the scenes of this game\, designed to help you experience barriers firsthand. \n\n\n\nDiscover why simulating disabilities may not always be the best approach to bridging the empathy gap. So\, what’s the alternative? Instead of simulating disabilities\, we simulate barriers. It doesn’t ask you to pretend to be someone you’re not\, it asks you to step into a world that wasn’t designed for you. \n\n\n\nIt isn’t just about empathy\, it’s about education\, awareness\, and those “aha” moments that change how we see the world. Find out how gamification can transform learning into an adventure everyone wants to join. Because when accessibility is fun\, it reaches more people — and that’s a win for everyone! \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Olivia Richter\, Web Designer\, Indeenquelle Agentur \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/a-game-changing-approach-to-accessibility-education-with-olivia-richter/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T020000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T030000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170328Z
CREATED:20251003T182943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170328Z
UID:10000328-1760580000-1760583600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:The Art of Accessibility: Making Documents Delightfully Inclusive with Samantha Merrett
DESCRIPTION:In today’s digital world\, ensuring documents are accessible to all individuals\, including those with disabilities\, is more crucial than ever. This session will delve into the fundamentals of document accessibility\, focusing on how to effectively create\, review\, and modify digital documents to meet the needs of individuals using assistive technologies and meet international accessibility standards. \n\n\n\nThe session will be a mix of theory alongside practical demonstrations to show how to create accessible documents. \n\n\n\nThe session will cover the following: \n\n\n\nPractical techniques to improve the accessibility of documents \n\n\n\nUnderstanding document accessibility — Participants will learn why accessible documents are necessary\, what barriers exist\, and how these barriers can be overcome. \n\n\n\nCommon barriers to document accessibility \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Samantha Merrett\, Sr. Accessibility Specialist\, Ministry of Justice UK \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/the-art-of-accessibility-making-documents-delightfully-inclusive-with-samantha-merrett/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T010000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T020000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170527Z
CREATED:20251003T182633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170527Z
UID:10000327-1760576400-1760580000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Accessibility isn't Extra Work. It's Risk Management with Jennifer Wjertzoch
DESCRIPTION:Jennifer is a frontend engineer working in a highly regulated financial institution. In her daily work\, she experiences how accessibility is often treated as a secondary concern\, something to be addressed only if time and budget allow. But in highly regulated environments like banking\, this approach is not only short-sighted\, it’s risky. Accessibility is not a bonus feature. It is directly tied to legal compliance\, brand integrity\, and long-term product resilience. \n\n\n\nIn this talk\, she shares real-world insights from projects where compliance requirements\, governance frameworks\, and customer trust are not abstract ideas\, but daily operational realities. She explains why accessibility needs to move beyond checklists and developer best practices\, and instead be anchored in strategic decision-making at the leadership level. Using concrete examples from enterprise software and digital workflows\, she shows how accessibility can become a lever for risk reduction\, market expansion\, and reputational strength. \n\n\n\nThis talk speaks to those who shape roadmaps\, allocate resources\, and define priorities. It provides language and arguments that help cross-functional teams understand accessibility not as extra effort\, but as a long-term investment in product quality and business continuity. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: JenniferWjertzoch\, Sr. Frontend Engineer\, DKB Code Factory GmbH \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/accessibility-isnt-extra-work-its-risk-management-with-jennifer-wjertzoch/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T010000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170533Z
CREATED:20251003T182405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170533Z
UID:10000326-1760572800-1760576400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Real Inclusion: How to Run Insightful and Respectful User Testing with Disabled People with Lucy Collins
DESCRIPTION:Inclusive design is not truly inclusive without disabled voices. Too often\, accessibility testing is focused on box ticking\, is completely tokenistic\, or missing entirely. In this practical session\, you’ll learn how to set up and run user testing sessions that genuinely include and empower disabled people. Drawing on real-world experience\, I’ll cover everything from ethical recruitment and participant payment to accessible session logistics and thoughtful moderation techniques. \n\n\n\nThis talk will help demystify inclusive research for those who want to do the right thing but feel unsure where to start. It offers concrete\, actionable strategies for creating a user testing environment that is respectful\, comfortable\, and insight-rich. Whether you’re a designer\, developer\, researcher\, or product owner\, you will come away with a clearer understanding of what inclusive user testing really involves and how to do it well. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Lucy Collins\, Director\, Web Usability \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/real-inclusion-how-to-run-insightful-and-respectful-user-testing-with-disabled-people-with-lucy-collins/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T170000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170539Z
CREATED:20251003T181054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170539Z
UID:10000321-1760544000-1760547600@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Videos & Media: Your Post-Production Guide for Accessibility with Nicky Wolfe
DESCRIPTION:Video content is everywhere in 2025 and how do you make it accessible to as many people as possible? Whether you are a content writer\, designer\, or developer\, you can learn how to do your part and where to go next to level up your team. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Nicky Wolfe\, Web Developer\, Designer\, and Coordinator \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/videos-media-your-post-production-guide-for-accessibility-with-nicky-wolfe/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T160000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170544Z
CREATED:20251003T180841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170544Z
UID:10000320-1760540400-1760544000@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Why Accessibility Matters: From a Blind/Visual Impaired Perspective with James Warnken
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wondered how accessibility impacts the real disabled user experience? Or perhaps you’ve questioned whether or not you were doing things that actually mattered or were just part of the standard guidelines? In this session\, James Warnken\, a legally blind digital accessibility expert\, walks us through just how impactful some accessibility features are while sharing which ones don’t make much of a difference. \n\n\n\nTogether\, we will do more than just talk about good accessibility practices\, we will explore real scenarios and understand just how they impact screen readers\, magnification\, high contrast\, and keyboard-only users. By the end of the session\, you will have a solid understanding of how to improve the accessible user experience for your users when designing and building WordPress websites. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: James Warnken\, Digital Accessibility Expert\, Clear Vision Marketing & Media LLC \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/why-accessibility-matters-from-a-blind-visual-impaired-perspective-with-james-warnken/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T150000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170552Z
CREATED:20251003T180610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170552Z
UID:10000319-1760536800-1760540400@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:WordPress: The Violations Every Business Needs to Known with Vanessa Tillemans
DESCRIPTION:Accessibility lawsuits are skyrocketing\, and nearly one in five of them in 2024 specifically named WordPress websites as defendants. In this session\, we’ll unpack the real-world legal cases shaping the digital landscape and spotlight the accessibility violations that trigger them most often. Attendees will walk away with clear\, practical insights into how these violations arise\, what they mean in plain language\, and simple steps to strengthen accessibility. Beyond reducing legal risk\, this talk highlights how accessibility improvements also create a better\, more inclusive web for everyone. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Vanessa Tillemans\, Founder & Accessibility Consultant\, POURPIS \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/wordpress-the-violations-every-business-needs-to-known-with-vanessa-tillemans/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility,Supplier Hosted Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T140000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170559Z
CREATED:20251003T180347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170559Z
UID:10000318-1760533200-1760536800@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Audio Accessibility in WordPress with Bernd Schmitt
DESCRIPTION:Audio content on WordPress-websites is growing. Websites with audio content (podcasts and music) should be accessible and comprehensible for all people. This talk is about creating accessible audio content with open-source-tools and how to place it the best way in WordPress. We are talking about audio quality\, transcripts and sound control. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Bernd Schmitt\, Audio Enthusiast \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/audio-accessibility-in-wordpress-with-bernd-schmitt/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T130000
DTSTAMP:20251113T170604Z
CREATED:20251003T180119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T170604Z
UID:10000317-1760529600-1760533200@accessibility.usc.edu
SUMMARY:Creating a Hyper-Accessible Website for Blind\, Low Vision\, & Sighted Users with Sandy Shin & Jeremy Perkins
DESCRIPTION:Being minimally accessible is a given on the web today. But meeting all WCAG success criteria only ensures users are not blocked from accessing content. We don’t just want an avoidance of failure. We want raging success. In this session\, we’ll walk through the creation of a website for the Braille Institute\, a national organization that serves people who are blind\, low vision\, and sighted. We’ll cover the unique approach we took to all steps in the UX process — research\, design\, testing\, copywriting\, and development in WordPress. Discover ways to create a great experience for people with varying levels of vision\, comfort with technology\, and confidence as they grapple with the realities of life with vision loss. \n\n\n\nTopics include: developers\, content creators\, project managers\, user experience\, and how people with disabilities use the web. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: Sandy Shin\, VP\, Marketing & Communications\, Braille Institute of America  & Jeremy Perkins\, Director of UX and Design\, iFactory \n\n\n\nVirtual Zoom Event
URL:https://accessibility.usc.edu/event/creating-a-hyper-accessible-website-for-blind-low-vision-sighted-users-with-sandy-shin-jeremy-perkins/
CATEGORIES:Digital Accessibility
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR