AB 979 law has a much too narrow definition of “underrepresented communities,” leaving out many identities who deserve to be included. AB 979 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year. This law requires that by the end of 2021,…
Silver (WCAG 3.0) First Public Working Draft released.
February 26, 2021, is the deadline to submit comments. The first peek at the long-awaited World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) major update to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines is here. In W3C speak, we call a First Published Working Draft (or FPWD). Silver…
Seven Steps to Processing a “Teachable Moment”
Not so much when the “teachable moment” pertains to diversity or identity, be it gender, age, disability, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, or any other aspect. Let me tell you that under those circumstances, “teachable moments” are unequivocally awful experiences, even under the best of circumstances.
Four corporate disability equity truths
Permanent improvements in disability equity are impossible without understanding and dealing with these categorical truths. People with disabilities do not have access to equal business opportunities. If you don’t believe that, I ask you to look at Exhibits 1 and…
Ten Tips for Creating Effective Accessibility Workshops
For starters, re-imagine your all-day workshop in an “all you can eat buffet” format, not a single 12-course dinner. 1. Short 5–10 minute segments in repetitive “learn-do” cycles generally work better than live workshops It is challenging for people to take a…
Got sued under the ADA for inaccessibility? – Part 2
Here is what you can expect. Part 2 of a two-part article Read Part 1 of this article here about recouping costs for accessibility lawsuits when others are at fault. This article is not legal advice. This is a general opinion article…
I got a restraining order against my COVID-denying next-door neighbor.
I am significantly immune-compromised and was just forced to go through this process to ensure my safety. I will call my assailant, “Mr. Covid.” His actions had already generated two separate police calls (from others) for assault in the previous…
2021 accessibility predictions
Yeah, machine learning and personalization made the list, but I also have a couple of other thoughts. It’s time for the annual “Year-End” accessibility predictions. Machine Learning Machine learning is going to continue to be exceptionally important to the advancement…
Why I seldom turn on my video for zoom calls
Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) and increasing anxiety rates are significant issues for people now spending 8 hours a day or more on Zoom. I am Sheri Byrne-Haber, a wheelchair-using, no-nonsense, CS degree-holding geek who also has degrees in law and…
Where to go for accessibility help when you are stuck
There are lots of resources, some obvious, some not so obvious It happens all the time, even to people as experienced in the field of accessibility as I am. You are brainstorming about how to solve an accessibility issue, and…