# CSUN 2026 - Combined General Sessions

# Tuesday, March 10, 2026

## 9:00 AM

### Keynote Address Program

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (9:00 AM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Keynote Address Program

Join us on Tuesday, March 10th, at 9:00 AM in the Platinum 6 Ballroom to kick off the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference with a perceptive and impactful keynote address and awards presentation. Join us immediately after the Keynote Program for our Kaffeeklatsch with the Keynote at 11:00 AM in the Platinum 5 Ballroom, where you can engage directly with our Keynote Speaker and fellow Conference Participants. We look forward to gathering together and setting the stage for an engaging week!

Presenter:

## 11:00 AM

### Kaffeeklatsch with the Keynote

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (11:00 AM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 5
- Title: Kaffeeklatsch with the Keynote

Join us for a relaxed, hour-long Kaffeeklatsch with the Keynote. This informal social hour offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with Keynote Speaker Haley Moss and connect with fellow conference participants in a welcoming, conversational setting. Continue the dialogue sparked by the keynote, share ideas, ask questions, and build community, all while enjoying freshly served coffee. All are welcome to drop in, connect, and be part of the conversation.

Presenter:

## 1:20 PM

### A Braille STEM Game for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: A Braille STEM Game for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

Discover how refreshable Braille displays, haptic feedback, and gamification can transform STEM learning for blind and visually impaired children. Attendees will gain insights into inclusive design strategies and explore practical approaches for fostering engagement and equity in education.

Presenter: Daniel Tsivkovski, Chapman University

### A Multimodal AI-Powered Travel Assistant Geo-App for BLV Users

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: A Multimodal AI-Powered Travel Assistant Geo-App for BLV Users

This session details the development of Buddy Walk, an AI travel assistant mobile application designed to support independent travel for people with blindness and low vision (BLV). The process of designing, developing, and testing the application will be covered.

Presenters: Tyler Ortiz, The City College of New York
Hao Tang, BMCC/CUNY
Zhigang Zhu, The City College of The City University of New York

### Accessibility Evolution: Past, Present, and Future Lessons

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Accessibility Evolution: Past, Present, and Future Lessons

Through storytelling, reflection, and actionable takeaways, this session offers a roadmap for building a more inclusive future - one where accessibility is not just a regulation to comply with but a lived value that transforms opportunities.

Presenters: Corbb O'Connor, Level Access
Andrew Chung, Level Access

### AI for You: Everyday Strategies to Lighten Your Cognitive Load

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: AI for You: Everyday Strategies to Lighten Your Cognitive Load

Discover how AI can act as your thought partner to reduce overload and decision fatigue. Explore practical routines across planning, processing, decision support, communication, and reflection. Leave with prompts and a framework to protect focus, clarity, and well-being.

Presenter: Daiana Wheeler, McGraw Hill Education

### Amazon Entertainment Takes It to 11

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Gaming and Interactive Entertainment, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Amazon Entertainment Takes It to 11

Explore Amazon's latest innovations in entertainment accessibility, including Dialogue Boost and advanced hearing aid connectivity on Fire TV. Learn how these features work together to create a more inclusive streaming experience.

Presenter: Peter Korn, Amazon

### Building Accessible iOS Apps with SwiftUI

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Building Accessible iOS Apps with SwiftUI

Are you seeking practical skills to develop accessible SwiftUI apps? Come learn how to support VoiceOver, Switch Control, Large Text, Reduce Motion, and more. Discover the tools that make apps accessible to millions of users worldwide.

Presenter: Madhuvanthi Ramesh Kumar, Apple, Inc

### Digital Accessibility Trends and Insights for 2026

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Digital Accessibility Trends and Insights for 2026

What has happened in the last year in accessibility and where is the industry likely to go in 2026. How can you position yourself to benefit to the maximum extent?

Presenters: Preety Kumar, Deque
Dylan Barrell, Deque Systems Inc.

### Digital Accessibility: Legal Update and Hot Topics

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Legal
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Digital Accessibility: Legal Update and Hot Topics

This session will explore the recent digital accessibility legal landscape and use recent observations and trends to propose best practices for organizational accessibility strategy, addressing user experience for people with disabilities, compliance requirements and risk mitigation.

Presenters: David Sloan, Vispero
Ashley Jenkins, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Kristina Launey, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

### Embedding Accessibility into AI Based Software Development

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Embedding Accessibility into AI Based Software Development

As AI transforms the way software is built - accelerating development cycles and enabling rapid prototyping - how do we ensure accessibility keeps pace? Join this session to explore how accessibility can be embedded into the new AI-powered workflows that define modern software development.

Presenters: Mallika Meiyappan, Microsoft
Michael Fairchild, Microsoft

### Fine Tuning Slack's Screen Reader UX

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Fine Tuning Slack's Screen Reader UX

Slack is collaboration software used for work and community projects. Come discover how Slack partners with blind people and experience a demo of the benefits yielded as a result. Questions, suggestions and feedback are welcome and encouraged.

Presenter: Todd Kloots, Salesforce

### Hard Truths, Brave Conversations: Race, Disability & Accessibility

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Employment & Human Resources, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Hard Truths, Brave Conversations: Race, Disability & Accessibility

Explore how race and disability intersect in accessibility work. Gain insights into systemic barriers, inclusive leadership, and strategies to elevate BIPOC voices across digital, workplace, and community spaces.

Presenters: Mi Ong Vang, Mibility Consulting Services, LLC
Eduardo Meza Etienne, Disability:IN DC Metro

### Improving Sign Language Recognition Accuracy with Multi-Cameras

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Improving Sign Language Recognition Accuracy with Multi-Cameras

This session presents a multi-camera approach to improve ASL recognition by capturing signs from multiple angles, reducing occlusion, and enhancing accuracy of handshapes and non-manual markers. It highlights technical methods, ethical considerations, and applications for advancing accessible commun

Presenters: Raja Kushalnagar, Gallaudet University
Joe Merino, Gallaudet University

### Lessons Learned Implementing Digital Accessibility in the Colorado Governor's Office

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Lessons Learned Implementing Digital Accessibility in the Colorado Governor's Office

Operationalizing digital accessibility in a large, multi-branch office posed many challenges. Join us for key takeaways, pitfalls, and victories from our three-year journey tackling digital accessibility in the Colorado Governor's Office.

Presenters: Ellie Maji, Colorado Governor's Office
Tina Morrow, Colorado Governor's Office

### Native Mobile App Accessibility: Lessons Learned from myColorado

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Digital Accessibility, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Finance & Banking, and Retail & Wholesale
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Native Mobile App Accessibility: Lessons Learned from myColorado

Native mobile apps pose accessibility challenges. Come learn from the Nelnet accessibility team's experience evaluating a state-wide mobile app. Gain practical ideas you can use today!

Presenters: Joanne Hawley, Nelnet
Marc Lind, Nelnet
Robin Eckelberry, Nelnet

### Remote Support Services: A Gateway to Independent Living

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Independent Living, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Government
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Remote Support Services: A Gateway to Independent Living

Discover how Ohio's Technology First Initiative and remote support model are transforming disability services. Learn practical strategies for scaling assistive technology, building partnerships, while improving independence, safety, and quality of life for individuals with IDD.

Presenters: Blake Mason, TruCare Provider Services
Matt Dunn, TruCare Provider Services
Eric Lemuel, TruCare Provider Services
Ashley Neal, TruCare Provider Services

### Social-Haptic Communication for DeafBlind AT Instruction

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Social-Haptic Communication for DeafBlind AT Instruction

This session will explore how social-haptic communication and other tactile strategies can enhance assistive technology instruction for DeafBlind learners. Drawing from HKNC research, presenters will share evidence-informed practices, resources, and implementation guidelines.

Presenters: Bryan Ward, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults
Tara Brown-Ogilvie, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults

### The Evolution of Accessibility: Compliance to Optimized Usability

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Web
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Sales, Government, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: The Evolution of Accessibility: Compliance to Optimized Usability

Moving past checklists! Learn how Salesforce is shifting from compliance to creating optimized, inclusive user patterns. Discover how to balance legal requirements with cutting-edge usability for products that truly work for everyone.

Presenters: Seth Kane, Salesforce
Bonnie Parisi, Salesforce

## 2:20 PM

### A New Era of Braille Access: Windows without Barriers

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: A New Era of Braille Access: Windows without Barriers

Redefining the Braille note taker for today. Powered by KeySoft on Microsoft Windows, this device delivers a braille-first, intuitive experience, making Windows navigation, learning, and productivity easier than ever.

Presenters: Rachel Ramos, HumanWare
Andrew Flatres, Humanware

### Accessibility Fairness in AI: Case Study on ChatGPT and Gemini

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Entertainment & Recreation, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Accessibility Fairness in AI: Case Study on ChatGPT and Gemini

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping work, life and communication but people with disabilities (PWD) often face barriers. This session examines accessibility fairness - the extent to which PWD can access and benefit from generative AI tools to the same level as non-disabled users.

Presenters: Megan Gross, San Jose State University
Bernardo Flores, San Jose State University

### Accessibility in Action: Practical Insights and Proven Approaches

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Accessibility in Action: Practical Insights and Proven Approaches

A fireside chat with Corbb O'Connor on the day-to-day realities of advancing digital accessibility. Learn to prioritize initiatives, avoid pitfalls & align teams. Gain strategies from real-world lessons in customer engagement, product development, & organizational strategy you can apply immediately.

Presenters: Nick Beese, ID.me
Ka'o Carlos, ID.me
Corbb O'Connor, Level Access

### Advancing Inclusive Procurement with the EdTech Accessibility Dir

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Advancing Inclusive Procurement with the EdTech Accessibility Dir

Learn how the EdTech Accessibility Directory provides easy-to-use resources that support informed procurement decisions and effective vendor communication to ensure accessible digital learning experiences for students with disabilities.

Presenters: Christopher Phillips, National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction
Jena Fahlbush, National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction

### AI PDF Conversion: Escaping Static Files into Semantic Freedom

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: AI PDF Conversion: Escaping Static Files into Semantic Freedom

Learn how AI and MDX transform inaccessible PDFs into dynamic, open-source accessibility assets. Explore semantic markup, AI decision-making, and client-side transformations. Discover why open protocols, usable by people and language models, are essential for accessibility as a public good.

Presenters: Dylan Isaac, University of Chicago Illinois
Blake Bertuccelli-Booth, University of Illinois Chicago

### Comparing Accessibility of Tooltips, Modals, Popups, Accordions

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Comparing Accessibility of Tooltips, Modals, Popups, Accordions

Compare the accessibility of tooltips, modals, popups, and accordions. Learn pitfalls, best practices, and strategies to design, test, and specify these components so all users can interact effectively.

Presenter: Rahul Kumar, Oracle

### Federal Agencies Promote Digital Accessibility: Industry Outreach

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Federal Agencies Promote Digital Accessibility: Industry Outreach

The US Federal Government buys vastly more IT from Industry than it builds in-house. It relies on Industry to assess and report on the accessibility of its products. This session highlights the government-wide collaboration to engage Industry with clear, consistent messaging on what it needs.

Presenters: Betsy Sirk, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Owen Chong, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### From Boring to Playful: A Toy Solution for Braille Practice

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: From Boring to Playful: A Toy Solution for Braille Practice

Braille learning can feel repetitive and discouraging for children. This session showcases Slidot, a toy-like solution that makes practice playful and affordable. Discover how it boosted children's motivation and braille skills, and explore how it can be adopted worldwide.

Presenter: Yesol Kwak, SK Happiness Foundation

### Inclusio: A One-Stop Shop for Interoperable, Accessible Graphics

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Inclusio: A One-Stop Shop for Interoperable, Accessible Graphics

Creating accessible graphics is difficult. Inclusio, a multi-team project, is exploring and developing ways to make it easy to generate and distribute interoperable, inclusive graphics with our end-to-end, AI-driven marketplace, open metadata format, and multimodal output systems.

Presenters: Dan Gardner, ViewPlus Technologies
Nicholas Giudice, UNAR Labs
Derrick Smith, Auburn University at Montgomery

### Interactive Leadership Lab: Unlocking Accessibility Strategies

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Interactive Leadership Lab: Unlocking Accessibility Strategies

Engage in an interactive workshop tackling real accessibility challenges. Apply the drives of motivation to craft solutions, collaborate across product and design roles, and explore proven strategies from leading organizations. Leave with tools to embed accessibility practices in your organization.

Presenter: Nandita Gupta, Cisco

### Negotiating Accessibility: How to Turn Pushback into Progress

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Negotiating Accessibility: How to Turn Pushback into Progress

Learn the negotiation strategies to navigate pushbacks with confidence and turn resistance into progress. Because accessibility shouldn't be a battle. We can negotiate for progress, not compromise. When we're told &quot;no,&quot; it's not the end of the conversation, it's where the negotiation begins.

Presenters: Radostina Tsvetkova, Norwegian Directorate of Labour and Welfare (NAV)
Jaunita Flessas, Empower Accessibility

### New Kindle Features Advancing Inclusive Reading

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Digital Accessibility, and Product Demonstration
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: New Kindle Features Advancing Inclusive Reading

Explore groundbreaking accessibility features transforming Kindle, from enhanced UI font sizing to improved navigation for screen readers. Discover how updates in text-to-speech, reading comprehension tools, and our shopping and publishing experiences create a more inclusive reading experience.

Presenter: Terra Masiel, Amazon

### Practical Approaches to Prevent Litigation and Regulatory Review

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Legal
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Practical Approaches to Prevent Litigation and Regulatory Review

It is possible (and practical) to take a proactive approach to litigation and regulatory review. Learn of several approaches, how to enact internal conversations, and how to speak the language of your colleagues.

Presenter: Matthew Luken, Deque

### Stump the Screen Reader

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, Entertainment & Recreation, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Stump the Screen Reader

Step into our accessibility game show where the real challenge is bad UX! Audience members bring their most baffling components and apps, and our screen reader sleuth unpacks them live - revealing accessibility wins and fails.

Presenter: Claudio Vera, A11yInnovation

### Tech4Me: Plug in and Power up Competitive Integrated Employment

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Independent Living, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Tech4Me: Plug in and Power up Competitive Integrated Employment

People with developmental disabilities face unique challenges to employment success. In today's rapidly evolving workplace, technology can be a powerful equalizer. To help bridge the gap between tech & workplace outcomes, Tech4Me features a toolkit with strategies to evaluate needs & leverage tech.

Presenters: Jordan Wagner, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
Jessie Green, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
Andrew Buck, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center

### Usability and Accessibility Regression: A Live-User Data Study

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Usability and Accessibility Regression: A Live-User Data Study

Discover data-driven insights from hundreds of live-user audits showing why accessibility gaps are increasing despite automation and awareness. Learn which usability barriers are most often missed and gain practical strategies to create more inclusive digital experiences.

Presenters: Aaron Page, Allyant
Ryan Wieland, Allyant

### Vispero & Everway: Enterprise Solutions for Inclusive Workplaces

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Vispero & Everway: Enterprise Solutions for Inclusive Workplaces

Vispero and Everway share enterprise best practices for managing assistive technology in the workplace. Learn strategies for deployment, support, and inclusion to ensure employees have the tools they need to succeed.

Presenter: Matt Ater, Vispero

## 3:20 PM

### A Sound Education: Demystifying Audio Description in Higher Ed

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Video and Live Streaming
- Audience: Higher Education, and Media & Publishing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: A Sound Education: Demystifying Audio Description in Higher Ed

Have videos that need to be made accessible? Heard of captions, but aren't sure if your video needs audio description? This session has you covered! We'll focus on what audio description is, how you can include it in your content, and how to share that newly accessible content far & wide.

Presenter: Brian McNeilly, University of California, Office of the President

### Accessibility at Scale: Maximizing Coverage and Quality

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Sales, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, and Manufacturing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: Accessibility at Scale: Maximizing Coverage and Quality

Digital accessibility remains a significant challenge as digital ecosystems grow, and traditional methods cannot keep up with today's scale. This session explores how combining automation, expert review, and continuous monitoring improves coverage and helps teams scale accessibility effectively.

Presenters: Monterey Thompson, AudioEye
Mike Barton, AudioEye

### Accessible Science Experiments for Visually Impaired Students

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Accessible Science Experiments for Visually Impaired Students

Learn how tactile kits, auditory cues, and inclusive lab models make science experiments accessible for students with visual impairments, enabling independent learning and advancing inclusive education practices.

Presenter: Piyush Chanana, National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

### ADA Title II and You: Document Accessibility in Your Office

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: ADA Title II and You: Document Accessibility in Your Office

With ADA deadlines nearing, many organizations face challenges of document accessibility. Presenters will share WCAG regulations with tips for various document formats, highlight benefits for users with disabilities, and provide resources to foster accessibility and advocacy.

Presenters: Dana Marlowe, Accessibility Partners
Sharon Rosenblatt, Accessibility Partners

### AI for Accessibility: Real-World Innovations Empowering All

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI for Accessibility: Real-World Innovations Empowering All

Discover real-world examples of AI driving accessibility, from sign language translation to voice banking, navigation, and assistive robotics. Learn how these innovations empower independence, improve communication, and shape inclusive futures across education, healthcare, and daily life.

Presenters: Cassandra Zuria, Intuit
Ken Bigler, Intuit
Marco Salsiccia, BlindSVG

### AI, Wearable and Community Driven Innovation

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: AI, Wearable and Community Driven Innovation

Discover how AI & wearables are revolutionizing independence for the blind/low-vision community! Join us to explore AI progress, demo EchoVision smart glasses, and hear user stories proving tech's power when co-created with users.

Presenter: Xiaoran Wang, AGIGA, Inc.

### Evo-Web: An A11Y-First Approach to Building UI Components at eBay

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Engineering, and Web
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Evo-Web: An A11Y-First Approach to Building UI Components at eBay

Evo-Web brings eBay's Evo Design Playbook to life as reusable UI components for the web. Learn how engineers shape accessibility early by reviewing patterns, anticipating interaction issues, and ensuring WCAG-aligned, inclusive components from the start.

Presenters: Randy Bascue, Ebay
Goutham Ponnada, Ebay
Andrew Gliga, Ebay
Ian McBurnie, eBay

### From Pre-Braille to Data Fluency: Developing Tactile Skills

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: From Pre-Braille to Data Fluency: Developing Tactile Skills

Explore how dynamic multiline braille displays like the Dot Pad X are redefining tactile literacy. Learn from current research and pilots how students develop from early tactile skills to fluently interpreting and creating complex data - and what this means for the future of inclusion.

Presenters: Timothy Hornik, Dot Inc
Dave Williams, Dot Inc

### Is AI Good for the DeafBlind Community?

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Is AI Good for the DeafBlind Community?

Artificial intelligence is becoming deeply integrated into daily life, but is it accessible and beneficial for people who are DeafBlind? This interactive session will address that question through a direct conversation with professionals who support the DeafBlind community every day.

Presenter: Bryan Ward, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults

### Smartphone Training to Enhance Life Skills of Thai Blind

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Smartphone Training to Enhance Life Skills of Thai Blind

Learn how a TAB smartphone training program equips Thai blind individuals with essential life skills and digital confidence. The session presents curriculum design, teaching strategies, and outcome evidence to inspire inclusive technology initiatives across cultures.

Presenters: Subin Baekhunthod, TAB
Parakorn Kamdech, TAB
Kanit Pamanee, Thailand Association of the Blind
Daranpop Nantaru, TAB

### Strengthening AT Consideration with the AT Decision-Making Tool

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Development, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Strengthening AT Consideration with the AT Decision-Making Tool

Learn how the Assistive Technology Decision-Making Tool (ATDMT) supports IEP teams in considering the need for AT and accessible educational materials (AEM). The ATDMT is freely available for use by teams across the country and beyond. Implementation strategies will be shared.

Presenter: Heather Bridgman, AT&AEM Center at OCALI

### Supporting Students with Blindness in Denmark

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Supporting Students with Blindness in Denmark

The presentation outlines Denmark's vision support system and the roles ensuring tailored help for students with blindness. It also shows how audio support strengthens braille learning, independence, and motivation through innovative teaching methods.

Presenters: Jens Victor Petersen, Region Syddanmark
Dorte Larsen, CKV

### The Role of Typing Instruction in School Education and Dyslexia

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: The Role of Typing Instruction in School Education and Dyslexia

We will discuss the typing skills required for computers in this new era, how typing skills are handled in school education, and the approach to teaching typing to students with learning disabilities.

Presenters: Rumi Hirabayashi, University of Tokyo
Miwa Murata, Takasaki University of Health and Walfare

### Write It Right: Crafting Acceptance Criteria for Success

- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Write It Right: Crafting Acceptance Criteria for Success

Use accessibility acceptance criteria to set your teams on a path for success! This session provides a framework for writing concrete, well-crafted acceptance criteria that build accessibility into every step from the start. Avoid the pitfalls and leave with skills that foster shared understanding.

Presenters: May-Fei Lee, Intopia
Sarah Pulis, Intopia

# Wednesday, March 11, 2026

## 8:00 AM

### Featured Presentation: Nike - Innovating for All Athletes

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (8:00 AM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Featured Presentation: Nike - Innovating for All Athletes

Join us to learn how athlete insights, from Nike signed athletes to sport obsessed employees, drive breakthrough adaptive innovation across footwear, apparel and accessories. This session will highlight how lived experiences shape solutions designed to serve all athletes, because at Nike, we believe that if you have a body, you are an athlete.

Presenters: Tatyana McFadden, Nike
Noah Malone, Nike
Clark Rachfal, Nike
Carissa Rudolf, Nike
Kristine Morich, Nike

## 9:20 AM

### A Forum Discussing Operationalizing Accessibility in the PDLC

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: A Forum Discussing Operationalizing Accessibility in the PDLC

As teams mature, they necessarily seek opportunities to scale their accessibility efforts, yet remain efficient with high quality. In this forum, engage with peers to discuss your trials and tribulations in operationalizing accessibility throughout your Product Development Lifecycle.

Presenters: Karen Hawkins, Level Access
Abid Virani, Fable

### Accessibility Family Feud: United Airlines Digital Edition

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Transportation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Accessibility Family Feud: United Airlines Digital Edition

Get ready to play, learn, and be inspired! This interactive game show lets teams compete to guess the top answers to questions about digital accessibility, inclusive design, and best practices from United's journey to shifting left.

Presenter: Patty Grapenthin, United Airlines

### Accessible Cybersecurity Education for Deaf or Blind Students

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Accessible Cybersecurity Education for Deaf or Blind Students

Explore how to build accessible learning experiences in cybersecurity and STEM through GenCyber camps designed for deaf/hard-of-hearing students and students with visual impairments. Discover accommodation strategies and take away curriculum materials, 3D print design files, and other resources.

Presenters: Jesse Hairston, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Steven Forney, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

### Accessible Tech: A Foundation for NASA Mission Success

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Accessible Tech: A Foundation for NASA Mission Success

In NASA's endeavors to explore the unknown and make the seemingly impossible possible, accessibility plays a role at every step to improve the customer experience for all. This session explores how NASA integrates accessibility into its missions and shares success stories of these efforts.

Presenters: Betsy Sirk, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Owen Chong, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### AI and Accessibility: Describing Graphs with Alternative Texts

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: AI and Accessibility: Describing Graphs with Alternative Texts

Mathematical images, such as graphs, charts, and data visualizations, pose unique accessibility challenges. While AI models can now generate alternative text that identifies basic structures and simple trends, they still fall short in terms of relationships, precision, and context.

Presenters: Milena Risi, Zanichelli Publishing and University of Rome "Tor Vergata"
Nicol� Donati, Zanichelli Publisher & University of Bologna

### AI for Accessibility: Balancing Automation with Human Oversight

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI for Accessibility: Balancing Automation with Human Oversight

AI is reshaping accessibility, but automation can miss real user needs. This session shows how designers and developers can blend AI with human oversight, offering practical strategies and examples to create digital products that are truly inclusive, usable, and effective.

Presenter: Sowjanya Param, Walmart

### AI for Accessibility: Pitfalls, Insights, and Practical Guidance

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: AI for Accessibility: Pitfalls, Insights, and Practical Guidance

Learn how to review AI-generated content, images, and dynamic features like chatbots or overlays for accessibility. This session covers strategies for spotting accessibility pitfalls, validating outputs, and applying AI responsibly for bulk content and interactive elements.

Presenter: Meredith Tully, Accessible Path Consulting

### AI: Your Superpower for Shifting Accessibility Left

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: AI: Your Superpower for Shifting Accessibility Left

Discover how IAccessible uses AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Claude to &quot;vibe code&quot; accessible prototypes, catch design pitfalls early, and shift accessibility left. Learn how product managers can harness AI as their new superpower for building inclusive products.

Presenter: Manish Agrawal, IAccessible Inc

### Best Outcomes for Students in School because of AT

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Education
- Audience: K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Best Outcomes for Students in School because of AT

The audience could be anyone who participates in an IEP meeting or 504 plan. An audience member might also be someone who works with assistive technology solutions to gain a better understanding of the IEP process in public schools, with the hope of providing students with real solutions.

Presenter: Dean Troup, Palm Springs Unified School District

### Creating Accessible Flowcharts and Organization Charts

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Education
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Creating Accessible Flowcharts and Organization Charts

Complex images such as flowcharts and organization charts can't be made accessible with alt text or tagging alone. Learn about the solution that has been implemented by a large Department within the State of California to ensure information in these complex structures are available to everyone.

Presenters: Gregory Matthews, California Department of Social Services
Der Xiong, California Department of Social Services
Kristina Niemi, California Department of Social Services
Marcia Barnard-Borelli, California Department of Social Services

### From Stage to Museum: Accessibility as a Creative Resource

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Leisure and Travel, Blind/Low Vision, and Independent Living
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: From Stage to Museum: Accessibility as a Creative Resource

Discover how inclusive theatre and museum projects in Austria use audio description, tactile access, and universal design to open culture for all. Gain strategies and real-world insights for making arts and heritage accessible.

Presenter: Klaus Hoeckner, Access Austria/HGBS

### It's Time to Talk: AI, Ethics, and Disability

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: It's Time to Talk: AI, Ethics, and Disability

It's time we broadened the AI and accessibility conversation beyond technical mechanics to its deeper ethical challenges. This session talks about responsible AI, providing a framework to evaluate AI's impact on user autonomy, social equity, and privacy for people with disabilities.

Presenter: Sarah Pulis, Intopia

### Procuring Accessible Technology: Best Practices for Compliance

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Procuring Accessible Technology: Best Practices for Compliance

Learn best practices for embedding accessibility into procurement. Through a six-step framework and real-world case studies, discover how to review VPATs, assess risk, and secure vendor commitments.

Presenters: Aaron Page, Allyant
Ryan Wieland, Allyant

### Tactile Math Revolution: Empowering Learners with Blindness

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Tactile Math Revolution: Empowering Learners with Blindness

Join us to explore how Tactonom Reader Flex, smart tactile tools, and 1,250 free audio-tactile graphics are revolutionizing math learning for blind students. Expect hands-on demos, real-world applications, and insights for educators, learners, and inclusion advocates in K-12.

Presenter: Klaus-Peter Hars, Inventivio GmbH

### Using JAWS Inspect as a Screen Reader UX Experience Design Tool

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Using JAWS Inspect as a Screen Reader UX Experience Design Tool

JAWS Inspect is more than a testing tool. This session shows how it can support designers, developers, and testers by demonstrating the screen reader experience, helping teams improve accessibility throughout the UX process.

Presenter: Jan Williams, Vispero

## 10:20 AM

### Accessible Digital Maps

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Transportation, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Accessible Digital Maps

Digital maps are tools we use daily in a variety of formats, contexts, and locations. Learn about best practices for creating accessible digital maps and current research in the field.

Presenters: Beth Decker, National Center for Accessible Media at GBH
Parker Hartman, National Center for Accessible Media at GBH
Christina Healey, National Center for Accessible Media at GBH

### Accessible Shopping Made Simple: Voice and AI Tools for Blind

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Web, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Retail & Wholesale, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Accessible Shopping Made Simple: Voice and AI Tools for Blind

Discover how AI and voice technology are transforming online access for blind and low vision users. Learn how accessible shopping platforms and CoBrowse AI empower independence, simplify browsing, and deliver inclusive digital experiences that benefit users, educators, developers, and businesses.

Presenter: Patrick Long, Innosearch AI, Inc.

### Advanced Strategies for Web Accessibility Testing

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Advanced Strategies for Web Accessibility Testing

Go beyond the basics with advanced web accessibility testing strategies for dynamic content, focus management, and assistive technology. Explore Trusted Tester methods, learn a practical prioritization framework, and create actionable reports that help teams resolve the most impactful issues.

Presenter: Meredith Tully, Accessible Path Consulting

### Algorithmic Justice: Dismantling AI Bias

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Sales, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Algorithmic Justice: Dismantling AI Bias

Learn how AI bias creates accessibility barriers while learning frameworks for inclusive AI development. Discover bias detection techniques, community-centered validation, and coalition strategies that advance algorithmic justice for disabled communities.

Presenters: Carissa Merrill, Mayo Clinic
Eralee Rivera, Mayo Clinic

### ATaaS: Driving Agility with Scalable Accessibility Teams

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Sales, Government, Legal, Finance & Banking, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: ATaaS: Driving Agility with Scalable Accessibility Teams

Scale accessibility with speed and precision using a fractional team model. Learn how ATaaS helps organizations meet compliance, accelerate remediation, and embed accessibility into products, driving agility and measurable impact across industries and roles.

Presenter: Marc Lind, Nelnet

### Cross Contextual Explorations of Executive Skills in Schools

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Education
- Audience: K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Cross Contextual Explorations of Executive Skills in Schools

The purpose of this workshop is to explore the intersection of executive functioning supports in schools across elementary, middle, and high school. We present our exploratory case study where we focus on time management and testing the Seeing My Time curriculum for executive functioning.

Presenters: Julie Miller, Executive Functioning for Success
Samuel Sennott, Portland State University

### Dark Patterns in Accessibility Settings: How UX Choices Obstruct

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Dark Patterns in Accessibility Settings: How UX Choices Obstruct

Discover how dark patterns in accessibility settings can obstruct users and learn practical, AI-powered strategies to identify and eliminate these barriers for more inclusive digital experiences.

Presenters: Garima Rana, HCLTech
Ajay Sharma, HCLTECH

### Game Accessibility 101: Translating Visual Gameplay into Sound

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Game Accessibility 101: Translating Visual Gameplay into Sound

Learn how innovations from non-visual games can guide mainstream developers in making video games accessible to blind and low vision players. Explore audio-based navigation, sound design for action, and strategies for adapting proven community techniques.

Presenter: Aaron Preece, American Foundation for the Blind

### Is 100% Conformance Possible? Balancing Perfect vs Practical

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Is 100% Conformance Possible? Balancing Perfect vs Practical

Is 100% accessibility conformance possible? This session explores the meaning and challenges of conformance, debunks myths, and emphasizes user needs over checklists. Attendees gain practical strategies for setting realistic goals, prioritizing high-impact barriers, and fostercontinuous improvement.

Presenters: Mansi Anand, Level Access
Peter Loftus, Level Access

### Learning AT at CSUN: Master's and Certificate Program Overview

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Learning AT at CSUN: Master's and Certificate Program Overview

This presentation provides an overview of CSUN's Master of Science in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services and the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP). For each program, the session will cover admission requirements, student support services, and career and professional opportunities in the assistive technology field, highlighting both advanced academic preparation and practical, application-focused training to support individuals with diverse disabilities across a variety of settings.

Presenters: S. Victoria Jaque, CSUN ATHS MS program
Michael Williamson, CU Boulder

### Learning from Blind-Centered AI Use at Scale

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, Insurance, Transportation, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Retail & Wholesale, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Learning from Blind-Centered AI Use at Scale

Be My Eyes has unique insight into how blind people use technology, including AI, at scale. This session shares usage patterns we've observed and examines our responsibility to use this data for good and treating it as a community resource to shape the future of accessible AI.

Presenters: Mike Buckley, Be My Eyes
Bryan Bashin, Be My Eyes

### Reach Faculty by Empowering Academic Staff

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Reach Faculty by Empowering Academic Staff

Staff in academic departments keep track of deadlines and deliverables for their faculty. We created a new workshop for these staff, to add key accessibility information to their to-do lists. This session will introduce our approach and outreach.

Presenters: Kathryn Tipton, CSU Northridge
Joyce Marie Bursasco, CSUN

### Second Global Digital Accessibility Salary Survey Results

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Second Global Digital Accessibility Salary Survey Results

We will share 2025 survey findings including compensation-related data for digital accessibility professionals and other insights, such as how people obtain their job, and which industries are investing in digital accessibility. We will also discuss comparative data from last year's first survey.

Presenters: Jennison Asuncion, GAAD Foundation
Jared Smith, WebAIM
Jonathan Whiting, WebAIM

### TADA! Tactile Art and Design Adventures with SVG and OpenSCAD

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: TADA! Tactile Art and Design Adventures with SVG and OpenSCAD

A lively session with TADA!, an open source curriculum that includes teaching with SVG and OpenSCAD. With a pro-disability approach, any Blind individual can leverage the power of technology and community to take on roles as designer and creator.

Presenters: Yue-Ting Siu, CATT-NW/WSSB
Marco Salsiccia, BlindSVG
Chancey Fleet, New York Public Library

### The Future of Axe Tools

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: The Future of Axe Tools

Where are we taking the axe platform and what can you get excited about? This session will preview upcoming features, talk about our medium term roadmap and review the advantages of recently released features in the axe platform.

Presenter: Dylan Barrell, Deque Systems Inc.

### What's New and Coming up in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Government
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: What's New and Coming up in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion

Live demonstration along with question and answer time for the latest and greatest features of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. We will also look ahead to what is coming next.

Presenters: Ryan Jones, Vispero
Nathan Romney, Vispero

### What's New with Alexa?

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Disability Specific, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: What's New with Alexa?

Discover how Alexa+'s natural conversation capabilities, visual understanding, and enhanced features are transforming digital assistance for people with disabilities. Learn practical applications, customization options, and integration possibilities across the Alexa+.

Presenters: Anna Hernandez, Amazon
Josh Miele, Amazon Lab 126

## 11:20 AM

### Accessibility at Scale: Closing the 97% Gap

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: Accessibility at Scale: Closing the 97% Gap

Despite growing awareness and regulation, most websites still contain accessibility barriers. This session examines how AI can accelerate detection and remediation, support scalable compliance, and help close the long-standing accessibility gap.

Presenters: Phaedra Whatley, AudioEye
Michael Paciello, AudioEye

### Accessible, Multimodal Data Visualization on Touchscreens

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Accessible, Multimodal Data Visualization on Touchscreens

Graphics dominate STEM education but remain largely inaccessible. We discuss graphical accessibility on touchscreens by introducing an AI assistant and a haptic wearable that can allow for multi-touch interactions with bar, line, and scatter charts.

Presenters: Wilfredo Robinson Moore, Saint Louis University
Jen Tennison, Saint Louis University
Namrata Roy, Saint Louis University

### AI and Web Accessibility in 2026: A Progress Report

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: AI and Web Accessibility in 2026: A Progress Report

Find out how AI is influencing existing digital accessibility support and its role in the personal lives of people with disabilities. Has AI become any more intelligent in the last two years? Is it helping to make the digital world more accessible? And are we using it in the right ways?

Presenters: Shaun Ryan, Vispero
Omar Wahby, Vispero

### Ally Keys: A Keyboard Testing Solution for Mobile

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Ally Keys: A Keyboard Testing Solution for Mobile

Ally Keys is a mobile hardware keyboard testing solution that allows testers to send keystrokes to devices from their workstation, eliminating the need for a dedicated keyboard. It provides simple access to the plethora of keyboard shortcuts for mobile.

Presenter: Quintin Balsdon, Evinced

### Artificial Intelligence, In & On Your Face

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Artificial Intelligence, In & On Your Face

Artificial intelligence is now in your pocket and increasingly on your face. This session takes a lively, humorous approach to AI in accessibility, blending real-world stories of mishaps, successes, and unexpected outcomes.

Presenters: Bryan Wolynski, Cleveland Sight Center
Brian Fischler, That Real Blind Tech Show

### Better Evaluations for Everyone: What's New in Updated WCAG-EM

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Evaluation and Remediation, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Better Evaluations for Everyone: What's New in Updated WCAG-EM

From the government to the private sector, accessibility conformance evaluations are essential for how we understand accessibility, helping both web teams and regulators. Get ideas for more effective evaluations and learn about updates to WCAG-EM.

Presenters: Hidde de Vries, Logius
Jeroen Hulscher, Logius

### Debunking Research Practices for Inclusion

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Debunking Research Practices for Inclusion

Does inclusive research feel daunting? We will help you learn how to adapt research methodologies for inclusive research at each stage from scoping, sourcing participants, and prioritizing key findings in analysis and reporting.

Presenters: Lauren Britton, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Kavana Ramesh, Lululemon

### Designing Accessible Packaging at Microsoft and Amazon

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Research
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Manufacturing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Designing Accessible Packaging at Microsoft and Amazon

Join the packaging design teams from Microsoft and Amazon as they explore their approaches to creating accessible product experiences that begin with opening the box.

Presenters: Shadi Abou-Zahra, Amazon
Michael Zuberbier, Microsoft
Veronica Carson, Amazon

### Hands-Free Reading: Talking to Your Talking Books

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Product Demonstration, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Hands-Free Reading: Talking to Your Talking Books

Transform how you read with NLS BARD's hands-free tools. Learn to use Siri and the My Talking Books Alexa skill to effortlessly navigate a vast library of Best-selling human-narrated audiobooks with just your voice.

Presenters: Alysha Hiller, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress
Zhi Huang, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress

### Introducing the Digital Accessibility Ethics Framework

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Sales, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Introducing the Digital Accessibility Ethics Framework

Discover the Digital Accessibility Ethics Framework -- a new tool to advance ethical disability inclusion in tech and help people and organizations avoid risks and harms of excluding disabled people. Explore ethics of access work and how digital accessibility belongs in ethics codes across sectors.

Presenters: Shilpi Kapoor, BarrierBreak
Ariana Aboulafia, Center for Democracy & Technology
Sheri Byrne-Haber, Haber Consulting LLC
Lainey Feingold, Law Office of Lainey Feingold
Josh Miele, Amazon Lab 126

### LMS Quick and Easy PDF Document Accessibility

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Insurance, Legal, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: LMS Quick and Easy PDF Document Accessibility

Make your documents accessible instantly. This session introduces a new way to ensure PDF accessibility on Brightspace, Canvas, and others with a one-click, automated solution. Streamline remediation, save time while create inclusive content for all.

Presenter: Ligia Mora, Crawford Technologies

### MapIO: Gesture and Converse with a Tactile Map

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: MapIO: Gesture and Converse with a Tactile Map

We will demonstrate the MapIO system, an open source system to make tactile maps more accessible to blind and low vision individuals, which allows a user to interact with a map using pointing gestures and verbal questions. Attendees will be able to use MapIO for themselves after the session.

Presenter: James Coughlan, Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

### Reimagining Graphing at Khan Academy

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Engineering, and Education
- Audience: K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Reimagining Graphing at Khan Academy

Adding accessibility to a legacy experience is never easy. At Khan Academy, however, it was essential to make our graphs accessible for algebra, geometry, and more. Join us as we share how we reimagined our graphs and explore practical steps you can apply to your own architecture.

Presenters: Cat Johnson, Khan Academy
Jeanette Head, Khan Academy
Mark Fitzgerald, Khan Academy

### Scaling Accessibility: Strategy, Culture, and Systems

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Government, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Scaling Accessibility: Strategy, Culture, and Systems

Learn how to move accessibility beyond checklists into strategy and culture. Explore frameworks for embedding inclusive design into systems, building communities of practice, gaining executive sponsorship, and measuring ROI. Leave with practical leadership tools to scale accessibility across any org

Presenter: Angela Young, Epsilon

### Sustainable Accessibility in SDLC and Beyond: Deque's Shift-Left

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Sustainable Accessibility in SDLC and Beyond: Deque's Shift-Left

Shifting left takes more than just talking about it. Learn from real-world examples where changes outside the SDLC have amplifying affects and help mature your SDLC more efficiently.

Presenters: Matthew Luken, Deque
Greg Williams, Deque

### Systematically Evaluating Equivalent Purpose for Digital Maps

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Systematically Evaluating Equivalent Purpose for Digital Maps

This session introduces a systematic framework for clearly evaluating whether digital geographic text maps meet WCAG requirements for equivalent purpose. Attendees will explore effective and ineffective text-based maps, gain strategies for assessing text map usability, and understand the positive global impact of accessible maps.

Presenters: Brett Oppegaard, University of Hawai�i at Manoa
Brandon Biggs, XR Navigation and Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

### Teaching Braille Numeracy Through Play

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Government
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Teaching Braille Numeracy Through Play

Discover how Braille Bricks make braille, math, science, and coding accessible through play. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore activities for blind, visually impaired, and sighted learners alike. Come play with us!

Presenter: Marc Angelier, The Braille Program

## 12:00 PM

### Birds of a Feather: Newcomers Meet and Greet

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 5
- Title: Birds of a Feather: Newcomers Meet and Greet

New to the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference? Join us for the Newcomers Meet &amp; Greet Birds of a Feather, a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to connect with fellow first-time attendees and experienced Conference attendees. This informal gathering is designed to help you get oriented, ask questions, share interests, and start building meaningful connections right from the start. Whether you're attending solo or with a team, you'll leave with helpful tips, new contacts, and a stronger sense of community as you begin your Conference experience.Hosts: Diane Delaney and Shirley Ruiz

Presenter:

## 1:20 PM

### Accessible Design Considerations for Design Systems

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, and Digital Accessibility
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Accessible Design Considerations for Design Systems

Design systems are complex entities, comprised of building blocks that can be grouped and rearranged in infinite variations. Each has its own set of requirements, a portion of which is accessibility-related. Learn the accessible design considerations for the different levels of design systems.

Presenter: Karen Hawkins, Level Access

### Advancing Digital Access for the Blind in Thailand

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Advancing Digital Access for the Blind in Thailand

Discover how the Thailand Association of the Blind advances digital inclusion through policy advocacy, tech training, and accessible services. Learn practical strategies and tools that can be applied across sectors to support digital equity for the visually impaired.

Presenters: Parakorn Kamdech, TAB
Kanit Pamanee, Thailand Association of the Blind
Daranpop Nantaru, TAB
Subin Baekhunthod, TAB

### Automated Testing for iOS and MacOS Apps

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Engineering, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Automated Testing for iOS and MacOS Apps

Learn practical accessibility automation using Apple's XCUITest framework. We'll cover how Accessibility Nutrition Labels benefit users and demonstrate how to write simple automated tests. Through a live demo, you'll learn how to make inclusive design a natural part of your development workflow.

Presenter: Ali Afzal, Apple

### Beyond the Checker, Manual Testing to Ensure A11y of PDFs.

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Beyond the Checker, Manual Testing to Ensure A11y of PDFs.

Automated tools can miss significant accessibility errors in PDFs, leading to litigation risk. This session will detail how one organization has addressed this issue. Attendees will receive training resources and an overview of the policies and procedures developed to achieve compliance.

Presenter: Joseph Krack, California Department of Social Services

### Building Accessibility in: Practical Strategies for Shifting Left

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Leadership and Strategy, and Research
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Building Accessibility in: Practical Strategies for Shifting Left

Learn how to shift accessibility left in your Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC). Whether you're a designer, researcher, engineer, or leader, you'll leave with practical strategies to embed accessibility into your own processes and drive lasting change at your organization.

Presenters: Lauren Nareau, ServiceNow
Jaime Young, ServiceNow

### Designing Indoor Wayfinding Assistive Technologies

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Designing Indoor Wayfinding Assistive Technologies

Discover how blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals navigate indoor spaces and the barriers they face, based on insights from a survey of 109 participants. This session introduces MABLE, an AI-powered, user-centered navigation concept co-designed with the BVI community, offering personalized, infrastructure-free wayfinding.

Presenter: Siny Joseph, Kansas State University

### Designing the Accessible Campus: Inclusive Learning Experiences

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Designing the Accessible Campus: Inclusive Learning Experiences

Learn practical strategies for making kiosks, shared computers, tablets, and digital assets accessible to blind and low vision users. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on assistive technology support, licensing, and real-world applications across the education landscape.

Presenter: Cord Keating, Vispero

### Disabled Buttons and Inclusive Design - Not Again!

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Disabled Buttons and Inclusive Design - Not Again!

Learn why disabled buttons, and controls, can hurt more than help. This session shows when to use them, when not to, and what to do instead. You'll leave with tips you can use right away - whether you're a designer, developer, or PM - to make better, more helpful user experiences.

Presenters: Ted Drake, Intuit
Ken Bigler, Intuit

### Future of WCAG 3.0

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Development
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Future of WCAG 3.0

WCAG 3 will not only affect programs and processes, but how conformance is measured. In this session you will learn what to expect and start preparing for the coming changes.

Presenters: Glenda Sims, Deque
Wilco Fiers, Deque

### Improving Assistive Tech Design with Real-Time User Feedback

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Improving Assistive Tech Design with Real-Time User Feedback

This session introduces a new mixed-methods approach to evaluating the needs of people with visual impairments during everyday navigation in clinical environments. By combining real-time user feedback with objective measures of scene complexity, the study reveals how individuals interact with indoor

Presenter: Prajjol Raj Puri, Universit� de Montr�al

### Making Text Work for Everyone: Readability in Action

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Making Text Work for Everyone: Readability in Action

Discover what makes text truly readable across different abilities and circumstances. Learn how digital reading systems address diverse needs through customization and emerging technologies. Understand the research behind readability factors and explore innovations that make reading more accessible.

Presenter: Terra Masiel, Amazon

### New Experience for DAISY Books with GenAI

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: New Experience for DAISY Books with GenAI

Explore how we've embedded GenAI into our DAISY books. Learn how features like interactive searching, on-demand summarization, and real-time translation create a dynamic and personalized reading experience. This session will show how AI makes DAISY books more accessible and engaging for everyone.

Presenters: Pataranit Sirithummarak, Thai Blind People's Foundation
Kittipong Sutthi, Thai Blind People's Foundation
Tanakom Talawat, Thai Blind People's Foundation

### Physical and Motor Accessibility Solutions for iPhone

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Education, and Mobility
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Physical and Motor Accessibility Solutions for iPhone

This session highlights iOS accessibility features for physical and motor disabilities. It explains setup, shortcuts, and features to optimize usability. Participants learn how to tailor configurations for different needs, empowering millions to use iPhone more efficiently and effectively.

Presenter: Chris Fleizach, Apple, Inc

### Productivity Reimagined: Leveraging AI & Copilot in M365 Apps

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Productivity Reimagined: Leveraging AI & Copilot in M365 Apps

Discover how Microsoft Copilot empowers users of screen readers, magnifiers, and voice input to work more efficiently across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. This session demonstrates practical, AT-first workflows for drafting, rewriting, summarizing, and analyzing data.

Presenters: Clint Covington, Microsoft
Doug Geoffray, Microsoft

### The Hidden Curriculum: Why Mainstream Tech Access Matters

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and School-to-Work Transitioning
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: The Hidden Curriculum: Why Mainstream Tech Access Matters

Blind and low vision students need explicit instruction to use mainstream tools like Google Classroom and Drive. This session explores strategies to teach these skills directly, foster independence, and promote a universal design mindset - helping all students thrive alongside their peers.

Presenter: Allison Mello, California School for the Blind

### Trading Blindfully: Challenges, Strategies, Techniques and Tools

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Trading Blindfully: Challenges, Strategies, Techniques and Tools

This session highlights challenges blind traders face and explores accessible tools, strategies, and innovations that enable independent, informed trading - promoting equity and inclusion in the global financial marketplace.

Presenter: Chetan Bakhru, JPMorgan Chase

### Working Together: Overcoming Adversity with Gabby Giffords

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Mobility, Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: Working Together: Overcoming Adversity with Gabby Giffords

Join former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords for brief remarks, sharing what it's like to face overwhelming barriers. After her remarks, Gabby will conduct a meet-and-greet with members of the audience. Join us for a chance to hear this inspiring message and meet Gabby Giffords.

Presenter: Michael Paciello, AudioEye

## 2:20 PM

### Accessibility for Small Business: A Practical Roadmap

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Disability Specific, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Accessibility for Small Business: A Practical Roadmap

Accessibility isn't just for big companies. Learn how SMBs can take simple, cost-effective steps to improve digital inclusion, attract more customers, and build lasting accessibility practices.

Presenter: Michael Harshbarger, Deque Systems, Inc.

### Automated Accessibility Testing for Design Systems Using AI

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Automated Accessibility Testing for Design Systems Using AI

eBay's Accessibility team used AI coding assistants to build an end-to-end test suite with automated accessibility checks. This talk explores tools, strategies, and challenges, helping developers and accessibility specialists leverage AI to improve testing workflows and expand their skills.

Presenters: Goutham Ponnada, Ebay
Ian McBurnie, eBay
Wendy Reid, eBay Inc.

### Beginner's Guide to Web Accessibility Testing

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Beginner's Guide to Web Accessibility Testing

Discover how to start web accessibility testing with confidence. Learn simple techniques for spotting common issues, when to rely on tools vs. manual checks, and how to write clear bug reports. Experience a speed audit, and gain practical skills you can apply across QA, design, and development.

Presenters: Kai Wong, Teladoc Health
Meredith Tully, Accessible Path Consulting

### Beyond Books: NLS Tech for All Abilities

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Mobility, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Beyond Books: NLS Tech for All Abilities

Go beyond the basics with NLS as we demonstrate lesser-known features and accessories that promote independence and access for patrons with multiple disabilities. From hearing loss to limited mobility or dexterity, NLS has solutions to support a variety of patron needs.

Presenters: Alysha Hiller, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress
Anna Dresner, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress

### Building Accessibility Bridges between Europe and Africa

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, Legal, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Building Accessibility Bridges between Europe and Africa

This session explores how InDiCo-Global; AccessAustria and inABLE Africa are building accessibility bridges between Europe and Africa. Learn how standards, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder cooperation drive inclusive digital transformation.

Presenter: Klaus Hoeckner, Access Austria/HGBS

### Digital Accessibility Innovations Diffusion in Higher Education

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Digital Accessibility Innovations Diffusion in Higher Education

What is needed to advance digital accessibility across higher education? We will share findings from a survey of 314 IT leaders and digital accessibility practitioners, including both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings include established and emerging practices across institution types and what professionals think is needed most.

Presenters: Eudora Struble, Wake Forest University
Kyle Shachmut, Harvard University

### Documentation Is Design: Accessibility Starts with What We Say

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Education
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Documentation Is Design: Accessibility Starts with What We Say

Accessibility is often viewed through a technical lens, overlooking the critical role that documentation plays. This talk repositions documentation as a cornerstone of accessibility, demonstrating that the quality, clarity, and inclusivity of written guidance impacts the user experience.

Presenter: Brianna Burrows, T-Mobile

### Increasing Access to Braille through Technology

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Increasing Access to Braille through Technology

Join us as we discuss current gaps, areas of growth in braille technology, and how future products can fit into those gaps. We will focus on beginning braille learners, including those who are learning braille later in life.

Presenter: Sarah Welch, American Printing House for the Blind

### Non-Developer Case Study: Section 508 in Non-Web Applications

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Evaluation and Remediation, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Non-Developer Case Study: Section 508 in Non-Web Applications

Accessibility evaluation of desktop and other non-web applications is often assumed to be a task for developers or technical specialists, yet many evaluators come from non-technical backgrounds. This session presents a case study of how a team of non-developers built practical workflows for assessment.

Presenters: Jonna Alonso, Southern Utah University
Emily Hooser, Southern Utah University
Mateo Osorio Delhonte, Southern Utah University
Cesar Coronel, SUU/FedGov

### Open-Source Tool for More Free Computer Accessibility Tools

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Open-Source Tool for More Free Computer Accessibility Tools

Learn how to find over 300 computer/mobile accessibility tools, many free, that are available for all computers & mobile devices and the Free Tool for discovering which fit the needs of individuals or schools based on needs, computers/mobile devices, and cost.

Presenter: Gregg Vanderheiden, Raising the Floor

### Proactive Accessibility for Reducing Legal Risk

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Legal, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Proactive Accessibility for Reducing Legal Risk

Learn how to reduce legal risk in digital accessibility by aligning compliance efforts with strategic risk management. This session offers practical guidance for professionals navigating the intersection of accessibility and law.

Presenter: Nat Tarnoff, Level Access

### Scaling Technology First: Shifting Culture with Education

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Education, and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Scaling Technology First: Shifting Culture with Education

Technology First works best when everyone's prepared. This session discusses the importance of education and shows how role-specific training ensures lasting impact, equity, and cultural transformation.

Presenter: Patrick Lane, Tech First SHIFT

### Shaping Access: Who's at the Table or on the Menu?

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Shaping Access: Who's at the Table or on the Menu?

This session explores who holds real decision-making power in accessibility across technology, startups, and policy - and what must change to ensure people with disabilities and aging communities are driving, not merely reacting to, innovation, investment, and design priorities.

Presenters: JoAnna Hansen, Amazon
Jennison Asuncion, GAAD Foundation
Tina Gonzales Childress, InnoCaption

### The Changing Landscape of Desktop Low-Vision Technology

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Development, and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: The Changing Landscape of Desktop Low-Vision Technology

Desktop Video Magnifiers have advanced significantly since the early inception, evolving from early CCTV systems to today�s OCR enabled and digitally enhanced devices. We will summarize the three tiers of products in the Desktop Video Magnifier market; the features and benefits associated with them.

Presenter: Patrick Murphy, Vispero

### The Road to RNIB Accreditation for Capital One's UK Website

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Web
- Audience: Finance & Banking, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: The Road to RNIB Accreditation for Capital One's UK Website

This will be a joint talk by Capital One and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) about how Capital One UK achieved the RNIB's Tried and Tested accreditation for the website and the importance of usability in achieving a true accessible customer experience.

Presenters: Robin Spinks, RNIB
Alison George, Capital One UK
Natascha Zelloe, Capital One

### W3C WAI Update 2026: WCAG 2, WCAG 3, User Experiences, Resources

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Web
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Legal, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: W3C WAI Update 2026: WCAG 2, WCAG 3, User Experiences, Resources

Learn the latest developments from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2, the in-progress WCAG 3, and new online resources to scale up your organization's skills to create accessibility user experiences.

Presenter: Shawn Henry, W3C

### Who Cares If Screen Readers Say the Right Thing?

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Web, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Who Cares If Screen Readers Say the Right Thing?

We share interoperability test data contrasting how screen readers convey web content, addressing questions like: Do differences affect accessibility? Should screen reader makers strive for some level of consistency? If yes, how could that happen?

Presenters: Brett Lewis, Vispero
Matt King, Meta
Jonathan Mosen, National Federation of the Blind
Preety Kumar, Deque
Michael Fairchild, Microsoft

## 3:20 PM

### Automatic Descriptions for Interactive Charts

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Automatic Descriptions for Interactive Charts

Designing an interactive chart that meets the diverse needs of users is a serious and purposeful endeavor. Can we leverage text descriptions and markup techniques to create a user-friendly, accessible experience? Highcharts and Elsevier have recently shared research on making charts more accessible.

Presenters: Jay Nemchik, Elsevier
Oystein Moseng, Highcharts
Ted Gies, Elsevier

### Beyond Captions: Creating Accessible Videos

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Captions and Transcription
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Beyond Captions: Creating Accessible Videos

Captions are an important first step toward accessible video design, but they're not the whole story. This session explores practical ways to make videos more inclusive for people with a variety of disabilities.

Presenter: Sumner Davenport, SMDA Web Accessibility Team

### Beyond Compliance: Managing Accessibility as a Product

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Finance & Banking, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Beyond Compliance: Managing Accessibility as a Product

Gain strategies for approaching accessibility from a product perspective, not just compliance. Learn how to use data, metrics, and user impact to prioritize work, influence decisions, and embed accessibility into the product lifecycle, delivering inclusive, scalable experiences across teams & roles.

Presenter: Robert Grill, Maximus

### Beyond Consumption: BLV Community Producing Mapping Data

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, Transportation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Beyond Consumption: BLV Community Producing Mapping Data

Learn how BLV travelers are becoming stewards of their own navigation data. Using AVIV ScoutRoute, they highlight features that support movement and flag barriers that hinder it. By using AccessMap, they validate information in real time, creating an accurate and inclusive navigation system.

Presenters: Anat Caspi, Taskar Center for Accessible Technology - University of Washington
Kunal Mehta, Taskar Center for Accessible Technology - University of Washington
Wisam Yasen, Taskar Center for Accessible technology - University of Washington

### Building Capacity to Ensure Digital Accessibility Compliance

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Building Capacity to Ensure Digital Accessibility Compliance

Ensuring digital content meets WCAG success criteria requires rigorous manual testing. This session will detail how one large organization has created policies and procedures to increase its capacity to ensure accessibility compliance even for large amounts of digital content.

Presenter: Joseph Krack, California Department of Social Services

### Collaborating with UX to Embed Accessibility in Design Workflows

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Media & Publishing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: Collaborating with UX to Embed Accessibility in Design Workflows

Discover how embedding accessible design into your SDLC can drive early inclusion and help meet organizational goals. Learn how accessibility specialists and UX designers collaborated to co-create practical supporting materials, and how we made the partnership successful.

Presenters: Amy Li, Elsevier
Bill Bernstein, Elsevier

### Creating Equitable Customer Experiences for Deaf Consumers

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, Government, Insurance, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: Creating Equitable Customer Experiences for Deaf Consumers

Gain insights into how Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers engage with businesses across various industries and explore a range of tactics, some of which you can start implementing today to improve your customer experience accessibility.

Presenters: Greg Pollock, Communication Service for the Deaf
Ryan Bonheyo, Communication Service for the Deaf

### Designing Games for Players with Sight Loss and Beyond

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Designing Games for Players with Sight Loss and Beyond

Join Activision and the Royal National Institute of Blind to explore how blind and partially sighted gamers experience play. Hear powerful stories and data on accessibility in Call of Duty - showing how inclusive design drives innovation and belonging in gaming.

Presenters: Adrian Ledda, Activision
Jonny Marshall, RNIB
Sonali Rai, RNIB
Magalie Rosseeuw, Activision, Beenox

### Emerging Trends in American Sign Language Avatars

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Emerging Trends in American Sign Language Avatars

This session highlights new trends in ASL avatars technology, referencing recent research conducted by both Gallaudet University and Pearson Education. Research on ASL avatars has evolved from technical feasibility to examining their linguistic fidelity, cultural authenticity, and acceptance in Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Presenters: Raja Kushalnagar, Gallaudet University
Steve Noble, Pearson

### Index Braille Printing and Tactile Graphics Made Easy

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Index Braille Printing and Tactile Graphics Made Easy

Index Braille, Sweden, is the world leading company for Braille Embossers. For more than 40 years we have worked continuously to "make Braille printing easy". Here you will learn more about our products, what we mean by Braille printing made easy, and our method of producing Tactile graphics.

Presenter: Mikael Vikman Sunna, Index Braille AB

### Open Sourcing: Expanding Horizons for Awareness Lab Models

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Product Demonstration
- Audience: Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Open Sourcing: Expanding Horizons for Awareness Lab Models

Accessibility Awareness Labs offer hands-on experience with assistive technologies, helping teams grasp digital accessibility challenges. Labs are flexible, customizable, and now available in open source, making it easier to host impactful sessions.

Presenters: Joe Kocher, Deque
Patrick Sturdivant, Deque Systems

### Real Time Spatial Communication for the Deaf

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Retail & Wholesale, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Real Time Spatial Communication for the Deaf

Proto Hologram lets deaf individuals effortlessly engage by beaming life-size, real-time holograms. Discover how Proto enhances accessibility through real-time sign language interpretation, expressive 3D visual communication and remote access.

Presenter: Brittany Barry, Proto Hologram

### Social Feedback Loop: From Insights to Opportunities

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Social Feedback Loop: From Insights to Opportunities

Learn how Amazon is committed to our customers by discovering what people are really saying about accessibility relating to Amazon across social media platforms, turning these valuable insights to drive meaningful improvement to our customer experience.

Presenter: Lisa Zhou, Amazon

### Starting an Accessibility Champions Program: Real-World Lessons

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Starting an Accessibility Champions Program: Real-World Lessons

Learn how to launch and grow an Accessibility Champions Program, even with limited resources. This session provides practical steps, real-world lessons, and common pitfalls to avoid, equipping you with the tools to build momentum and integrate accessibility throughout your organization.

Presenters: Kristin Wilson, Cencora
Jonathan Castaneda, Cencora

### The Success in Developing Thai Braille Table in LibLouis

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: The Success in Developing Thai Braille Table in LibLouis

This presentation details the Thai Braille table's integration into LibLouis, highlighting collaborative innovation and a sound-based algorithm. Participants will gain actionable strategies for interdisciplinary development of accessible technologies for structurally complex languages.

Presenters: Kamonwan Inaram, National Braille Promotion and Development Fund
Chatupol Nootatong, National Braille Promotion and Development Fund
Kanit Pamanee, Thailand Association of the Blind

### Title II: Understanding & Responding to Its Requirements

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Title II: Understanding & Responding to Its Requirements

ADA Title II requirements for web content and mobile accessibility place responsibilities on public entities and on their suppliers. This session explores how Title II affects public entities and vendors and outlines key strategies for meeting requirements for covered products and services.

Presenter: David Sloan, Vispero

## 4:20 PM

### Beyond the Pixels: Re-Anchoring Meaning in Alt Text Systems

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Beyond the Pixels: Re-Anchoring Meaning in Alt Text Systems

Learn how to move beyond AI-generated alt text toward scalable, resilient systems for producing quality descriptions at scale. This session shows how to embed image purpose into workflows, pair AI with human expertise, and transform alt text from a compliance task into a meaningful, valuable asset.

Presenters: Caroline Desrosiers, Scribely
Erin Coleman, Scribely

### Blurry Lines: Anti-Patterns Impacting Low Vision Experience

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Blurry Lines: Anti-Patterns Impacting Low Vision Experience

Discover design anti-patterns that pass WCAG but create barriers for low vision users, especially those using screen magnifiers or enlarged text. Learn to spot potential issues and leave with practical tips for more inclusive design.

Presenter: Cassandra Mendez, JPMorgan Chase

### Can You R-E-A-D Me Now?

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Video and Live Streaming, Captions and Transcription, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Can You R-E-A-D Me Now?

This session explores captioning solutions across mobile devices, videoconferencing, streaming, and social media. Attendees will learn to enable, customize, and evaluate captions while gaining strategies to advocate for effective communication access in daily life.

Presenter: Tina Gonzales Childress, InnoCaption

### Certificate in Foundation of Accessibility at College of the Desert

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Certificate in Foundation of Accessibility at College of the Desert

Discover how a new accessibility certificate equips professionals with skills in compliance, universal design, accommodations, and assistive technology. The Foundations in Accessibility is a three-course Certification offered at a California Community College.

Presenter: Jonathan Gorges, College of the Desert

### Evaluating VLMs to Generate Accessible STEM Image Descriptions

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Evaluating VLMs to Generate Accessible STEM Image Descriptions

By attending this session, participants will: 1. Understand the accessibility challenges posed by inadequate image descriptions in STEM textbooks for visually impaired learners. 2. Learn about a two-phase evaluation of Vision-Language Models (VLMs) that combines quantitative benchmarking with qualitative expert feedback.

Presenters: Piyush Chanana, National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Shambhavi Thakur, National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

### Extending Web Platform Tests for Accessibility Interoperability

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Extending Web Platform Tests for Accessibility Interoperability

Starting in 2022, all major browser engine developers across the industry collaborated to kickstart Interop Accessibility, a continuous integration accessibility testing project for all browsers. Tests are write-once, run-anywhere, and web devs can help. Come learn how!

Presenter: Rahim Abdi, Apple, Inc

### FCC Disability Rights Office: What You Need to Know

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Captions and Transcription, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 4
- Title: FCC Disability Rights Office: What You Need to Know

Come find out what the FCC's Disability Rights Office does, and how it affects your day-to-day life. A DRO attorney will provide an update on several hot-button FCC proceedings, unravel the mysteries of closed captioning regulations, and take questions from the audience.

Presenter: Ike Ofobike, Federal Communications Commission

### From Data to Design: Driving UX with Accessibility Metrics

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3
- Title: From Data to Design: Driving UX with Accessibility Metrics

Discover how to move beyond compliance dashboards and error counts to uncover the real stories behind accessibility data. Learn practical methods for turning metrics into actionable UX improvements, influencing leadership, and driving inclusive design practices across industries and roles.

Presenter: Angela Young, Epsilon

### LG 's Commitment to Accessibility : A Better Life for All

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, Sales, Retail & Wholesale, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: LG 's Commitment to Accessibility : A Better Life for All

LG Electronics will present its comprehensive global accessibility initiatives aimed at empowering independent living for individuals with disabilities. The session will spotlight LG's inclusive technologies and products, demonstrating the company's commitment to creating &quot;A Better Life for All.&quot;

Presenters: Kyle Yongkyu Kim, LG Electronics
Youngla Lyu, LG Electronics
Hanna Ju, LG Electronics
John Taylor, LG Electronics USA

### Making a Case (Study) for Accessible Entertainment

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Leisure and Travel, Emerging Technologies, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Making a Case (Study) for Accessible Entertainment

As technology-centered entertainment experiences grow, so do potential accessibility barriers. Everyone deserves access to entertainment, whether that is through accessible technology-centered spaces or by integrating accessibility solutions with technology into "every day" entertainment spaces.

Presenter: Jan Williams, Vispero

### Responsible AI and Accessibility: A Unified Framework

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Responsible AI and Accessibility: A Unified Framework

Discover why accessibility isn't an add-on but is fundamental to responsible AI. We'll show how AI bias creates both ethical and accessibility issues, and we'll provide a roadmap for building more equitable and robust AI systems from the ground up.

Presenters: Michael Blume, Workday
Murtuza Shergadwala, Workday
Divya Nagaraja, Workday

### The Art of Relationships to Hit Your Accessibility Tipping Point

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Sales, Manufacturing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: The Art of Relationships to Hit Your Accessibility Tipping Point

Come and learn how to reach the tipping point of your accessibility program with strong relationships, clear and effective messaging and buy-in at the right levels. We will begin to build your resources so you can have the critical momentum to turn small wins into lasting cultural change.

Presenter: Kelly Melcher, State of Minnesota Department of Human Services

### Tunable Assistance: Enhancing Media A11y with Adjustable Captions

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Captions and Transcription, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Tunable Assistance: Enhancing Media A11y with Adjustable Captions

Introduces the concept of Tunable Assistance and demo its prototype for users to experience different representations of environmental sounds and music. Participants can share their impressions and discuss the challenges of conventional captions/audio description.

Presenters: Chikako Asai, Sony Group Corporation
Remu Hida, Sony Group Corporation
Tatsuo Fujiwara, Sony Group Corporation

### Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Build Accessible Apps

- Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Build Accessible Apps

We will focus on using AI to assist applications with their accessibility needs. We will talk about the use of AI powered assistance. We will also share guidelines that apps can follow to ensure their product is fully accessible and usable, and how accessibility can be incorporated into the software development lifecycle.

Presenters: Nikita Varma, Yahoo
Mohit Goenka, Yahoo

# Thursday, March 12, 2026

## 8:00 AM

### Featured Presentation: What's New in Google Accessibility

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (8:00 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Featured Presentation: What's New in Google Accessibility

Join us to hear announcements from several Google teams about products, tools, and features. We've made a lot of progress in the last year and we're excited to share a few highlights with you all!

Presenters: James Stout, Google
Jing He, Google
NM Dayton, Google
Anna Chou, Google
Perrin Anto, Google

## 9:20 AM

### Breaking Down the Barriers of Workplace Inaccessibility

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Insurance, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Breaking Down the Barriers of Workplace Inaccessibility

This session reframes workplace accessibility beyond compliance. Be My Eyes Workplace, built with blind users, shows how true access includes culture, collaboration, and autonomy, not just forms and workflows.

Presenters: Danielle Montour, Be My Eyes
Andy Bailey, Be My Eyes

### Can AI Expand Access? Promise and Risks in Audio Description

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Research
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Can AI Expand Access? Promise and Risks in Audio Description

AI-generated AD is not yet ready to replace human describers. But used carefully, it has potential to expand access for user-generated, factual, and legacy content, and to support professional workflows. This session explores research findings and next steps to balance innovation with quality.

Presenters: Jonny Marshall, RNIB
Aidan Bryant, YouTube
Sonali Rai, RNIB
Sabine Braun, University of Surrey

### Can Today's Smart Glasses Do What Many Blind People Really Need?

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Can Today's Smart Glasses Do What Many Blind People Really Need?

A comparison using three smart glasses, Agiga EchoVision, Ally Solos from Envision, and the Meta Ray-Bans and how each performs selected everyday visual tasks. Tasks were selected based on their frequency of occurrence. They are ones that current assistive technology cannot do well.

Presenter: Judith Dixon

### Closing Gaps & Improving Access to Digital Materials for Students

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Closing Gaps & Improving Access to Digital Materials for Students

Discover NCADEMI's new Quality Indicators for Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction. Learn how they help agencies build and evaluate systems for accessible materials. Explore key components, action steps, and resources to strengthen accessibility culture and drive improvement.

Presenters: Christopher Phillips, National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction
Jena Fahlbush, National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction

### Deaf/Hard of Hearing Accessibility Options on iOS and Android

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Captions and Transcription, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Accessibility Options on iOS and Android

Explore mobile tools that enhance access for DHH users, including iOS/Android features and apps for captions, alerts, and device integration to support communication and independence.

Presenter: Tina Gonzales Childress, InnoCaption

### From Idea to Impact: Launching Inclusive Innovation Labs

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Emerging Technologies, and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: From Idea to Impact: Launching Inclusive Innovation Labs

Learn how to build inclusive innovation labs centered on users with disabilities. This session covers accessible space design, co-creation workshops, and lessons from Microsoft's Inclusive Tech Lab - offering actionable insights for scaling inclusion across industries.

Presenter: Jennifer Sharp, Microsoft

### Getting Real about Accessibility Testing

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Getting Real about Accessibility Testing

Accessibility testing is far from seamless. Join this candid conversation about the potential failures, hidden pitfalls, and real-world lessons to reveal what truly works (and doesn't) in building effective accessibility testing programs.

Presenter: Brianna Burrows, T-Mobile

### Identifying Stains in Clothing for Individuals Who Are Blind

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Independent Living, and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Identifying Stains in Clothing for Individuals Who Are Blind

This session introduces a research prototype of a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence to detect stains on clothing and deliver real-time audio and haptic feedback to assist blind and visually impaired people with wardrobe management. We will explore the app's design, its user-c

Presenters: Guarionex Salivia, Gustavus Adolphus College
Flint Million, Minnesota State University, Mankato

### Making a Case for Vision: Accessible Marketing for Assistive Tech

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Web
- Audience: Disability Specific, Sales, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Making a Case for Vision: Accessible Marketing for Assistive Tech

What happens when digital accessibility meets physical assistive tech? Magic, music, and marketing that include everyone. This session blends story with strategy, showing how to amplify impact, spark inclusion, and turn accessibility into a powerful driver of marketing success.

Presenter: Simon Miner, Case for Vision

### Neuroinclusive Creation: Designing for the Full Spectrum of Minds

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Entertainment & Recreation, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Neuroinclusive Creation: Designing for the Full Spectrum of Minds

Discover practical strategies for designing branding and digital experiences that embrace neurodiversity. Learn how inclusive choices in content, color, typography, and motion can reduce barriers and create more welcoming, usable experiences.

Presenter: Dana Randall, Level Access

### People with Disabilities Are a Market Too

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: People with Disabilities Are a Market Too

Big tech researches cultural norms when entering new regions, but disability communities deserve equal consideration. As major companies become access tech providers, what norms should they understand, and how well do current practices align with community expectations?

Presenter: Jonathan Mosen, National Federation of the Blind

### Running Your Own Podcast and YouTube Channel When You're Blind

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Video and Live Streaming, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Running Your Own Podcast and YouTube Channel When You're Blind

After years of making videos, podcasts, and hosting online events, I'm excited to share what I've learned with other blind and low vision creators. This talk offers practical, friendly tips for making visual content that connects with everyone.

Presenter: Lucy Greco, accessaces.com

### The Digital Accessibility Problem Is Not What You Think It Is

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: The Digital Accessibility Problem Is Not What You Think It Is

Digital accessibility is a people problem, not a technical one. Stop relying on automated tools and legal policies. Instead, build a culture where designers, engineers, and testers are motivated by a sense of purpose and pride to create high-quality, inclusive products.

Presenter: Stewart Hay, Intopia

### The Future in Focus: AI-Enabled Devices That Empower

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: The Future in Focus: AI-Enabled Devices That Empower

Learn how integrating AI-powered computer vision into an accessibility device transforms a video magnifier into an intelligent assistant. See how document summarization, receipt reading, and image-based Q&A expand independence and real-world usability for blind and low-vision users.

Presenters: Omar Wahby, Vispero
Patrick Murphy, Vispero

### Understanding Accessibility of Ads Toward Inclusive Experiences

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Web, and Research
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Understanding Accessibility of Ads Toward Inclusive Experiences

In this session, we will share research insights on how blind and low-vision users experience inaccessible ads, as well as their preferences for navigating such content. We will also offer practical takeaways for designers and developers to make online advertising more accessible and inclusive.

Presenters: Murtaza Tamjeed, Yahoo!
Nicole Woodson, Yahoo

## 10:20 AM

### AI and AT: Balancing Security with Productivity

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Government, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: AI and AT: Balancing Security with Productivity

Join this interactive session where companies share experiences on navigating AI adoption in assistive technology. Explore how to balance security, privacy, and productivity while fostering collaboration on best practices for people who are blind.

Presenter: Ryan Jones, Vispero

### Brick By Brick: What You Can Learn through Lego

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Leisure and Travel, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Brick By Brick: What You Can Learn through Lego

Learn how to use Lego bricks to be a better rock climber, notate music, and make your favorite hobbies and sports more accessible to blind and deafblind participants. We'll brainstorm accessible solutions together and build them with LEGO bricks.

Presenter: Matthew Shifrin, Bricks For The Blind

### Copilot for Maps: Privacy-First Conversational Design

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, Transportation, Legal, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Copilot for Maps: Privacy-First Conversational Design

Blind travelers told us: &quot;Describe this intersection&quot; and &quot;What's next door?&quot; We built those insights into Copilot for Maps. See it live and learn conversational design patterns that reduce disclosure fatigue and protect privacy.

Presenter: Jessie Lorenz, Microsoft

### Crafting Accessible 3D Nursing Simulations in Unity WebGL

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Crafting Accessible 3D Nursing Simulations in Unity WebGL

Learn how Shadow Health from Elsevier is revamping its Unity WebGL 3D nursing simulations with keyboard navigation, a built-in screen reader, and immersive audio descriptions. Gain actionable insights on inclusive design, collaborative development, and enhancing student's educational experience.

Presenters: Eric Crozier, Elsevier
Nicholas Seow, Elsevier

### Glow and Tell: Designing Courses That Shine for Everyone

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Glow and Tell: Designing Courses That Shine for Everyone

Does it matter what your online course looks like? Can aesthetics and accessibility can live hand in hand in course design? In this session we'll talk about developing courses that give equal footing to flow and visual appeal while aiming to ensure that all learners' varying needs are met.

Presenter: Mike Mara, Ohio State University

### How Challenge Led to Change: My Path to Working in Accessibility

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Development
- Audience: Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: How Challenge Led to Change: My Path to Working in Accessibility

Sometimes opportunity emerges from an unexpected place. Please join me as I share the story of how a challenging event changed my life, and in the process, presented exciting new personal and professional opportunities, including a rewarding career in accessibility.

Presenter: Doug Clark, The Walt Disney Company

### iGuide: A Multimodal App for Visually Impaired Museum Visitors

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: iGuide: A Multimodal App for Visually Impaired Museum Visitors

The use of technology in public spaces such as museums for visually impaired individuals is usually done by enhancing the sensory experience for low vision visitors, primarily with regard to tactility and auditory sensation. However, these experiences do not well consider the interactive aspect. Hen

Presenters: Zhigang Zhu, The City College of The City University of New York
Brandon Vasquez, The City College at The City University of New York

### Improving Media Accessibility at Global Scale

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Improving Media Accessibility at Global Scale

We're advancing global content accessibility at Prime Video through innovative solutions for Audio Description, Photo-sensitive Epilepsy scanning, and Dialogue Boost. We're making audio descriptions as universal as captions across languages, using quality frameworks, automation, and standardization.

Presenters: Chris Nooney, Amazon
Abishua Abraham, Amazon
Lakshmi Ziskin, Amazon - Prime Video

### Making Sense of VPATs and ACRs: What You Need to Know

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Evaluation and Remediation, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Making Sense of VPATs and ACRs: What You Need to Know

Learn how to confidently interpret and apply VPATs and ACRs in accessibility work. This session offers practical insights and real-world strategies to improve procurement and compliance outcomes.

Presenter: Nat Tarnoff, Level Access

### Making Unilever's Packaging Accessible for Everyone

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, Manufacturing, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Making Unilever's Packaging Accessible for Everyone

Discover how Unilever is scaling Accessible QR codes across 6Bn packs to make packaging inclusive for all. Learn real-world impact, brand and consumer benefits, and future innovations, offering actionable insights for beginners to experts across design, compliance, marketing, and accessibility.

Presenter: Marc Powell, Unilever

### Scaffold Learning with Generative AI: How to Train Your AI Dragon

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Scaffold Learning with Generative AI: How to Train Your AI Dragon

Learn about 2 pilot projects that developed the WISER (Ways to Inquire, Solve, Express, and Reflect) prototype. As children engage in learning experiences, the AI-supported generative prompting in WISER scaffolds learning so children with disabilities can demonstrate and deepen their understanding.

Presenter: Matt Kaplowitz, Bridge Multimedia

### Shifting Left: Making Accessibility Core to Your Design Process

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Shifting Left: Making Accessibility Core to Your Design Process

STOP relying on costly QA to fix your accessibility problems. Learn the "Shift Left" strategy to move checks into design and conception, fostering an inclusive culture and reducing technical debt. You'll master the A11y Design Review, address common pitfalls, and build a more sustainable product.

Presenters: Jayashree Prabunathan, Google LLC
Shirisha Gubba, Google LLC

### Storytelling through Captioning

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Video and Live Streaming, Captions and Transcription, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Storytelling through Captioning

Go beyond basic compliance and discover how high-quality, context-aware captions can transform user experiences. This session explores techniques for creating captions that not only convey dialogue but also tell a story, enhancing comprehension and engagement for all audiences.

Presenter: Sarah Margolis-Greenbaum, Intuit

### The Accessibility Gap in AI-Generated Code: Research & Solutions

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: The Accessibility Gap in AI-Generated Code: Research & Solutions

Feeling burned by inaccessible AI code? Having difficulty determining what is fact from fiction in all the claims about AI? Join us to cut through the hype around AI code generation and learn the answer, &quot;Will the code AI gives me actually be accessible?&quot;

Presenter: Preety Kumar, Deque

### The PDF Accessibility Index: 2025-2026 Benchmark Report

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Legal, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: The PDF Accessibility Index: 2025-2026 Benchmark Report

Serving as the launch of the first-ever PDF Accessibility Index, this session will reveal results from analysis of the state of PDF accessibility. Following rigorous testing of PDFs from key industries, learn trends, benchmarks, and common failures, with insights to drive organizational change.

Presenters: Daniel Sullivan, Allyant
Amy Walldorf, Allyant

### User-Centered Orientation & Mobility Co-Design with BLV Partners

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Mobility
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: User-Centered Orientation & Mobility Co-Design with BLV Partners

Learn how a required User-Centered Design course engages engineering students in co-designing O&M solutions with blind and low vision partners. This session highlights how design teams navigate lived experience, prior art, and venue constraints to identify viable solutions.

Presenters: Ronald Peterson, University of San Diego
Odesma Dalrymple, University of San Diego

## 11:20 AM

### Automation Beyond Axe Core

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Automation Beyond Axe Core

Talk about AI in automated accessibility. Showcase advanced rules and automated IGTs in deque products. Discuss considerations, and the importance of transparency and human oversight.

Presenter: Wilco Fiers, Deque

### Bridging the Gap: Teleservices for Low Vision in Healthcare and Daily Living

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Bridging the Gap: Teleservices for Low Vision in Healthcare and Daily Living

Attendees will gain strategies for integrating teleservices into healthcare and community programs, learn real-world applications that enhance independence, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between providers, clients, and caregivers.

Presenters: Kathryn Scheuring, Braille Institute
Melissa Caruso, Braille Institute

### Creating Accessible Video Content: A Ripple Effect

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Employment & Human Resources, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Creating Accessible Video Content: A Ripple Effect

Can a custom, accessible video player spark change? At Hilton it has. Learn about our video player and how support for it took on a life of its own. Hear how accessible video has become a tool for marketing, outreach, localization, and more inclusive learning.

Presenters: Adam Page, Hilton
Megan Lilly, Hilton
Leo Kapusta, Hilton
Zane McHattie, Hilton

### Custom AI Chatbots for Student Accessibility and Solutions

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Custom AI Chatbots for Student Accessibility and Solutions

This session showcases the CAT Lab Student Helper chatbot, along with bots created by other colleges, to demonstrate how AI can support students with disabilities. Attendees will explore platforms and gain resources, including PlayLab access, to begin building their own chatbot solutions.

Presenters: Mike Sauter, Saddleback College
Brian Krause, El Camino College
Aaron Holmes, Mira Costa College

### Employment-Related Assistive Technology Needs in Autistic Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Healthcare and Rehabilitation, and Research
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, Employment & Human Resources, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Employment-Related Assistive Technology Needs in Autistic Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study

Explore findings from a national study of 501 autistic adults on assistive technology needs in employment. Learn where AT is most needed, common barriers to use, and practical strategies to create more accessible, personalized workplace supports.

Presenter: Kaiqi Zhou, University of North Texas

### Gulf of Evaluation? Don't Make Me Think� like a Designer!

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Media & Publishing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Gulf of Evaluation? Don't Make Me Think� like a Designer!

Affordances are what things can do. Signifiers are the clues. When they don't match - like a pull handle on a push door - people fail. This talk shows how to spot these mix-ups in your applications and fix them so they work for everyone.

Presenter: Ted Drake, Intuit

### Insights on Assistive Technology Transfer from NIDILRR Grants

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Research
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Insights on Assistive Technology Transfer from NIDILRR Grants

This session explores the factors that influence the transition from grant funding to outcomes, including publications and patents, for NIDILRR-funded assistive technology innovations. Using a 40-year dataset of over 2,000 NIDILRR projects, we categorized disability focus areas and analyzed how inst

Presenters: Mary Goldberg, University of Pittsburgh
Jonathan Pearlman, University of Pittsburgh

### Is Your Website "Automated Checker Friendly"?

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Insurance, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Is Your Website "Automated Checker Friendly"?

There are ways of building websites which work well with automated accessibility checkers, and ways that don't. Learn how to build your site to be as &quot;Automated Checker Friendly&quot; as possible, and get the most coverage and the least noise out of your automated checker, regardless of vendor.

Presenters: Dan Tripp, Siteimprove
Jeremy Gonzales, Siteimprove

### Math Accessibility for Students with Various Print Disabilities

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Math Accessibility for Students with Various Print Disabilities

A new web service for converting inaccessible PDF/PowerPoint math materials into various accessible forms is demonstrated. Our accessible math-document editor, which empowers students with print disabilities to author math contents in an intuitive manner, is also discussed.

Presenters: Toshihiko Komada, Nihon University
Katsuhito Yamaguchi, Nihon University

### No Mouse, No Keyboard, No Problem: Accessible Kiosk Apps

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Government, Transportation, Finance & Banking, and Retail & Wholesale
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: No Mouse, No Keyboard, No Problem: Accessible Kiosk Apps

Learn how kiosk apps differ from websites, why simplicity drives accessibility, and how to design for limited input, hardware integration, and predictable user flows. Attendees will gain practical insights for making kiosks usable across industries.

Presenter: Matt Ater, Vispero

### Open Source Accessibility: 2026 Update and Future Plans

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Engineering, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Open Source Accessibility: 2026 Update and Future Plans

The first Open Source Accessibility Summit was held in October 2025. We'll share a summary of the summit and provide an update on current projects. Join us if you are an open source leader, contributor, or just interested in learning more!

Presenters: Joshua Miele, Center for Accessibility and Open Source
J. Mankoff, UW CREATE
Ed Summers, GitHub

### Title II: Adapting W3C APA Note A11y Maturity Model for Schools

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Title II: Adapting W3C APA Note A11y Maturity Model for Schools

Leverage the Accessibility Maturity Model from the W3C APA Working Group to ensure ADA Title II readiness.&nbsp; Learn from a 4-institution pilot, see how we have adapted the model for schools, and leave with a strategic implementation roadmap.

Presenter: Charles LaPierre, Benetech

### Unlocking Data Visualization Accessibility with Generative AI

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Unlocking Data Visualization Accessibility with Generative AI

Data visualizations tell vital business stories, but accessibility solutions often miss the narrative behind the data. Learn how generative AI can make these stories accessible to all users, and discover how to implement similar solutions with no coding needed.

Presenter: Jory Cunningham, Amazon AWS

### What's New in Chromebook and Android Accessibility

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Military
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: What's New in Chromebook and Android Accessibility

Attendees will gain an understanding of the latest Chromebook and Android assistive technologies. We will explore assistive technology such as enhanced low vision and magnification tools, screen reader updates, live caption, dictation, and more.

Presenters: Jason Yan, Google
Mariah Moon, Google
Anna Chou, Google
Daniel Norman, Google
Ali Forelli, Google

## 12:00 PM

### Birds of a Feather: Accessibility & AI

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 5
- Title: Birds of a Feather: Accessibility & AI

Join colleagues, innovators, and advocates for an open networking session focused on the rapidly evolving intersection of accessibility and artificial intelligence. This Birds of a Feather meetup provides a space to share experiences, explore challenges, spark collaborations, and discuss the future of inclusive AI. Whether you're developing AI tools, researching impacts, or championing accessibility in your organization, this informal gathering is a chance to connect with others who share your passion.Hosts: Ken Bigler and Ted Drake

Presenter:

## 1:20 PM

### Accessibility Policy: Your Ally in Inclusion

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Legal, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Accessibility Policy: Your Ally in Inclusion

A strong accessibility policy drives lasting change but requires careful planning, ongoing review, and engagement. Learn best practices for creating, implementing, and maintaining a policy that motivates buy-in and benefits all stakeholders.

Presenters: Emily Mathias, Deque
Patrick Sturdivant, Deque Systems

### AI as an Ally: Empowering Disability Services and Their Students

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI as an Ally: Empowering Disability Services and Their Students

Learn how AI can help address the invisible understaffing epidemic in higher education by acting as a strategic amplifier, filling operational gaps, reducing burnout, and enabling DSOs to maintain the services that their students need to succeed!

Presenter: Erin Lucas, Johnson & Johnson

### Beyond the User Interface: The Importance of Documenting Accessibility Efforts

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Beyond the User Interface: The Importance of Documenting Accessibility Efforts

Explore why accessibility strategy should pay the same attention to documentation as to design, development, and testing. Learn what to collect, how to maintain it, and how strong documentation processes support compliance, improve user experience for people with disabilities, and reduce legal risk.

Presenter: David Sloan, Vispero

### Building a Playbook for Accessibility, from Design-to-Development

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Building a Playbook for Accessibility, from Design-to-Development

A practical playbook for embedding accessibility into the design-to-development lifecycle. Learn where to place checkpoints, which ceremonies to run, and how to evolve annotations and handoffs so accessibility consistently makes it from design through implementation.

Presenters: Wesley Hulsizer, Level Access
Ian O'Bara, Level Access

### Captions, AD, and ASL: AI-Assisted Video Accessibility Tool

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Captions, AD, and ASL: AI-Assisted Video Accessibility Tool

DCMP has a new video accessibility tool for adding captions, audio description, and sign language. It is unique because the tool itself is accessible to those with hearing and vision loss. This online tool utilizes AI features to streamline processes. Learn how it can benefit you and your students.

Presenters: Kyle Sisk, DCMP
Jason Stark, Described and Captioned Media Program

### Develop Literacy Skills with the Support of AI

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Develop Literacy Skills with the Support of AI

What is AI, how is it used, what is preliminary research saying about its effectiveness with students with disabilities, and finally, which AI tools support the learning process for all students, especially those with learning challenges?

Presenter: Nanci Shepardson

### Embedding Accessibility into Scholarly Publishing Programs

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, and Media & Publishing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Embedding Accessibility into Scholarly Publishing Programs

In this presentation, we will share how the Penn State Libraries Open Publishing Program is approaching accessibility. Our goal is to share guidance and resources with publishers so they can strengthen their own accessibility practices.

Presenters: Angel Peterson, Penn State University Libraries
Jules Luck, Penn State University Libraries

### Employee-Driven Accessibility Initiatives That Deliver Impact

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, Employment & Human Resources, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: Employee-Driven Accessibility Initiatives That Deliver Impact

Accessibility-focused employee initiatives can drive meaningful change when built with intention. This session offers a proven approach to launching, growing, and sustaining efforts across teams, with practical steps to turn grassroots work into measurable impact.

Presenter: Mariella Paulino, AudioEye

### Enhancing Employee Experience with Accessible L&D

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Enhancing Employee Experience with Accessible L&D

Learn how to integrate accessibility into HR and L&D for an inclusive workplace. We'll explore developing accessible training, selecting inclusive technology, and empowering managers to support employees with disabilities. Move from compliance to a proactive employee experience strategy, today!

Presenter: Britne Jenke, Inclusive Pixelation

### How Well Do CCC Disability Service Centers' Websites Inform?

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Web, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: How Well Do CCC Disability Service Centers' Websites Inform?

College-bound students with disabilities (SWD) want to know what to expect from campus disability centers (DSC), and the DSC's website may be the first contact point for those students. Yet DSCs seldom analyze their websites from a data-centric approach. Because of the potential impact of those websites.

Presenter: Lesley Farmer, California St. University Long Beach

### Leveraging AI for A11y: Lessons in Validation and Safeguarding

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 4 - Amazon
- Title: Leveraging AI for A11y: Lessons in Validation and Safeguarding

Discover practical frameworks for implementing AI in accessibility testing, focusing on validation methods, risk management, and ground truth data requirements. Learn when to leverage AI and when to rely on human expertise.

Presenters: Andreas Putz, Amazon
Kiran Kaja, Amazon

### Making Maps with Custom Data Using the Audiom SDK

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Government, Transportation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Making Maps with Custom Data Using the Audiom SDK

This session explores legal requirements for maps, multi-source data integration, and customization with sounds, visuals, and text, giving developers practical tools to embed inclusive, fully accessible Audiom maps across apps, websites, and platforms in minutes with the software development kit.

Presenter: Brandon Biggs, XR Navigation and Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

### Maximize Braille Literacy for Students with VI Using Technology

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Maximize Braille Literacy for Students with VI Using Technology

What role should technology play in guiding learning and literacy development for students with visual impairments? Join us as we explore the partnership between braille literacy and technology, and strategies for truly activating and successfully utilizing it in varied learning environments.

Presenter: Jenny Wheeler, American Printing House for the Blind

### Mixed-Ability Game Development through Inclusive Research

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Gaming and Interactive Entertainment, and Research
- Audience: Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Mixed-Ability Game Development through Inclusive Research

Fully inclusive game development that supports blind/low-vision (BLV) and sighted developers remains under-documented. We report an inclusive action-oriented research program building Planet Saga, an accessible action RPG designed for mixed-ability co-play. Blind and sighted developers collaborated as peer-reviewers.

Presenters: Takahiro Miura, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Masaki Matsuo, Tsukuba University of Technology

### Scaling Accessibility with the Design Systems

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Scaling Accessibility with the Design Systems

Scaling accessibility requires both technical implementation and user-centered insights. This session shows how design systems embed accessibility through components, research-driven patterns, and clear documentation. We'll also touch on AI's supporting role. Attendees will gain strategies to reduce accessibility debt and improve product scalabili

Presenters: Maureen Barrientos, Walmart Inc.
Alpesh Danabhai Ahir, Walmart Inc.

### Tito�: Touch-In/Touch-Out Interaction for Tactile Displays

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Tito�: Touch-In/Touch-Out Interaction for Tactile Displays

Experience Tito�, a new tactile interface built into the Codex� multiline braille display. See how touch gestures and braille output combine to enable direct interaction without leaving the braille surface. Learn how this approach simplifies navigation, editing, and digital access.

Presenters: Alex Russomanno, NewHaptics
Sile O'Modhrain, NewHaptics

### Why Buying Appliances in 2026 is Hard for People with Disabilities

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Engineering, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, Sales, Legal, Retail & Wholesale, Entertainment & Recreation, Manufacturing, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Why Buying Appliances in 2026 is Hard for People with Disabilities

This talk will explore why accessible appliances are harder to find. Learn key challenges and how to choose inclusive products. Manufacturers are encouraged to attend and take real steps toward designing everyday items that work better for everyone.

Presenter: Lucy Greco, accessaces.com

## 2:20 PM

### 2026 US Digital Accessibility Legal Update

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: 2026 US Digital Accessibility Legal Update

A fast-paced review of the current US digital accessibility legal space. Hear about state and national laws + regulations and how they are enforced. Discover the impacts of federal policies on digital access laws. Find resources to keep current. Come along as we peer into the legal future.

Presenter: Lainey Feingold, Law Office of Lainey Feingold

### Beyond Compliance: Building Design Systems for Inclusivity

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, and Digital Accessibility
- Audience: Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Beyond Compliance: Building Design Systems for Inclusivity

This session emphasizes that inclusive design systems aren't just about meeting accessibility requirements, but about creating strategic business advantages while serving broader user bases. It will also present a business case with concrete examples.

Presenter: Aparna Pasi, DEQUE SYSTEMS INC

### Cerebral Visual Impairment Challenges Assistive Technology

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Cerebral Visual Impairment Challenges Assistive Technology

Long unrecognized, CVI is now known as the leading cause of blindness in children in developed countries. Its fascinating symptoms such as photophobia; visual hallucinations; inability to recognize people, places or things; etc.; present a profound challenge for assistive technology professionals.

Presenter: Deborah Gilden PhD., The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Reseach Institute

### Competitive Advantage in Higher Ed

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Education
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Research & Development, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Competitive Advantage in Higher Ed

Accessibility in higher education is more than compliance - it's a competitive edge. This session explores new ways to educate teams, foster practical understanding, and build a culture where accessibility is applied, not just learned.

Presenters: Laura Fathauer, Miami University of Ohio
Corbb O'Connor, Level Access

### Developing an Accessible Payment Device

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Transportation, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Developing an Accessible Payment Device

Vispero and Adyen present how JAWS for Kiosk was integrated into Adyen's payment device, enabling blind and low-vision users to complete transactions independently and privately. Learn best practices for accessible payment technology.

Presenter: Matt Ater, Vispero

### Dynamic Generation of Navigable Alt Text for STEM Visuals

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Dynamic Generation of Navigable Alt Text for STEM Visuals

Learn how AI-powered hierarchical descriptions solve the accessibility challenge of complex STEM visuals for blind students. Attendees will discover practical implementation strategies, see real molecular structure examples, and understand how this scalable framework applies across STEM education.

Presenters: Julia Winter, Alchemie
Sarah Wegwerth, Alchemie

### Equitable Access & Title II: Lessons from a Pilot Program

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Equitable Access & Title II: Lessons from a Pilot Program

Build accessibility capacity under ADA Title II. Hear from Saint Mary's College, (Notre Dame), WakeTech, and industry expert iAccessDigital on a framework of assessments, maturity models, and professional development that drives equity and inclusion.

Presenters: Charles LaPierre, Benetech
Paula Kaplan, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame

### Expand Your Solo Business, Recruit an Accessibility Team

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Employment and Workplace, Web, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Media & Publishing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Expand Your Solo Business, Recruit an Accessibility Team

By the end of this session, participants will have a clear roadmap and actionable strategies for moving from solo work to leading a flexible, collaborative accessibility team that supports long-term business success.

Presenter: Sumner Davenport, SMDA Web Accessibility Team

### Inclusive by Design, Sustainable by Default

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Inclusive by Design, Sustainable by Default

Discover how sustainability and accessibility best practices overlap and advocate for inclusive digital products that are also better for the planet, in your organization.

Presenters: Lars Holm S�rensen, Acquia
Inka Ilona Taagehoj, Acquia

### Multi-Line Braille UI Standards: Components and Interactions

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, K-12 Education, Sales, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Multi-Line Braille UI Standards: Components and Interactions

Experience live demonstrations of the first universal design system for multi-line displays. See how standardized components, navigation patterns, and word-wrapping solutions create seamless user experiences. Perfect for braille users, developers, manufacturers, and accessibility professionals.

Presenters: Hrishi Rao, NewHaptics
Thomas Simpson, NewHaptics

### NaviShare: Hybrid Participatory and Co-Design for BVI Wayfinding

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Mobile Technology, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: NaviShare: Hybrid Participatory and Co-Design for BVI Wayfinding

Explore NaviShare, a mobile app that assists blind and visually impaired users to navigate indoor and outdoor spaces, create and share maps, and collaboratively create the tool through a multi-year participatory and co-design process.

Presenter: Daeun Chung, Wellesley College

### Scaling Mobile Accessibility with Google Open Source Libraries

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Engineering, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Scaling Mobile Accessibility with Google Open Source Libraries

Manual a11y testing doesn't scale. Learn to automate native mobile checks using Google's open-source ATF (Android) & GTX (iOS). We'll show you how to augment your existing Espresso/XCTest suites to find bugs early. Plus, learn to write custom checks for your team's unique issues.

Presenter: Sid Janga, Google

### Smart Dashboards for Accessibility Maturity

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Smart Dashboards for Accessibility Maturity

Discover how to turn accessibility data into clear, actionable dashboards aligned with the W3C APA Working Group A11y Maturity Model. Learn strategies for visualizing compliance and cultural adoption, using automation and AI to simplify reporting, engage leadership, and support sustainable accessibility practices.

Presenter: Keith Newton, Mantiaba Interactive

### Standards in Practice: Accessibility Capabilities Post-Source

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 7 - AudioEye
- Title: Standards in Practice: Accessibility Capabilities Post-Source

This session explores the Capabilities Paper of the Accessibility at the Edge Community Group and its impact on post-remediation workflows, ongoing compliance, and evolving standards. Attendees will gain practical steps for aligning enterprise programs with emerging accessibility expectations and continuous compliance models.

Presenters: Michael Paciello, AudioEye
Janina Sajka, Sajka Associates

### Top 10 Pitfalls in Scaling a Digital Accessibility Program

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Top 10 Pitfalls in Scaling a Digital Accessibility Program

Drawing on UCLA's experience, this session covers the Top 10 pitfalls in launching a digital accessibility program at scale. Learn how to set accurate baselines, avoid common measurement errors, build sustainable training and communication plans, and center disability in institutional change.

Presenters: Judy Thai, University of California, Office of the President
Rose Rocchio, UCLA

### Why This Image Here? An Education Driven Approach to Alt Text

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Transportation, Media & Publishing, Retail & Wholesale, Entertainment & Recreation, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Why This Image Here? An Education Driven Approach to Alt Text

This session will provide a more informative, interesting, & egalitarian experience for alt text readers. Learn to dig below your image's pretty surface to reveal what it really has to say by interrogating it with 3 deceptively simple questions & structure the answers using educational principles for maximum impact.

Presenter: Laura Ciporen, McGraw Hill Higher Ed.

## 3:20 PM

### A Case Study of Tactile Graphics Through Experimentation

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: A Case Study of Tactile Graphics Through Experimentation

This session takes a deep dive into combining visual interpretation, artistic engagement, experimentation, AI, and tactile graphics simultaneously. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of how to create tactile graphics and descriptions.

Presenter: Joy Mistovich, Butler Institute of American Art

### AI Co-Design for Tactile Graphics: Potential, Pitfalls & Prompts

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI Co-Design for Tactile Graphics: Potential, Pitfalls & Prompts

Attendees will explore tactile graphic design through natural-language AI prompting. They will learn how to maintain control by crafting precise prompts with dimensional and formatting instructions and by using strategies to address AI hallucinations.

Presenters: Chancey Fleet, New York Public Library
Lauren Race, New York University

### Assistive Technology Pilot for IDD: Findings, Outcomes and Access

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Independent Living, Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, and Research
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Assistive Technology Pilot for IDD: Findings, Outcomes and Access

This session will detail a three-year pilot led by DDS that demonstrates the effectiveness of AT Services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn how individuals discovered increased independence and quality of life, while maintaining person-centered services.

Presenters: Vanessa Bull, East Bay Innovations (EBI)
John Decker, Alta California Regional Center (ACRC)
Jay Kolvoord, Strategies to Empower People (STEP)

### Balancing Automation and Human Insight in Mobile Testing

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Digital Accessibility, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Insurance, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Entertainment & Recreation, Manufacturing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Balancing Automation and Human Insight in Mobile Testing

Learn to optimize mobile accessibility testing by strategically combining automated tools with manual evaluation. Discover when automation excels at technical validation and where human insight remains crucial for user experience assessment.

Presenter: Megan Pletzer, Deque Systems, Inc.

### Beyond "Bubbles": Using the Core Combo App to Scaffold Multi-Word Utterances

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Education, and Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Beyond "Bubbles": Using the Core Combo App to Scaffold Multi-Word Utterances

Stuck on single words? Discover a publicly available app built to help young learners progress to multi-word utterances. This session demonstrates the tool and shares successful, practical strategies for teachers, therapists & AT specialists.

Presenter: Ethan Richtsmeier, Santa Ana Unified School District

### Drive with Confidence: Google Drive Tips & Tricks

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Drive with Confidence: Google Drive Tips & Tricks

Learn practical strategies for organizing, navigating, and collaborating in Google Drive and Docs with or without JAWS. Gain shortcuts, accessibility settings, and real-world techniques that empower students and professionals to manage files efficiently, boost independence, and apply these skills.

Presenter: Max Avendano, CA School for the Blind

### Exploring AI LLMs in Accessible EPUB Creation

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Exploring AI LLMs in Accessible EPUB Creation

Explore how GPT-4o, Claude 3.5, and DeepSeek V3 perform in generating accessible EPUB 3.3 files. Learn a step-by-step workflow, compare LLM performance.

Presenter: Ali Charaf, American University Of Beirut

### Feeding Inclusion: The Case for Accessible Delivery Apps

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Retail & Wholesale
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Feeding Inclusion: The Case for Accessible Delivery Apps

Grocery and restaurant delivery apps are no longer optional. This session shows how accessibility failures across the ordering funnel drive abandonment, increase support costs, and erode trust, while inclusive design measurably improves order completion, customer satisfaction, and lifetime value. Learn practical, cross-functional improvements.

Presenter: Dennis McHugh, Vispero

### Finding Freedom with Open Source Digital Accessibility Tools

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Finding Freedom with Open Source Digital Accessibility Tools

Learn how Open Source accessibility markers redefine success by tracking blockers - real barriers to access - rather than vendor scores. This session demonstrates how higher education and beyond can adopt transparent tools and approaches to create lasting accessibility.

Presenter: Blake Bertuccelli-Booth, University of Illinois Chicago

### Inclusive LBE : A Cooperative Game for Playful Experiences

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Gaming and Interactive Entertainment, and Research
- Audience: Entertainment & Recreation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Inclusive LBE : A Cooperative Game for Playful Experiences

Discover practical ways to make location-based entertainment more inclusive. Join interactive discussions on real challenges, learn about a cooperative program inspired by a traditional game, and gain ideas for accessible, collaborative experiences.

Presenter: Yuko Taniguchi, Sony Group Corporation

### Navigating Your Way to Independence

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Transportation, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Navigating Your Way to Independence

This presentation covers the common elements of GPS devices as well as the options and individual characteristics. We will touch on how the accessible GPS tool works. After 26 years, the value of accessible GPS remains; products are just smaller.

Presenters: Michael May, American Printing House
Jack Mitchell, Industries of the Blind

### Real-Time Communication Platform for Deafblind Support

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Real-Time Communication Platform for Deafblind Support

This session presents a real-time Braille communication platform for higher education, enabling DeafBlind students to join classes without teachers needing Braille or tactile sign. The system converts speech and keyboard input into tagged Braille output while tracking the line being read to manage turn-taking.

Presenters: Takahiro Miura, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Junji Onishi, Tsukuba University of Technology

### Storytelling for Inclusive Data Access (With or Without AI)

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Storytelling for Inclusive Data Access (With or Without AI)

Data storytelling boosts information understanding and retention, and is crucial for accessibility� but it's not easy. Emerging AI tools, like our chart software ParaCharts, help empower empower everyone to make informed choices. We'll show how to craft strong narratives, by hand or with automation.

Presenters: Charlotte McCleary, Fizz Studio
Doug Schepers, Fizz Studio
Tim Podkul, Fizz Studio
Ryan McCleary, Fizz Studio
Simon Varey, Fizz Studio

### Toward Accessible Computer Programming Puzzles for Data Science

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Toward Accessible Computer Programming Puzzles for Data Science

Small puzzle solving has become a mainstay of modern computer science and data science. In this session, we show how to make such puzzles usable by all with an accessible graphics technology. Participants will learn why it works and walk away with materials usable in the classroom.

Presenters: Derrick Smith, Auburn University at Montgomery
Andreas Stefik, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Hannah Williams, UNLV
Timothy Kluthe, UNLV

## 4:20 PM

### A Playbook for Accessible Chatbots and AI Agents

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Web, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: A Playbook for Accessible Chatbots and AI Agents

Make sure your AI is for everyone. The creators of MITRE's Chatbot Accessibility Playbook will show you how to design, test, and implement accessible chatbots and AI agents that are ethical, accurate, leave no one behind, and meet the criteria for AI assurance.

Presenters: Jennifer Strickland, Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs
Ronna ten Brink, n/a

### AT to Promote Aging in Place in Age-Friendly Communities

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Transportation, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: AT to Promote Aging in Place in Age-Friendly Communities

This session will provide a hands-on overview of a variety of AT solutions and community partnerships to support independent living, develop age-friendly communities, and promote aging in place.

Presenter: Sarah Heldmann, Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities

### Building Inclusive Mindsets: A Scalable Research Framework

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Leadership and Strategy, and Research
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Building Inclusive Mindsets: A Scalable Research Framework

Learn about the Mindsets: a scalable, inclusive alternative to personas. This framework focuses on the purpose of human engagement with your company, creating a universal foundation that ensures scalability while saving time and money.

Presenter: Lauren Britton, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

### College Transition Resources for Visually Impaired Students

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Independent Living
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: College Transition Resources for Visually Impaired Students

Hear directly from visually impaired high school students about their experiences seeking resources to support their transition into college. Attendees will learn what resources exist, how to find them, and strategies for advocacy and allyship.

Presenters: Nancy Le, Golden West College
Mina Lamarra, Huntington Beach High School
Stacy Branham, UC Irvine
Khanh Tran, Bolsa Grande High School
Isabella Blake, UC Irvine

### Enhancing Rules-Based Automated Testing with Machine Learning Inference

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 2 - Vispero
- Title: Enhancing Rules-Based Automated Testing with Machine Learning Inference

Learn how machine learning�based inference can extend accessibility testing beyond rules-based checks. This session explains how ML works in this context, what it can reveal that DOM inspection misses, and demonstrates examples of how these methods can be applied in practice.

Presenter: Jan Williams, Vispero

### Feature vs. Foundation: Google on AI & Accessibility

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Feature vs. Foundation: Google on AI & Accessibility

Should accessible AI be an assistive tech feature (like in TalkBack) or a foundation (like in Gemini)? Explore this strategic tension with Google, examining trade-offs across Search's AI Mode, Project Astra's Visual Interpreter, and more. Leave ready to advocate for an AI future truly built for all.

Presenters: Erika Lehmkuhl, Google
Daniel Tarekegn, Google
Anna Chou, Google
Perrin Anto, Google
Rachel Shearer, Google

### How to Influence Change as an Accessibility Advocate

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: How to Influence Change as an Accessibility Advocate

This session equips accessibility advocates with practical strategies to influence change from any role. Attendees will learn how to build allies across functions, reframe resistance into opportunity, and embed accessibility into projects, workflows, and team culture.

Presenter: Kai Wong, Teladoc Health

### Navigation Robot in Exhibition Spaces for People with Vision Loss

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Navigation Robot in Exhibition Spaces for People with Vision Loss

Discover the "AI Suitcase," a navigation robot for people with visual impairment. This session shares key findings from a exhibition space trial, including user feedback and performance data. Learn how this assistive technology can enhance accessibility in museums and other public venues.

Presenter: Reina Nakanishi, Shimizu Corporation

### Promoting Connection and Communication with AAC and AT

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Evaluation and Remediation, and Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
- Audience: Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Promoting Connection and Communication with AAC and AT

Discover how to support early communication in children with complex needs using AAC and assistive technology. This session covers practical strategies to empower families and professionals across disciplines, offering tools that promote connection and access.

Presenters: Tanya Mallan, Sonoma SELPA Adaptive Technology Center
Christy Riddell, Sonoma SELPA Adaptive Technology Center

### Route Selection by GPS Reliability for the Visually Impaired

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Mobility
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Route Selection by GPS Reliability for the Visually Impaired

Navigating with GPS can be unreliable in dense urban areas, posing serious risks for visually impaired (VI) individuals who rely on precise positioning for safety and independence. This session presents a machine learning�based system that predicts GPS reliability by analyzing features such as building height, density, and satellite visibility.

Presenter: Victor Tang, Independent Researcher

### The A11y of Driving

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Transportation, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: The A11y of Driving

With automotive interfaces becoming like apps on wheels, how do accessibility and design principles fit in? Can accessibility and automation open up safe driving for seniors and people with certain disabilities?

Presenter: Claudio Vera, A11yInnovation

### W3C APA Note Accessibility Maturity Model Update

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: W3C APA Note Accessibility Maturity Model Update

The APA W3C Accessibility Maturity Model Task Force will provide an overview of their Maturity Model publication and its intended use. They'll share plans for future work and tooling that's under development. You're invited to review the publication at https://www.w3.org/TR/maturity-model/

Presenters: Sheri Byrne-Haber, Haber Consulting LLC
Mark Miller, Independent Consultant

### What We Wish We Knew: Five Years and Three Design Systems Later

- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: What We Wish We Knew: Five Years and Three Design Systems Later

Accessibility isn't an afterthought, it's the foundation. We'll share how we built accessibility into the Dow Jones multi-brand design system, the missteps and lessons learned along the way, and how designers, engineers, and accessibility pros teamed up to keep it simple, usable, and effective.

Presenters: Jason Ferreira, Dow Jones
Amy Nailor, Dow Jones
Oriol Gomez, Dow Jones

# Friday, March 13, 2026

## 8:00 AM

### Featured Presentation: Assistive Technology at Meta: Innovations with Ray-Ban Meta and Neural Band

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (8:00 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Development, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Featured Presentation: Assistive Technology at Meta: Innovations with Ray-Ban Meta and Neural Band

Join us for an engaging conversation featuring leading members from Meta, each bringing unique expertise in the field of assistive technology. This session will spotlight Meta's groundbreaking work with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and the Neural Band, exploring how recent research and innovations could transform accessibility and empower users.

Presenters: Stephanie Naufel, Meta
Agustya Mehta, Meta
Marc Bourget, Meta
Maxine Williams, Meta

## 9:20 AM

### A11Y Research: Tools & Techniques for Meaningful Interviews

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Research
- Audience: Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: A11Y Research: Tools & Techniques for Meaningful Interviews

Learn how to conduct accessibility interviews that uncover real barriers. Gain tools, example questions, and techniques for planning, probing, and sharing insights that complement usability testing and drive action.

Presenter: Maureen Barrientos, Walmart Inc.

### Accessibility Checklists Lie: What They Miss and Why It Matters

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Legal, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Accessibility Checklists Lie: What They Miss and Why It Matters

Go beyond checklists to uncover what automated tools miss. Learn a 7-step process and practical strategies to evaluate document accessibility, combining standards with real user feedback to create content that truly works for everyone.

Presenter: Ann Knettler, GrackleDocs

### Aligning Organizational Priorities with Accessibility Metrics

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, Finance & Banking, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 1 - Level Access
- Title: Aligning Organizational Priorities with Accessibility Metrics

Why measure Accessibility Progress? Which metrics matter most? Learn how to articulate progress and demonstrate the strength of your digital accessibility program to communicate your effort, increase your impact, influence stakeholder buy-in, and make the case for greater accessibility for all.

Presenters: Mansi Anand, Level Access
Peter Loftus, Level Access

### Beyond Alt Text: Building Interactive, User-Driven Infographics

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Media & Publishing, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Beyond Alt Text: Building Interactive, User-Driven Infographics

Learn how to move beyond alt text by transforming static infographics into interactive, navigable PDFs. Discover tagging, landmarks, and structures that let users explore complex visuals independently with assistive technologies.

Presenter: Dax Castro, Chax Training and Consulting

### Crossing the Cattle Guard: From Isolation to Inclusion

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and School-to-Work Transitioning
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Crossing the Cattle Guard: From Isolation to Inclusion

O&M, social skills, and assistive technology competence are crucial factors for long-term success. The Monarch offers new teaching tools for these subjects, especially for students in isolated areas. Follow one student's journey to learn more.

Presenters: Lacey Long, ND Dual Sensory Project
Jennifer Wenzel, American Printing House for the blind
Rachel Ramos, HumanWare

### From ACRs to Action: AI Reveals Accessibility Gaps by Community

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, and Higher Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: From ACRs to Action: AI Reveals Accessibility Gaps by Community

Discover how AI can transform Accessibility Conformance Reports by scoring them based on important communities your organization serves - enabling more efficient processes and smarter vendor choices.

Presenter: Thomas Starbranch, Havard Business School Online

### Inside the VPAT: A Conversation with the Authors

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility
- Audience: Government, Legal, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Inside the VPAT: A Conversation with the Authors

This discussion with VPAT experts and authors will give attendees an exclusive look into the updates in VPAT� Version 2.6 and the process behind its development. The session will also address frequently asked VPAT questions, providing practical insights for VPAT authors and reviewers.

Presenters: Mary Jo Mueller, IBM
Steve Kerr, Google
Julie Zaclis Antao, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

### Lived Experience as Critical Data: An Inclusive Research Method

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Lived Experience as Critical Data: An Inclusive Research Method

Ready to prove the value of lived experience? This session offers a rigorous qualitative method to turn personal stories into actionable data. You'll learn to interview and analyze insights from multiple perspectives to inform policy and strategy, counter bias, and drive true inclusion.

Presenter: Jennifer Strickland, Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs

### Making ArcGIS ESRI Maps Accessible

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Web
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Making ArcGIS ESRI Maps Accessible

This session covers built-in tools, ADA compliance requirements, and real-world strategies, including case studies, for non-visual, color-blind, and keyboard accessibility for ArcGIS. Attendees will gain practical skills to meet regulations and serve all their users.

Presenter: Brandon Biggs, XR Navigation and Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute

### Non-visual Design: Tactile Graphics Built in SVG

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Non-visual Design: Tactile Graphics Built in SVG

We'll teach you how to create graphics through hand-coding SVG. You'll learn techniques and resources for authoring and interpreting the output, to give BLV people graphical literacy skills and tools useful in education, work, and personal life.

Presenters: Chancey Fleet, New York Public Library
Marco Salsiccia, BlindSVG
Doug Schepers, Fizz Studio

### Sign Language Interaction with Alexa: The Impact of Sticky Hands

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Sign Language Interaction with Alexa: The Impact of Sticky Hands

This session discusses a first-of-its-kind study on hypothetical sign language interaction with Amazon Alexa in a kitchen environment. In this environment, users frequently get their hands dirty, which both limits touchscreen based interactions with Alexa and affects the way deaf and hard of hearing.

Presenters: Christian Vogler, Gallaudet University
Raja Kushalnagar, Gallaudet University
Paige DeVries, Gallaudet University

### The Zero Project's Equitable AI Alliance: Bridging Innovation and Inclusion

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: The Zero Project's Equitable AI Alliance: Bridging Innovation and Inclusion

The Zero Project is advancing Equitable AI to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind. This session shares global insights, standards, and case studies on how AI can be developed and deployed inclusively.

Presenter: Klaus Hoeckner, Access Austria/HGBS

### Walled Gardens: Open Accessibility in a Fragmented Ecosystem

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (9:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Evaluation and Remediation, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Walled Gardens: Open Accessibility in a Fragmented Ecosystem

Explore how closed ecosystems obstruct accessibility and how open-source models offer a more inclusive path forward. We'll critique current platform silos and propose actionable strategies for creating a more interoperable, testable, and inclusive tech landscape.

Presenter: Nicholas Cook, Assistiv Labs

## 10:20 AM

### Accessible Assessments through Question Test Interoperability 3.0

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Accessible Assessments through Question Test Interoperability 3.0

Unlock the potential of Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) 3.0 to enhance accessible assessments. Learn how QTI 3.0 supports interoperability, leverages HTML5 accessibility features, and discover best practices for creating inclusive assessments. Perfect for educators and technologists.

Presenters: Tom Hoffmann, 1EdTech
Mark Hakkinen, ETS
Sarah Wood, Educational Testing Service

### AccessTrader: A Bridge to Financial Independence for All

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Product Demonstration, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: AccessTrader: A Bridge to Financial Independence for All

What if trading were finally accessible? AccessTrader is an AI-powered assistant for blind, low-vision, and beginner users. With voice interaction, screen reader-friendly charts, and plain language, it unlocks financial inclusion and empowers users to participate in wealth-building on equal terms.

Presenters: David Sexton, AccessibleWorld
Mary Ann Jawili, AccessibleWorld
Sucheta Narang, AccessibleWorld

### Creating Content for Neurodivergent Learners

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Media & Publishing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Creating Content for Neurodivergent Learners

Create content that is inclusive and understandable for neurodivergent learners. Learn about plain language, meaningful structure, and universal design for learning.

Presenter: Megan McGowan, McGraw Hill

### DA2: The Next Generation NLS Digital Talking Book Player

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Blind/Low Vision, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: DA2: The Next Generation NLS Digital Talking Book Player

Unlock a world of reading with the new NLS digital talking book player, the DA2, available for free to NLS patrons. Explore its seamless features for all ages and tech comfort levels, and learn how it empowers individuals with print disabilities to expand and customize their reading experience.

Presenters: Alysha Hiller, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress
Zhi Huang, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress

### From Compliance to Culture-Scaling Document Accessibility with AI

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Emerging Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, Insurance, Legal, Finance & Banking, Manufacturing, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: From Compliance to Culture-Scaling Document Accessibility with AI

Learn how large financial institutions can move beyond ad-hoc compliance fixes to scalable, AI-powered accessibility. Discover strategies, real-world lessons, and practical tools to embed accessibility into workflows, reducing risk, cutting costs, and building inclusive practices.

Presenters: Vijayshree Vethantham, Continual Engine US LLC
Tatyana Boone, Franklin Templeton

### How to embed AI into an Accessibility Workflow

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Development, Leadership and Strategy, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: How to embed AI into an Accessibility Workflow

AI is advancing by leaps and bounds, but the good news is it is an environment that you can tune to get what you want in your environment, including really accessible outcomes. In this session, we will show you some cool tricks to increase the likelihood of good outcomes for you and your team(s).

Presenters: Harris Schneiderman, Deque
Dylan Barrell, Deque Systems Inc.
Noe Barrell, Deque
Wilco Fiers, Deque

### Inclusive AI: Tips for Developers, Tech Trainers, and Advocates

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Research
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Inclusive AI: Tips for Developers, Tech Trainers, and Advocates

This presentation shares findings on how AI impacts people with disabilities, highlighting benefits, barriers, and user experiences. It offers recommendations for developers, AT trainers, and advocates to help ensure AI tools are accessible and meet diverse user needs.

Presenters: Sarahelizabeth Baguhn, American Foundation for the Blind
Alyssa Shock, American Foundation for the Blind

### Making Digital Accessibility Training Actually Work

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Making Digital Accessibility Training Actually Work

Join me to think through professional development in accessibility in a holistic manner and leave with motivation and ideas about how to initiate and maintain a successful digital accessibility training effort.

Presenter: Rob Carr, WebAIM

### Making Research Inclusive through Accessible Survey Design

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, Research & Development, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Making Research Inclusive through Accessible Survey Design

Learn practical strategies to design accessible surveys and research workflows that support users of Assistive Technology and facilitate inclusive research. Examine common survey platforms and apply accessibility techniques in this interactive session.

Presenters: Paula Kaplan, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame
Sarah Hummer, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame
Christina Corso, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame

### Object Comprehension and Representation by the Congenitally Blind

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Research
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Object Comprehension and Representation by the Congenitally Blind

This session presents the first large-scale, systematic study of 36 congenitally blind students who sketched both familiar solids and less familiar objects designed to test sensitivity to proportion and topology.

Presenter: P.V.M. Rao, IIT Delhi

### Smart Wheelchair with Semi and Fully Autonomous Navigation

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Independent Living, Mobility, and Research
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Smart Wheelchair with Semi and Fully Autonomous Navigation

This session presents smart wheelchair prototypes developed within the EU-funded REXASI-PRO project. We present the usage of advanced sensors, natural language interfaces, and a novel 3D Driving Assistant that prevents collisions by modifying unsafe commands. We demonstrate two use cases: driver-controlled operation and fully autonomous navigation.

Presenter: Christian Mandel, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI

### Transforming Accessibility: AI Approaches for Higher Education

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Transforming Accessibility: AI Approaches for Higher Education

Student support leaders face rising caseloads and compliance pressures. This session shows how AI-enabled, data-driven systems help directors and program managers modernize operations, expand capacity, and deliver sustainable, inclusive support across campus.

Presenter: Michael Toguchi, Tectonic

### WCAG Without the Jargon: A Beginner's Guide

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (10:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: WCAG Without the Jargon: A Beginner's Guide

Learn WCAG without the jargon. This beginner-friendly session explains guidelines in plain language, shows real-world examples, and provides a simple roadmap to help you start applying accessibility standards with confidence.

Presenters: Marina Tsallagova, Raven Accessibility
Jeffrey Singleton, Converge Accessibility LLC

## 11:20 AM

### Advancing Neurodiverse Inclusion with Conversational AI

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Web, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: Advancing Neurodiverse Inclusion with Conversational AI

Discover how large language models can enhance inclusion for neurodiverse users. Learn about AI tools that support accessibility, engagement, and agency in online and in-person conversations. Join us to help shape inclusive tech!

Presenters: Jen Hickey, Applied Social Media Lab at Harvard University
Brendan Miller, Applied Social Media Lab at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center
Nicole Brennan, Applied Social Media Lab at Harvard University

### EmotiBit: Open-Source Biometric Tools for Assistive Innovation

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, Research, and Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR)/Cross and Mixed Reality (XR)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: EmotiBit: Open-Source Biometric Tools for Assistive Innovation

EmotiBit is an open-source, research-grade biometric sensor that empowers accessible, DIY innovation in assistive technology. With open data and customizable workflows, EmotiBit empowers individuals and communities to design inclusive tools and advance accessibility.

Presenter: Sean Montgomery, EmotiBit

### Fix Accessibility Processes Using the Web Accessibility Framework

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Web
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, and Media & Publishing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Fix Accessibility Processes Using the Web Accessibility Framework

Discover how the Web Accessibility Framework can help your organization achieve and maintain its accessibility goals. Learn practical strategies to set goals, fix processes, and conduct regular testing to ensure your websites remain accessible.

Presenter: Jay Pope, Pope Tech

### Generative AI's Potential to Supporting Deficits in Reading Comprehension

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Generative AI's Potential to Supporting Deficits in Reading Comprehension

This session explores LLMs as an emerging assistive technology for students with learning disabilities, particularly reading comprehension deficits. Attendees will be introduced to a decision making framework (COAT framework).

Presenter: Lisa Sousa, Franklin Pierce University

### My WCAG Wishlist: Closing Gaps Between Rules and Reality

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, K-12 Education, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: My WCAG Wishlist: Closing Gaps Between Rules and Reality

Meeting WCAG is just the start. Compliance without usability leaves disabled users behind. This session delivers a wishlist of improvements that challenge the status quo and encourage teams to develop digital products that consider all of their users.

Presenter: Sheri Byrne-Haber, Haber Consulting LLC

### Physical Activity Tools for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Entertainment & Recreation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Physical Activity Tools for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision

Experience hands-on strategies and innovative equipment that break down barriers to physical activity for people who are blind or low vision. Leave inspired with tools you can use across education, fitness, and recreation to promote true inclusion.

Presenter: Ashley Kabza, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

### Practices for Continuous Accessibility

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Practices for Continuous Accessibility

Treating accessibility as a core concern leads to better user experience, reduced risk, and improved business outcomes. But how do you make it the default? Learn how to drive organizational change through routine, metrics, and technology that fits your processes.

Presenters: Andrew Hedges, Assistiv Labs
Devon Persing, Devon Persing LLC

### Smartwatch Usability and Accessibility Across Visual Abilities

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Smartwatch Usability and Accessibility Across Visual Abilities

This session presents research findings on smartwatch usability and accessibility for sighted users and users with visual disabilities. Attendees will learn evidence-based interaction challenges and design considerations that support inclusive use, with implications for improving user interfaces and accessibility in research and applied contexts.

Presenter: Hyung Kim, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

### Testing Non-ICT Hardware for Multi-Standard Compliance

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Gaming and Interactive Entertainment
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Testing Non-ICT Hardware for Multi-Standard Compliance

Testing for non-ICT hardware like TV remotes, televisions, kiosks, exhibits, and EV charges takes a nuanced approach. Learn how Deque looks across published standards and other documentation in a consistent an scalable way to help ensure that hardware entering the market is meeting PwDs needs.

Presenter: Glenda Sims, Deque

### Using AI to Reframe Digital Communication

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Employment & Human Resources, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Using AI to Reframe Digital Communication

Stop agonizing over unclear texts. This practical session will show beginners how to build your own AI tool to reframe ambiguous communications, reduce anxiety, and foster digital confidence. Enhance your assistive technology toolkit.

Presenter: David Martin, Intuit Inc.

### What's New with Apple Accessibility

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Mobile Technology, Blind/Low Vision, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Government
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: What's New with Apple Accessibility

Learn how to use Apple's new built-in accessibility features including Accessibility Reader, Magnifier for Mac, and Live Listen with Live Captions. Designed to support vision, hearing, speech, cognitive, and mobility, these features enable people in daily living, work, and creativity.

Presenters: Julia Sohnen, Apple, Inc
Gus Shitama, Apple, Inc

### When "Satisfied" Isn't Satisfying: ACE-L, an Accessibility Scale

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (11:20 AM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Evaluation and Remediation, and Research
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: When "Satisfied" Isn't Satisfying: ACE-L, an Accessibility Scale

Research within accessibility populations consistently shows satisfaction (CSat) is inflated compared to non-accessibility groups. New metrics have been developed to provide a more accurate reflection of the user experience. Reinvent how you measure, track, and understand people's experience.

Presenters: Ciara Salmon, Google
Katie Wainwright, Google

## 12:00 PM

### Birds of a Feather: Compliance in Practice

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (12:00 PM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 5
- Title: Birds of a Feather: Compliance in Practice

Whether you're responsible for policy, procurement, digital accessibility, or organizational compliance, this Birds of a Feather session invites you to connect with others working to meet ADA Title II and EAA mandates. In an informal, discussion-driven setting, participants can share real-world experiences, raise questions, and collaborate on understanding complex requirements. Come build community and strengthen your compliance toolkit.Hosts: Kate Tipton and Joseph Krack

Presenter:

## 1:20 PM

### AI & AT: Navigating the Ethics of Bias and User Agency

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Legal
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: AI & AT: Navigating the Ethics of Bias and User Agency

Get the tools you need to confront the real ethical risks of AI. This session tackles algorithmic bias and user autonomy in AT, offering practical strategies and guidelines for deploying AI ethically and confidently in your own work.

Presenter: Rick Ferrie, Savvas Learning Company

### Building a Culture of Accessibility Leadership

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 3 - Deque
- Title: Building a Culture of Accessibility Leadership

Explore how leaders can embed accessibility into culture, strategy, and practice. Learn to influence teams, overcome resistance, and sustain inclusion beyond compliance.

Presenter: Michael Harshbarger, Deque Systems, Inc.

### Deafblind Inclusion by the Blind: A Case Study

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Research
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Deafblind Inclusion by the Blind: A Case Study

This study reports on the facilitation practices provided by visually impaired students to support a deafblind peer in higher education. We describe the communication modalities employed (tactile sign language, finger Braille, text interpretation), the iterative facilitation process through interviews and feedback.

Presenter: Takahiro Miura, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

### Designing SONY's TV Remote Together with Users

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Product Demonstration, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Entertainment & Recreation, Research & Development, and Manufacturing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Designing SONY's TV Remote Together with Users

This session showcases Sony's strong commitment to inclusive design through co-creation with end-users. By presenting our newly updated TV remote, we highlight how collaboration with over 50 participants helped us achieve a meaningful and user-centered outcome.

Presenters: Ryota Uchida, Sony Group Corporation
Sabrina Norton, Sony Electronics Inc.
Mana Yoshimura, Sony Corporation

### Empower Independence and Enhance Capacity with Remote Support

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Independent Living, Leadership and Strategy, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Empower Independence and Enhance Capacity with Remote Support

This session showcases the innovative partnership between SimplyHome and East Bay Innovations (EBI), demonstrating how their blended remote support model of 24/7/365 is transforming services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Presenters: Jason Ray, Simply Home
Vanessa Bull, East Bay Innovations (EBI)

### Get the Most Out of GitHub with Continuous AI for Accessibility

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Get the Most Out of GitHub with Continuous AI for Accessibility

Learn how to accelerate accessibility by integrating custom agents and automation throughout your team's development process.

Presenter: Ed Summers, GitHub

### Kurzweil: Math Reading That Works

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Web, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Kurzweil: Math Reading That Works

Using Kurzweil to read math does not require you to eliminate other AT solutions that provide TTS for your students. Kurzweil can add an affordable solution to your campus for testing and day-to-day use for students without having to learn MathML.

Presenter: Corey Navis, Kurzweil Education

### LG Electronics Accessibility: Inclusive Design through Education

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Independent Living, and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Higher Education, Media & Publishing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: LG Electronics Accessibility: Inclusive Design through Education

LG Electronics is creating Home Appliances for All. Through initiatives like LG School and the Bold Move Project, we've worked hand-in-hand with diverse customers to build a more inclusive future. This is not just about technology, it's about listening, learning, and designing together.

Presenters: Jiyeon Lee, LG Electronics
Sera Park, LG Electronics

### Practical Integration: Learning Accessibility for Blind Students

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Independent Living
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Practical Integration: Learning Accessibility for Blind Students

This session offers an authentic, hands-on experience in integrating practical activities that support learning accessibility for blind students, and it brings together teachers, educators, and parents from around the world to exchange ideas.

Presenters: Thanita Maneepong, Bangkok School for the Blind
Kochaporn Buphakosum, Bangkok School for the Blind
Nichapa Akethanapisan, Bangkok School for the Blind
Pisit Prougestaporn, Bangkok School for the Blind

### Using an AI Agent to Assist Student Data Literacy and Exploration

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Using an AI Agent to Assist Student Data Literacy and Exploration

Explore datasets through voice or typed commands, and hear data representations described or sonified. An AI-powered agent called DAVAI can facilitate student-directed data inquiry within the context of a free data analysis tool called CODAP.

Presenters: Geoff Freed, onfocusAccess Consulting
Daniel Damelin, The Concord Consortium

### &quot;Shift-up Accessibility&quot; for Effective Accessibility Governance

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (1:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: &quot;Shift-up Accessibility&quot; for Effective Accessibility Governance

Education leaders and those interested in leadership, please join me to discuss top-down accessibility governance as a strategic leadership imperative. Learn a practical framework that enables your institution to scale accessibility efficiently for supporting equity and achieving compliance.

Presenter: Sambhavi Chandrashekar, D2L Corporation

## 2:20 PM

### Academic Collaborations for Assistive Technology Devices

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Engineering, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Academic Collaborations for Assistive Technology Devices

A collaboration among engineering, occupational therapy, and physical therapy provided custom assistive technology devices for two individuals with disabilities. Students and faculty from across multiple academic departments determined design specifications and produced prototypes.

Presenters: Katie Ericsson, Whitworth University
Michael Barnes, Whitworth

### AI & The Future of Accessible Documents

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, Finance & Banking, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: AI & The Future of Accessible Documents

Discover how AI tools support accessible PDF workflows in education, marketing, & technology settings. Learn to integrate automation with expert review to ensure compliance with legal standards while delivering high-quality, user-friendly documents.

Presenter: Ann Knettler, GrackleDocs

### AI as a Workforce Enabler: Empowering Employees with Disabilities

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Cognitive and Learning Disabilities
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI as a Workforce Enabler: Empowering Employees with Disabilities

Explore how AI language models can empower disabled employees in the workplace by reducing barriers, automating tasks, and enabling greater independence and efficiency.

Presenters: Andrew Crook, Paramount Global
John Sweet, Paramount Streaming

### Codex� Multiline Braille Display: An Introduction

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Emerging Technologies, and Blind/Low Vision
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Codex� Multiline Braille Display: An Introduction

Experience Codex�, NewHaptics' multiline braille display that expands digital access through crisp braille, seamless screen reader integration, and an intuitive touch interface. See a live demo and discover how Codex is enabling blind computer users to interact with refreshable multiline braille.

Presenters: Alex Russomanno, NewHaptics
Thomas Simpson, NewHaptics

### Empowering Neurodiverse Users with Text Customization

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Education, Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, and Research
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: Empowering Neurodiverse Users with Text Customization

Discover how real-time text customization reduces cognitive load for neurodivergent users. Learn inclusive research methods and gain actionable strategies for deploying empowering, user-centered assistive technologies.

Presenter: Michael Elgo, ServiceNow

### How Accessibility is Security

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: How Accessibility is Security

Security fails when people can't use it. This talk links CIA (confidentiality, integrity, availability) with POUR accessibility principles, shows how inaccessible MFA/CAPTCHA create risk, and offers &quot;Secure-by-Inclusion&quot; patterns to cut fraud while ensuring independent, private access.

Presenters: Jaunita Flessas, Empower Accessibility
Radostina Tsvetkova, Norwegian Directorate of Labour and Welfare (NAV)

### Level Up Your Accessibility Procurement Practices

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Sales, Government, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Manufacturing, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Level Up Your Accessibility Procurement Practices

When you're working hard to make sure your organization is practicing digital accessibility, you don't want to forget about procurement. Learn how to ask for accessibility from your vendors and partners, and how to hold them accountable to meet your standards.

Presenters: Kelly Melcher, State of Minnesota Department of Human Services
Michelle Engstrom, State of Minnesota Department of Human Services

### Making Digital Accessibility Sustainable in the Enterprise

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Employment and Workplace, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Making Digital Accessibility Sustainable in the Enterprise

It isn't easy to get accessible. It's even harder to stay accessible. In this session, we'll explore how leading enterprises make digital accessibility (a11y) progress last. Join us for an expert discussion on prioritizing a11y early, remediation planning, inclusive hiring, and sustaining success.

Presenters: Pete Bruhn, Onward Search
Catherine Sherry, Onward Accessibility
Kate O'Connor, Onward Search

### PDF Footnotes & Endnotes: Solutions That Work!

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: PDF Footnotes & Endnotes: Solutions That Work!

Get step-by-step strategies for remediating footnotes, especially inside tables. Improve accessibility, ensure screen readers announce content correctly, and deliver a better user experience.

Presenter: Dax Castro, Chax Training and Consulting

### Principles of Accessible Documents

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Principles of Accessible Documents

This session will provide tools and information to allow you to immediately apply the principles of accessibility to your documents. Ensuring equal access to your content for all persons, including persons with disabilities.

Presenters: Gregory Matthews, California Department of Social Services
Der Xiong, California Department of Social Services
Kristina Niemi, California Department of Social Services
Marcia Barnard-Borelli, California Department of Social Services

### Talk Delivery: Real-Time Contribution for DHH in Online Meetings

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC), and Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Talk Delivery: Real-Time Contribution for DHH in Online Meetings

In online meetings with multiple hearing participants, Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals often face barriers to contributing effectively. This session explores the factors that make participation challenging and introduces methods designed to support more inclusive communication.

Presenter: Ryota Iizuka, Tsukuba University of Technology

### Vibe Coding Accessibility

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (2:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Development
- Audience: Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Vibe Coding Accessibility

Discover how AI coding tools like Copilot and ChatGPT impact accessibility. Explore their strengths, pitfalls, and role in remediation - and see real web and mobile products built with AI that prove accessibility and innovation can vibe together.

Presenter: Karl Groves, AFixt

## 3:20 PM

### Accessibility from the Start: SAP's Accessibility Design Tools

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: Accessibility from the Start: SAP's Accessibility Design Tools

Explore the benefits of the "shift left" approach for accessibility with SAP's free-to-use Accessibility Design Tools. We will introduce you to this annotation library and plug-in for Figma that can simplify the integration of accessibility aspects early in your design process.

Presenters: Irla Bocianoski Rebelo, SAP SuccessFactors
Nina Krauss, SAP SE

### AI as an Accessibility Assistant: A Low-Vision Pipeline for STEM

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, Media & Publishing, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: AI as an Accessibility Assistant: A Low-Vision Pipeline for STEM

STEM knowledge is born digital yet remains inaccessible to people with low vision. The culprit is PDF. It treats whitespace as invisible. Reflow breaks because words run together. We transform PDFs into a reflow-safe format.

Presenter: Wayne Dick, CSU Long Beach

### Evaluating Accessible STEM Tools with Single Case Methods

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Education, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Research & Development
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Elite 1-2
- Title: Evaluating Accessible STEM Tools with Single Case Methods

Learn to apply single case research methods for evaluating STEM accessibility interventions with students who are blind or have low-vision. Explore how this approach addresses small sample size challenges in low-incidence research.

Presenters: Sarah Wegwerth, Alchemie
Julia Winter, Alchemie

### How Colors & Textures Impact Word Recognition for Neurodivergent

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Cognitive and Learning Disabilities, and Research
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 8
- Title: How Colors & Textures Impact Word Recognition for Neurodivergent

Expressive visual design choices can associated with a company's brand experience, but certain visual elements can also impact individuals in unintended ways. In this session the Oracle Design Research team shares how conducting inclusive UX research can help improve experiences for all users.

Presenters: Carolyn Wong, Oracle America Inc
Manas Singh, Oracle America Inc

### Human Powered Digital Accessibility in an AI World

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, Sales, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Human Powered Digital Accessibility in an AI World

Discover practical strategies to make digital content accessible through real-world examples and a balanced human plus AI. Learn tools that improve inclusion, reduce risk, and apply across industries to create equitable digital experiences for all.

Presenter: Kamran Khan, Natively Fluent, Inc.

### Inclusive Innovation: Incorporating Privacy into Inclusive Design

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Inclusive Innovation: Incorporating Privacy into Inclusive Design

AI-enabled assistive technologies benefit disabled people every day � but, sometimes those tools negatively impact personal and data privacy. If you are a developer or start-up entrepreneur who wants a how-to on incorporating privacy into their design process, this sessions for you!

Presenters: Maitreya Shah, American Association of People with Disabilities
Achi Mishra, Northwestern University
Ariana Aboulafia, Center for Democracy & Technology

### Making K-5 Math Accessible: VPAT Remediation at Amplify

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Evaluation and Remediation
- Audience: K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Making K-5 Math Accessible: VPAT Remediation at Amplify

See how a K�12 educational platform and publisher approaches accessibility remediation in response to external reviews. Four teams share workflows to organize findings and strategies to create accessible art and dynamic alt-text.

Presenters: Alyssa Williams, Amplify
Ian McMeeking, Amplify
Leah Simon, Amplify

### Mapping to Belonging: Storytelling and Data Tools

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Emerging Technologies, Mobility, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, and Transportation
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Mapping to Belonging: Storytelling and Data Tools

Discover how sidewalk data and OpenSidewalks civic tech tools empower communities to map barriers, tell stories, and advocate for inclusive infrastructure. This session blends accessibility, mapping, and responsible AI to support disability-led data activism.

Presenters: Kunal Mehta, Taskar Center for Accessible Technology - University of Washington
Amy Bordenave, Taskar Center for Accessible Technology - University of Washington
Wisam Yasen, Taskar Center for Accessible technology - University of Washington

### Reading and Writing Math with a Screen Reader: Third Edition

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Education
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Reading and Writing Math with a Screen Reader: Third Edition

Witness math creation using JAWS and NVDA. Over the past year the Microsoft team made major improvements in the interface and documentation of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. We'll cover the current state and look at what is coming.

Presenters: Richard Orme, DAISY Consortium
George Kerscher, DAISY Consortium
Peter Wu, Microsoft
Clint Covington, Microsoft

### Solo to Strategic: Building Enterprise A11y from Ground Up

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Legal, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Solo to Strategic: Building Enterprise A11y from Ground Up

Learn battle-tested strategies for building enterprise accessibility programs as a solo practitioner. Discover frameworks for stakeholder buy-in, cross-functional collaboration, and creating scalable tools that transform organizational culture without breaking budgets.

Presenters: Carissa Merrill, Mayo Clinic
James Likely, Mayo Clinic

### The Sight Loss Community is Conflicted about AI

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Research
- Audience: Government, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: The Sight Loss Community is Conflicted about AI

Based on an extensive Canadian survey, this session shows what persons with sight loss need to trust AI: clear benefits, human-in-the-loop safeguards, and accessible understanding.

Presenter: Mahadeo Sukhai, IDEA-STEM

### Voice ATs in the Age of AI

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (3:20 PM)
- Topics: Product Demonstration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and Mobility
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, and Disability Specific
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Voice ATs in the Age of AI

Windows voice access offers free, built-in dictation and hands-free control, empowering users with mobility needs. This session covers its newer AI-powered features, practical tips for leveraging voice and a look ahead at how voice will integrate with AI assistants to further broaden its usability.

Presenter: Akheel Firoz, Microsoft

## 4:20 PM

### Accessibility Architecture at Scale: A Strategic Playbook

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Engineering, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Advanced: Considerable experience with topic; strategy and expert level discussion of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand JK
- Title: Accessibility Architecture at Scale: A Strategic Playbook

Learn a proven framework for scaling accessibility across multiple brands and platforms with limited resources. This strategic playbook covers governance, prioritization, and integration into engineering workflows.

Presenters: Andrew Crook, Paramount Global
John Sweet, Paramount Streaming

### AI for Touch: Generative Tools for Scalable Tactile Access

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Disability Specific, Research & Development, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: AI for Touch: Generative Tools for Scalable Tactile Access

This session explores how generative AI tools are transforming tactile learning. Learn how platforms like Dot Vista use AI to create tactile-ready graphics on demand, expanding access while supporting best practices in tactile design.

Presenters: Timothy Hornik, Dot Inc
Dave Williams, Dot Inc

### ARIA for Non-Coders: What Designers Really Need to Know

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, Government, Employment & Human Resources, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 2
- Title: ARIA for Non-Coders: What Designers Really Need to Know

Learn what ARIA really means for designers without coding skills. This session simplifies ARIA into practical concepts, showing when it matters, when it doesn't, and how to design accessibly while partnering effectively with developers.

Presenter: Rahul Kumar, Oracle

### FCC Disability Rights Office: What You Need to Know

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Captions and Transcription, and Law/Compliance and Policy
- Audience: Disability Specific, Government, Legal, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand CD
- Title: FCC Disability Rights Office: What You Need to Know

Come find out what the FCC's Disability Rights Office does, and how it affects your day-to-day life. A DRO attorney will provide an update on several hot-button FCC proceedings, unravel the mysteries of closed captioning regulations, and take questions from the audience.

Presenter: Ike Ofobike, Federal Communications Commission

### Implementing AI Supports for Low Vision Tasks

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Blind/Low Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, K-12 Education, and Employment & Human Resources
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand GH
- Title: Implementing AI Supports for Low Vision Tasks

See practical, entertaining demos of how AI augments magnification and reading for people with low vision across live camera, distance, files, and books; plus clear guardrails for privacy and accuracy, and a simple checklist to choose AI vs. OCR vs. hybrid workflows.

Presenters: Eric Beauchamp, HumanWare
Roger Steinberg, Humanware

### Mandate to Momentum: Partnering to Build an Accessibility Program

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Media & Publishing, and Legal
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 1
- Title: Mandate to Momentum: Partnering to Build an Accessibility Program

One district, with a consultant, turned an OCR complaint into an executed digital accessibility plan. Gain strategies for vendor engagement, training, compliance, and sustainable practices across education, government, and tech.

Presenters: Brian Bates, Moreno Valley Unified School District
Jessica Ax, Moreno Valley Unified School District
Ann Knettler, GrackleDocs

### Not a Fight, but a Tag Team: Building the Accessibility Future

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Leadership and Strategy
- Audience: Higher Education, Government, Transportation, Legal, Employment & Human Resources, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Marketing, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Administration & Business Support, Disability Specific, Sales, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Entertainment & Recreation, Agriculture, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Platinum 9
- Title: Not a Fight, but a Tag Team: Building the Accessibility Future

Five accessibility leaders enter a metaphorical boxing ring, not to fight each other, but to tag-team against exclusion. Each plays a unique role; together they show how collaboration beats inaccessible design. Accessibility wins when we unite.

Presenters: Bill Curtis-Davidson, Georgia Tech Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI)
Kate Sonka, Teach Access
Catherine Sherry, Onward Accessibility
Samantha Evans, International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), A Division of G3ict

### Screen Bridge: Task-Driven UIs Beyond Linear Reading

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Blind/Low Vision, Development, and Research
- Audience: Administration & Business Support, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Sales, Government, Media & Publishing, Employment & Human Resources, Retail & Wholesale, Research & Development, Information & Communications Technology, and Marketing
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Grand AB
- Title: Screen Bridge: Task-Driven UIs Beyond Linear Reading

Discover Screen Bridge's approach to creating task-driven braille interfaces beyond linear navigation. Learn spatial UI positioning and explore applications in enterprise and education. Understand how this technology complements screenreaders while enabling personalized, adaptive braille experiences.

Presenter: Hrishi Rao, NewHaptics

### Tendrils & Teeth: The Difficult Work of Accessibility Policies

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Design, Digital Accessibility, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, K-12 Education, Sales, Government, Insurance, Media & Publishing, Finance & Banking, Retail & Wholesale, Entertainment & Recreation, and Information & Communications Technology
- Audience Level: Intermediate: Basic to mid-level knowledge of topic; sharing of smart practices and real-world application of the subject matter.
- Room: Orange County 3-4
- Title: Tendrils & Teeth: The Difficult Work of Accessibility Policies

It should be the foremost concern of those writing a Digital Accessibility Policy how likely it will be the Policy can affect change. In this session, we'll detail the difficult, looping work of writing a Policy, and how it involves a firm insistence that the Policy have tendrils and teeth.

Presenters: Bobby Ly, Intopia
Sam Hobson, Intopia

### Voicing Response System for Inclusive Online STEM Simulations

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (4:20 PM)
- Topics: Digital Accessibility, Education, and Development
- Audience: Higher Education, Disability Specific, and K-12 Education
- Audience Level: Beginning: Minimal knowledge of topic; how-to instruction of a new subject matter.
- Room: Elite 3 - Journal Track
- Title: Voicing Response System for Inclusive Online STEM Simulations

The Voicing Response System (VRS) is a web-based auditory description framework in PhET simulations that expands access to STEM learning. Built on SceneryStack and using the Description Design Framework, it delivers customizable, context-aware descriptions through the browser to complement screen readers.

Presenters: Jesse Greenberg, PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder
Taliesin Smith, PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado

## 7:00 PM

### Karaoke

- Friday, March 13, 2026 (7:00 PM)
- Audience:
- Audience Level:
- Room: Platinum 6
- Title: Karaoke

Karaoke returns for an energetic evening centered on music, performance, and shared fun.Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

Presenter: