# General Sessions for 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