The Design + Accessibility Summit is coming up fast! It’s one of CreativePro’s biggest events of the year, packed with essential information from world-class speakers. Here’s my list of seven sessions I’m especially excited to check out.
InDesign’s Accessibility Superpowers
Chad Chelius
Chad Chelius is easily one of the most multi-talented speakers I know. His accessibility expertise is a natural extension of his deep knowledge of the tools publishers use. And when it comes to publishing, InDesign is the 800-pound gorilla we all need to contend with. It’s where our content lives, and where the foundation for accessibility is set. So, for building accessible documents from the ground up, this is where you start.
Accessibility Toolkit
Dax Castro
When it comes to accessibility, Dax Castro is everywhere. Writing, speaking, podcasting, social media, whatever platform you choose, Dax is there spreading knowledge. He is also one of the most ardent advocates for accessibility you’ll ever meet; he will make you a believer. I consider myself an apprentice regarding accessibility, so there’s no way I’d miss a chance to peer into the master’s toolbox and see what I should be using.
Accessibility, Square One
Lindsey Engelhardt
I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey at CreativePro Week this year, and I could tell immediately that she had a lot of valuable insights to offer from her perspective as a hard-working designer. I also love the idea of someone who has to do this kind of work on a daily basis reporting directly from the front lines. I know the information she’ll bring will be fresh and relevant.
PowerPoint Accessibility
Stephy Hogan
From my times speaking at CreativePro Week and other events, I know how vitally important it is for any presenter to understand and meet the needs of their audience. What I don’t know is the nuts and bolts of designing and delivering an accessible presentation. But I know someone who does: Stephy Hogan. I got to meet her at CreativePro Week this year, so I know she’ll make this session lively, informative, and fun.
Accessible Video, Audio, and Other Media
Carie Fisher
I’ve learned a lot about accessibility in the last few years, but almost all of it is about documents published as either PDFs or EPUBs. So, I know I have a lot (OK, basically everything) to learn about accessibility in audio and video. And I have total confidence that Carie Fisher can tell me what I need to know. From her writings on accessibility, I know Carie is a great communicator and 100% committed to getting the job done right, so I can’t wait to hear what she has to say about multimedia accessibility.
Creative (and Accessible!) Color
Colleen Gratzer
Color is one of the most fundamental tools a designer has to communicate a message. But what if your audience literally doesn’t see your colors the same way you do? The message can get lost. Fortunately, there are tools and standards we can use to ensure the colors we choose are accessible to the widest possible audience. I know Colleen knows this topic like the back of her hand because she wrote all about it in Issue #149 of InDesign Magazine. So I’m really looking forward to hearing her up-to-the-minute insights on accessible color.
Accessible EPUB
Laura Brady
Laura Brady exudes an unmistakable sense of calm confidence that only comes with deep expertise and experience. I liken her work on accessible EPUBs to surgeon at a top-notch hospital, diagnosing and correcting what’s wrong—and giving you the prescription to stay out of trouble going forward. Not only that, but Laura has a way of making accessibility… cool. Not just something you have to do, something you want to do.
See you there!
Of course, there’s even more to The Design + Accessibility Summit. With more than 20 sessions by world-class speakers, it’s going to be an amazing event. I hope you’ll join us online this coming November 29-December 2. You can learn more about all the great topics and speakers and sign up here.
This article was last modified on November 16, 2022
This article was first published on November 8, 2022
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