Refresh Seattle - Web Accessibility in Three Acts August 20, 2007

About the Talk

We haven't got all day to talk about accessibility. In fact, we've only got an hour or so after work on a Monday before everyone hits the bar. So at this month's Refresh, Matt will give three mini-talks, each covering a different facet of accessible technology:

Once more from the top

If you have only 15 minutes to tell your team about accessibility, how do you make the most of that time? This talk will cover the absolute basics—what every web professional should know about accessibility.

The future of web accessibility

But what about Ajax and Flash? They're fun. We like 'em. Web video, too. So what's the news on making them accessible? Matt will cover where accessibility for modern interfaces is now, and where it's going.

Accessibility hacks

Fun with assistive technology! We'll look at the tools that come with your operating system, and other freely available utilities, that just might make any user more productive. You don't have to buy a $1300 screen reader just to have a good time. (Note: Matt's idea of a good time will also be examined.)

About the Speaker

Matt May is a developer, technologist, and accessibility advocate who is responsible for working internally and externally with Adobe product teams and customers to address accessibility in Adobe products, ensure interoperability with assistive technologies, and make customers aware of the many accessibility features that already exist in Adobe products.

Prior to joining Adobe, Matt worked for W3C/WAI on many of the core standards in web accessibility, led the Web Standards Project's Accessibility Task Force, helped to architect one of the first online grocery sites, HomeGrocer.com, and co-founded Blue Flavor, a respected web and mobile design consultancy.

Matt is an accomplished speaker, having presented at dozens of conferences including Web 2.0 Expo, WebVisions, SXSW Interactive, CSUN Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, Podcast and Portable Media Expo, Web Design World Seattle, Gilbane CMS Conference, and the International World Wide Web Conference, to name just a few.

After the Talk

Don't forget that we all head over to the BalMar for food and drinks after every Refresh Seattle talk. Hope to see you there!

Official Website: http://www.refreshseattle.org/