Thursday – Agenda

IAAP A11y Expert Forum @ M-Enabling Summit

Presented by

The IAAP A11y Expert Forum will repeat its successful approach of facilitating discussions among CAOs, CIOs, DEI, Compliance, and Accessibility executives to share their experience in implementing digital accessibility strategies with lightning talks, round tables, and open forums.

IAAP Forum Check-in, Coffee & Networking

Welcome Remarks

Keynote: Victor Calise, Director, Walmart Belonging

IAAP State of the Union: Christopher M. Lee, Ph.D., President, G3ict/IAAP

The Evolution of the Accessibility Profession: A Decade of Progress

Over the past decade, the accessibility profession has transformed significantly. Initially, it focused on cross-industry collaboration to define the purpose of professional associations. This collaborative spirit led to the development of a universal curriculum for professional certification, standardizing knowledge and skills in the field. Today, we are entering a new phase, aiming to elevate the profession by establishing C-suite-level leadership. This progression underscores the growing recognition of accessibility as a critical business function, driving innovation and competitive advantage. More importantly, it promotes inclusivity, inspiring us to push the boundaries of what is possible. Join the presenters as they explore this remarkable journey and its future trajectory. [Audience Poll]

Round Table

Moderator: Frances West, Founder, FrancesWestCo.
Speakers:

• Andrew LaHart, CPACC, Senior Accessibility Program Manager, Atlassian
• Bruno Osorio, Executive Chairman, Adamastor Studio and Foxtech
• Sarah Massengale, CPACC, Web Accessibility Auditor, McGraw Hill and IAAP GLC Member
• Mike Gifford, CPWA, Open Standards & Practices Lead, CivicActions

Networking Break

Impact of AI and Innovation on the Accessibility Profession: Threats or Opportunities?

AI technologies are enabling innovative new capabilities in assistive technologies and accessibility, offering many possible benefits related to disability inclusion. While these potential benefits are significant, it is crucial we also understand the potential negative impacts, risks, and harms such technologies may have for persons with disabilities. This session will delve into these potential beneficial and negative impacts with a particular focus on implications for the accessibility profession. We will discuss how organizations can integrate disability inclusion and accessibility into their responsible AI efforts and discuss how the role of accessibility professionals and programs is evolving.

Lightning Talk: Jutta Treviranus, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Inclusive Design Research Centre and Institute, OCAD University (remote speaker)

Panel Discussion

Session Chair: Bill Curtis-Davidson, Director, Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT)
Panelists:

• Thomas Logan, CPWA, Founder and CEO, Equal Entry
• Manish Agrawal, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft & Co-Founder, iAccessible
• Christina Adams, CPWA, Manager of Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove

Networking Lunch

IAAP 10th Anniversary & Awards Celebration

Metrics, Metrics, Metrics

Tracking and reporting accessibility data within an organization is essential for several reasons. This session explores how data collection improves the experience for persons with disabilities, both from an employee performance and customer perspective. Presenters will discuss how metrics have impacted change in their organization by highlighting examples of possible impacts in areas such as benchmarking and progress measurements, prioritization and planning, employee performance, customer experience, and compliance. Join the presenters as they share how accessibility metrics can impact the culture of an organization. [Audience Poll]

Lightning Talk: Andrew Holbrook, Chief Accessibility Officer, Wells Fargo

Panel Discussion

Session Chair: Tim Springer, CEO, Level Access
Panelists:

• Christine Hemphill, Founder and Managing Director, Open Inclusion 
• Arpitha Shetty, Director, Inclusive Design/Localization, Walmart International
• Anessa Powell, Account Manager North & South America, Valuable 500
• Hillary Wool, Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Networking Break

Overlays to Generative AI: Charting the Future of Digital Accessibility

This panel will explore the future transformation of digital accessibility, recognizing the opportunities and disruptions that AI brings. Presenters will explore the tension between innovation, disruption, and the imperative to build accessibility. The session will examine how technology has changed the life trajectory and possibilities for people with disabilities while acknowledging that technology alone—not even generative AI—can fundamentally dismantle ableism, which underpins all marginalization of the disability community. Join us for a dynamic discussion on the future of accessibility, where we strive to balance technological advances with inclusivity, and center the disabled community in our journey forward to create equity. [Audience Poll]

Panel Discussion

Session Chair: Mary Fernandez, Global Lead, Disability and Neuro-Inclusion, Cisco
Panelists:

• Ida Behreini, Software Engineer, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Michael Bervell, Founder and CEO, TestParty
• Willette Harris, Accessibility Technical Business Partner for Collaboration, Cisco
• Regina "Gina" Kline, Founder and Managing Partner, Enable Ventures
• Brian DeConinck, Senior Software Engineer - Accessibility, Ad Hoc

Closing Session: What Companies and Jobseekers Need to Know When Hiring Accessibility Professionals

Hiring an accessibility professional is not just about ticking boxes; it's about finding someone who can drive positive change and make your build and digital products environment accessible to all. When hiring these professionals, it's crucial for companies to consider several key factors to find suitable candidates to champion and implement accessibility initiatives effectively. During the closing remarks, two fast-paced lighting talks will provide SME summary feedback from focus groups addressing hiring key factors held over the first two days of the Summit.

Panel Discussion

Session Chair: Sharron Rush, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Knowbility
Panelists:

• Glenda Sims, CPWA, Chief Information Accessibility Officer (CIAO), Deque Systems
• Natalie P. Tucker, Accessibility Lead, Genuine Parts Company

Closing Remarks

IAAP Accessibility Workshop Offerings

Half and full-day workshops are also being offered for participants who want more in-depth training. Workshop content will be recorded and be available for purchase after the Summit. For information and registration, please visit Registration Pricing