Coding Accessibility: Developing Our Inclusive Future | GitHub

Accessibility Importance and Benefits

• Accessibility goes beyond ramps and braille, benefiting everyone and enriching society.
• Building accessibility from the beginning is more efficient and cost-effective.
• Including people with disabilities in the building and design process ensures accessibility.
• Accessible software allows people with disabilities to work, learn, and participate in leisure activities.

GitHub's Mission and Accessibility Efforts

• GitHub's mission is to empower people with disabilities to build technology by removing barriers, innovating for access, and advocating through examples.
• Ed Summers, head of accessibility at GitHub, emphasizes the importance of accessibility for everyone, leading to better usability and inclusivity.
• Open-source software lowers barriers for people with disabilities to learn software development and contribute to the open-source community.

Technology and Accessibility

• Technology is a tool, not the solution; selecting the right tool and person to use it effectively is crucial.
• Technology can be designed to meet diverse disabilities by adopting user-sensitive design and offering various accessibility options.
• Digital technology is adaptable, making it easier to design for diverse disabilities compared to the built environment.
• Curb cuts with tactile strips exemplify universal design customizable through digital technology.
• AI, such as GitHub Copilot, assists developers with disabilities by providing code suggestions and answering open-ended questions.

Accessibility in Software Development Education

• Software developers should understand accessibility policies and guidelines and incorporate accessibility training into mainstream software engineering education.
• Raising awareness about accessibility is crucial, as many software engineers lack experience with it.
• Incorporating accessibility components into student projects and providing hands-on experiences can cultivate considerate software engineers.

Promoting Accessibility in Society

• Accessibility should be considered in all aspects of technology use, including workplaces, places of worship, and social venues.
• Advocates should promote accessible venues, procurement processes, and standards.
• Including people with disabilities in technology planning and development ensures their needs are considered.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have potential for people with cognitive impairments and those needing to explore inaccessible places.

Accessibility Training and Resources

• Improved marketing and outreach for accessibility training are needed, as many professionals lack awareness and knowledge about accessibility.
• Accessibility training should be foundational and integrated into company practices, like computer security training.
• Shifting left in accessibility means addressing issues early in development, rather than fixing them later.
• Teach Access provides training and resources on accessibility to new professionals.
• The Industry Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers certifications in accessibility core competencies.
• AccessU is a four-day training event dedicated to accessibility.

Allies and Advocacy

• Allies can advocate for accessibility in undergraduate programs and encourage companies to create inclusive environments.
• The ReadME Project on GitHub has an article dedicated to accessibility.
• Companies should welcome and support employees, encouraging them to disclose disabilities and request accommodations.