Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

published by openconcept on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 07:00

What makes this event different from a traditional conference?
Is this the first participant-driven event on technology accessibility?
How much does it cost to participate in the event?
How can I sponsor the event?
When and where is the event taking place?
Who should attend the event?
What topics will be covered at the event?
If I want to present on a topic, how will that work?
If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?
If I present on a topic, what AV will be available?
Will there be a need for volunteers?
What’s happening for lunch?
How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?
Will there be WIFI at the event?
Is there a Twitter account I can follow for the latest information on the event?
Is there a Twitter hashtag for the event?
Will there be event T-Shirts?

What makes this event different from a traditional conference?

A11yYOW is Ottawa's Accessibility Unconference and it is a participant-driven event, sometimes known as a BarCamp. Participants will drive the day, including developing the session schedule the morning of the event. If you have never been to a BarCamp or Unconference before you are encouraged to check out the Wikipedia entry for Unconference or BarCamp to get an overall feel of what to expect during the day. There's a broader theory for Open Space Technology which has also been used by a wide variety of groups.

Is this the first participant-driven event on technology accessibility?

A11yYOW is joining the ranks of a series of sister events whose focus has been on technology accessibility and users with disabilities. Since 2009, these have taken place in: Washington D.C., Boston, Guelph ON, London UK, Montreal, Toronto and Seattle.

How much does it cost to participate in the event?

A11yYOW is completely free to attend. We will be asking for donation.

How can I sponsor the event?

If you are interested in supporting the event, drop an e-mail to mike@openconcept.ca.

When and where is the event taking place?

Thanks to the City of Ottawa, A11yYOW will be taking place in the Ottawa's City Hall building (110 Laurier Avenue West). On Friday, December 2nd, it begins at 8:30am and continues till 5pm.

Who should attend the event?

If you are just getting started or are advanced in your knowledge on technology accessibility, then this event is for you. It is an opportunity for members of the design, development, usability, accessibility, other IT professional and end-users with disabilities communities to share and interact with each other. Whether you spend all, some, or none of your time working in IT accessibility, so long as you have an interest, please consider attending.

What topics will be covered at the event?

While the exact sessions that will take place will only be determined the morning of the event, so long as it relates to technology accessibility (e.g., web, mobile, social media, e-learning, touch screen technology) and users with a variety of disabilities, everything is open to discussion. Possible ideas include:

techniques for developing accessible mobile applications,
inclusive design,
HTML5 accessibility issues,
gaming and accessibility,
the role of research, usability and design in accessibility,
Accessible Rich Internet Applications,
open source accessibility,
accessibility testing techniques,
eDocument accessibility,
how to break into the IT accessibility field,
end-user perspectives on what makes technology accessible,
etc.

If I want to present on a topic, how will that work?

The morning of the event, when participants introduce themselves, you will then have the opportunity to express your interest in presenting on a topic. Topics will be collected and either single person or panels lasting 50 minutes will be slotted into the schedule. Four sessions will run concurrently. No one is guaranteed a presentation slot, this is determined based on interest of fellow attendees.

If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?

If you end up presenting, you are welcomed to use a slide deck. However, given the informal nature of the event, it is not a must. Bryce Johnson with Accessibility Camp Seattle explained it best when he said: “we want to emphasize conversation and reduce presentation.” Also, if you choose to provide handouts, you are responsible for making sure to bring accessible formats (e.g., Word, tagged PDF).

If I present on a topic, what AV will be available?

All rooms will have data projectors. You are responsible for bringing your own laptop, if you choose to use a presentation deck. You’ll also be asked to provide an electronic copy to be linked to the event site post-event.

Will there be a need for volunteers?

Day-of the event, there will absolutely be a need for volunteers in areas such as session note taking, time keeping, folks to help with set-up and clean-up, among other things. Be sure to indicate your willingness to volunteer when you register and you will be contacted.

What’s happening for lunch?

Lunch will be provided free of charge to registered attendees. Be sure to indicate any dietary requirements when you register.

How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?

Please indicate whether you will need disability-related accommodations on the registration form. As this event is funded through sponsors, accommodations will be available based on funding received. You will be contacted to confirm accommodations prior to the event. All disability-related accommodations must be received no later than September9 to allow for time to confirm appropriate arrangements.

Will there be WIFI at the event?

There should be free WIFI at the event, but it may not be as reliable in all of the rooms.

Is there a Twitter account I can follow for the latest information on the event?

The Twitter handle for Accessibility camp Toronto is @a11yyow.

Is there a Twitter hashtag for the event?

The Twitter hashtag for the event is #a11yyow. We encourage folks attending in person and remotely to use the hashtag.

Will there be event T-Shirts?

Not this year, but hopefully next one.