Speaker
Description
In the world today, it is estimated that 1 in every 7 people has a disability. If you do the math, it is a huge, addressable population that is often overlooked.
In this talk, we will explore the vital role of accessibility in the GNOME community and the broader open-source ecosystem. As technology becomes increasingly integral to our daily lives, ensuring that software is usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity. We will discuss the various dimensions of accessibility, highlighting the unique challenges faced by users with different disabilities(drawing most of our examples from blind users) and how these considerations can shape the development and design of GNOME applications.
The session will also cover practical strategies for fostering an inclusive GNOME community. This includes engaging with contributors who have disabilities, implementing accessible design principles, and leveraging tools and resources to improve the accessibility of our projects. Attendees will learn about existing accessibility initiatives within GNOME, share success stories, and discuss ways to actively promote an inclusive environment where all members feel supported and valued.
By the end of this talk, participants will be equipped with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to accessibility in their contributions. Together, we can build a GNOME community that values diversity and empowers every user to thrive, ensuring that our open-source software is truly accessible to all.
| Category | Community Building and Diveristy |
|---|---|
| Talk Description | Outline 1. Introduction - Importance of accessibility in technology - Overview of the GNOME community and its commitment to inclusivity 2. Understanding Accessibility - Definition of accessibility in the context of software - Types of disabilities and their impact on user experience - Common accessibility barriers in open-source software 3. Current Accessibility Initiatives in GNOME - Overview of existing projects and efforts within the GNOME community - Success stories and case studies of accessible GNOME applications 4. Strategies for Building an Inclusive Community - Engaging contributors with disabilities - Implementing accessible design principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines, ARIA) - Tools and resources to enhance accessibility in projects 5. Promoting an Inclusive Environment - Fostering collaboration and dialogue among community members - Best practices for accessibility testing and user feedback - Creating outreach programs to support diverse contributors 6. Conclusion - Recap of key points - Call to action for participants to prioritize accessibility in their contributions Audience Takeaways - Awareness: A deeper understanding of the importance of accessibility in the GNOME community and open-source software. - Practical Knowledge: Concrete strategies and best practices for implementing accessibility in their projects. - Resources: Access to tools and resources that can aid in building accessible applications and fostering an inclusive community. - Inspiration: Motivation to advocate for and contribute to accessibility initiatives, enhancing the overall inclusivity of the GNOME community. - Community Engagement: Encouragement to engage with and support community members with disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. |
| Author(s) Bio | Nasah is a front-end engineer living in Cameroon. She has a degree in software engineering and is very passionate about opensource and building accessible applications.In her current role, she has spearheaded several initiatives to improve the accessibility of their web applications, earning recognition from her peers and leadership team. She is also an active GNOME contributor, collaborating with developers around the world to build innovative solutions. Beverly is an IT instructor and a disability rights advocate focused on technology and digital accessibility. |
| Pronouns | She/her |
| Where are you located? | Mantoh Nasah Kuma - Cameroon , Beverly Bravo - Philippines |
| Do you need travel sponsorship from GNOME Foundation in order to join our event? | Yes |
