Beyond Barriers - An Accessibility Podcast

Wally
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Beyond Barriers - An Accessibility Podcast

Accessibility is still an area unknown to most people. Brian, co-founder of Wally, teams up with accessibility experts across the content supply and the disabled community, to understand their insights on accessibility. Listen to accessibility specialists, consultants, developers, designers, managers, and other motivational people themselves.

  1. Speech-To-Text, Voice Creator, Auto Translation: AI Special - Andy | Product Marketing Director

    2 DAYS AGO

    Speech-To-Text, Voice Creator, Auto Translation: AI Special - Andy | Product Marketing Director

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Andy Beatman, Product Marketing Director, Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft, speaks about the importance of accessibility in technology, particularly through the lens of AI. Andy shares his journey into the accessibility space, highlighting personal experiences that fueled his passion. The conversation explores how AI can enhance accessibility, the need for empathy in creating inclusive environments, and the role of data in driving accessibility initiatives. He also discusses the global perspective on accessibility, the importance of universal design, and the future of accessibility technology. Andy emphasizes the need for authenticity in communication and the power of community in fostering inclusivity. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility and AI (02:28) : The Role of AI in Enhancing Accessibility (07:19) : Personal Journey and Passion for Accessibility (15:33) : Bringing Others Along: The Challenge of Advocacy (22:11) : The Importance of Data in Accessibility (26:07) : Future Disruptions in Accessibility Technology (32:42) : Final Thoughts on Empathy and Community #BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #Accessibility #AI #Inclusivity #Communication #AccessibilityStrategies

    37 min
  2. Accessibility QA Testing, Team Culture, WCAG 3 - Michael Bolton | Digital Quality Assurance Expert

    4 DAYS AGO

    Accessibility QA Testing, Team Culture, WCAG 3 - Michael Bolton | Digital Quality Assurance Expert

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Michael Bolton, a digital quality assurance and accessibility advocate, about his journey and the challenges faced in creating effective accessibility strategies. He discusses the importance of pushing boundaries in quality assurance, building a receptive team culture, and navigating the complexities of higher education institutions. Michael emphasizes the need for continuous improvement, the significance of human connection, and the future disruptions in the accessibility space. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility Challenges (06:02) : Pushing Boundaries in Quality Assurance (12:01) : Strategies for Scaling Accessibility (17:59) : The Importance of Human Connection (24:12) : Measuring Success in Accessibility Initiatives (29:57) : Closing Thoughts on Advocacy and Accessibility #BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #QualityAssurance #HigherEducation #AccessibilityStrategies #DigitalInclusion

    30 min
  3. Universal Design, Specific Accommodations, WCAG 2.2 - Ian O'Bara | Sr. Accessibility Engineer

    12 DEC

    Universal Design, Specific Accommodations, WCAG 2.2 - Ian O'Bara | Sr. Accessibility Engineer

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Ian O’Bara, a senior accessibility engineer, discusses the importance of empathy in understanding user needs, the challenges faced in mastering accessibility standards, and the evolving landscape of digital accessibility.  Ian emphasizes the need for education and collaboration between design and accessibility teams to create universally accessible experiences. Ian also touches on future disruptions in the accessibility space and the importance of integrating accessibility into organizational practices. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility Journeys (03:00) : The Influence of Healthcare on Accessibility Engineering (05:59) : Universal vs. Specific Design in Accessibility (09:04) : Challenges in Accessibility and Understanding User Needs (12:12) : The Importance of Empathy in Accessibility (15:08) : Education and Training in Accessibility (17:58) : Collaboration Between Design and Accessibility (21:12) : Evolving Standards and User Experience (23:57) : Future Disruptions in Accessibility (27:08) : The Role of Education in Bridging Accessibility Gaps #BeyondBarriersPodcast #DigitalAccessibility #UniversalDesign #AccessibleTechnology #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign

    33 min
  4. Native Accessibility, Accessible Adverts, Overlays, No Code Websites - Sumair | Full Stack Developer

    10 DEC

    Native Accessibility, Accessible Adverts, Overlays, No Code Websites - Sumair | Full Stack Developer

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Sumair Qaisar talks us through building robust accessibility tests, specifically explaining how currently websites with poor design can still pass the basic accessibility check but not be usable. He explains how accessibility overlays work, how they project an illusion of accessibility without any real fixes. He goes on to explain the need to build native accessibility solutions. He also discusses building accessible adverts, TLDRs, smart glasses that read aloud, and the inaccessibility created by no-code websites. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Introduction to Accessibility (6:18) : Low Hanging Fruit Accessibility Checks (12:27) : Accessibility Overlays (18:27) : TLDRs (19:16) : Smart Glasses (22:50) : Inaccessibility from No-Code Websites (27:31) : Different Solutions for Different Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #FullStack #WebDevelopment #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology

    33 min
  5. Invisible Disabilities, Accessibility Legislation, Equal Procurement - Deidre | Executive Director

    5 DEC

    Invisible Disabilities, Accessibility Legislation, Equal Procurement - Deidre | Executive Director

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Deidre Guy takes us through the world of invisible disabilities and how to make a positive difference. She talks about how people lack knowledge and understanding of disability, and how many organizations are still implementing a band-aid solution to comply with the law. We also discuss her experience in supporting disability and veteran owned businesses, as well as the accessibility legislation that currently exists in Canada and the United States. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (3:14) : Accessibility Now (5:18) : Invisible Disabilities (9:17) : Positively Contribute to Invisible Disabilities (13:21) : Band-Aid Solutions (15:53) : Legislation (28:52) : Include Accessibility First #AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology

    30 min
  6. Ambiguity in WCAG, Shift Left Approach, Universal Solution - Jonathon Taylor | Accessibility Trainer

    3 DEC

    Ambiguity in WCAG, Shift Left Approach, Universal Solution - Jonathon Taylor | Accessibility Trainer

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Jonathon Taylor shares his experience as an accessibility trainer. We touch upon the Shift Left Approach, the ambiguity that exists in WCAG conformance, solving for accessibility at the authorship level and at the user level, the possibility of universal solutions for all accessibility needs, and AI producing accessible code from the get-go. Jonathon also takes us through the different types of accessibility training—end-to-end training, self-guided approaches, collaborative and instructor-led training—and what the pros and cons of each of them are. He also gives his perspective on measuring the impacts of training, scaling, and concluding them. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (1:20) : Journey Into Accessibility (2:24) : Life as an Accessibility Trainer (5:34) : Empowering those who are unaware of accessibility (7:10) : Shift Left Approach (9:00) : Types of Accessibility Training (18:26) : Ambiguity in WCAG conformance (22:08) : Universal Solution for all accessibility needs (28:02) : Using AI to produce accessible code (31:25) : Upgrade skill-set to suit a larger audience #AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AccessibilityTraining #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology

    33 min
  7. Alt-Text, Brand Guidelines, Retention Rate, Bounce Rate, End Users - Nitika | Content Strategist

    28 NOV

    Alt-Text, Brand Guidelines, Retention Rate, Bounce Rate, End Users - Nitika | Content Strategist

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Nitika talks about accessibility incorporation in content. Be it interacting with end-users, writing Alt-Text, balancing the brand guidelines, or working with the design and development teams to ensure accessible experiences. She talks in specific about how she often uses resultant numbers like improved retention rate and bounce rate to convince people on the importance of accessibility—win-win for the company as well as the end-users. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Introduction and Overview (03:10) : The Importance of Accessibility in Content and Design (08:12) : Balancing Accessibility with Brand Guidelines (11:20) : Measuring the Impact of Accessibility on User Engagement (24:29) : Accessibility as a Disruptor in the Industry (26:18) : The Role of Audits in Driving Accessibility (29:13) : Closing Thoughts #AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AssistiveTechnology #CrossFunctionalTeams #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleTechnology

    29 min
  8. Designing for Different User Groups & Advances in Physical Accessibility - Alex | Product Designer

    26 NOV

    Designing for Different User Groups & Advances in Physical Accessibility - Alex | Product Designer

    In this episode of Beyond Barriers, Alex talks about how she creates user-centric designs every day. She touches upon designing for all user groups, finding the right user groups for testing, prioritizing accessibility when in competing priorities, and the eventual benefits of an accessible product. The conversation also explores the evolving role of accessibility in the public and private sectors, the importance of continuous learning, and the future of accessibility in the context of AI and machine learning. Alex also expresses a passion for physical product design and smart city technologies, drawing inspiration from Japan's public infrastructure. Watch Beyond Barriers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WallyAX Timestamp: (00:00) : Journey into Accessibility: Challenges and Successes (07:21) : The Evolving Role of Accessibility (26:03) : Passion for Physical Product Design and Smart City Technologies #AccessibilityMatters #DigitalAccessibility #A11Y #AccessibleTechnology #InclusiveDesign #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleDesign

    29 min
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Accessibility is still an area unknown to most people. Brian, co-founder of Wally, teams up with accessibility experts across the content supply and the disabled community, to understand their insights on accessibility. Listen to accessibility specialists, consultants, developers, designers, managers, and other motivational people themselves.

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