Implications of not considering accessibility from the start

Discussion of the implications of not considering accessibility as a core component of the initial value proposition, ranging from a lack of innovation in digital products and lost revenue to legal repercussions under current legislation and proposed changes in Canada.

We will examine the importance and impact of accessibility in UX design for business, users, and Canadian society.

Main takeaways:

Leave the session with updated data points to add into your design rationale, making a business case to start building accessibility in your organization.

Designers and product leaders can identify risks and opportunities that can be articulated in stakeholder engagement plans to decision-makers to support accessible design.

For 15 years, Loui has worked as a designer fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams to deliver hundreds of digital projects across environmental, energy, non-profit, government, and education sectors. He teaches production tools and UX at SAIT and AUArts. Along with Scott Herron, he co-authored an accessibility course taught at SAIT that focuses on understanding how accessible design increases market opportunities by delivering products and services to more people.

Scott is an expert on hands-on technical expertise in accessible design and development, accessibility standards including WCAG and ARIA, screen reader compatibility, and inclusive design principles.

He brings strategic leadership in accessibility program development with initiatives that align with WCAG implemented at scalable enterprise-level. He leverages his expertise in accessible front-end development, audits, and assistive tech behaviour. Scott can equip teams to build user-centered and compliant digital experiences.

Along with Loui Garcia, he co-developed an accessible design course taught at SAIT focusing on increasing market opportunities that are accessible while delivering a product or service to more humans.