Practical Accessibility Insights

In this episode, David and Sandi explore the intersection of technology and accessibility with Lauren Hedges, Managing Director of Hackforge. We learn more about Hackforge's Accessibility Week initiatives and the power of community-driven tech solutions. Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-episode-12-bridging-technology-and-accessibility-with-lauren-hedges/ Hackforge: hackf.org Lauren Hedges: linkedin.com/in/lauren-hedges/

In this encore episode, David and Sandi talk with Jason Pomerleau, President of Elev8 Web Studio, about delivering accessible websites to clients – whether they realize it or not. "Because sometimes customers ... they wanna bring the cost down, so they'll say, well, what if we could remove this and this? I don't even wanna have that conversation because it's not coming out. It's part of our product. We're not gonna do a website project without accessibility in mind. " Jason Pomerleau, Elev8 Web Studio Email: jason@elev8webstudio.com Website: elev8webstudio.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonpomerleau/ Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-encore-episode-11-accessibility-and-web-agencies

In this encore episode, we chat with Juan Olarte, CEO of Digita11y Accessible, to explore how AI is shaping accessibility in the workplace. We discuss the potential of AI tools to enhance productivity, the importance of ethical and secure implementation, and how understanding prompts can improve AI interaction. Juan also shares insights on AI as a personal assistant and offers practical advice for making digital environments more inclusive. " When it comes to AI and accessibility, I see AI as a big enabler for people with disabilities." Juan Olarte, Digita11y Accessible Email: juan.olarte@digita11yaccessible.io LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juanolarte Website: digita11yaccessible.io Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-encore-episode-10-accessibility-and-ai/ Listen now and join the conversation:

In this episode, David and Sandi chat with Christine Briggs, People Partner - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility with the City of Kawartha Lakes. We learn more about the role of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the strategies used to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-episode-09-accessibility-advisory-committees City of Kawartha Lakes Accessibility: www.kawarthalakes.ca/accessibility Christine's LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/in/christinemwilliamson

In this episode: David and Sandi chat with Dr. Yvette Pegues, an accessibility incident prevention specialist, to explore invisible disabilities and why they are so often misunderstood in schools and workplaces. They discuss how organizations can shift from reacting to accessibility complaints to preventing them in the first place and what it looks like to build truly inclusive environments. Episode transcript Contact Dr. Yvette Pegues LinkedIn Website Free resource: : See It. Stop It. Scale It.™ A Free Practical Guide to Invisible Disabilities, Incident Prevention, and AI Accessibility.

In this episode, David and Sandi explore how businesses, especially small and scaling ones, can build a brand that is honest, inclusive, and built to last. It’s a conversation about doing business in a way that reflects your values and why getting that right from the start matters. As Sandi puts it, "The clearer and simpler we make our marketing, the more effective it's going to be." This is a conversation about doing business in a way that reflects your values and why getting that right from the start matters. Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-episode-07-marketing-with-dignity/

In this episode: David and Sandi chat with Kevin Shaw, Digital Accessibility Lead at Tangerine, about launching successful startups and leading accessibility initiatives. He offers tips on integrating accessibility from the ground up and empowering inclusive entrepreneurial ventures. Website X (Twitter) LinkedIn Transcript

In this episode, David and Sandi talk with John-Marc Vachon from WEtech Alliance. Discover how accessibility is integral to innovation and business growth and tips on integrating accessibility as a core business strategy. "Advocacy and awareness are key - never stop learning," John-Marc emphasizes. John-Marc on LinkedIn WEtech Alliance Episode transcript

Curious about described video and its role in media accessibility? Our latest episode of Practical Accessibility Insights features Joanne Henry, who shares her expertise in making content universally available. As Joanne says, "Descriptive video is for everyone... it applies to various different environments." Joanne emphasizes. Tune in to learn why this is crucial for an inclusive media landscape. Joanne's Website Joanne on LinkedIn Episode Transcript

In this episode, David and Sandi discuss the importance of combining quality testing with accessibility to improve digital experiences for all users with our guest, Clyde Valentine. As Clyde says, "Compliance might tick the boxes, but genuine usability focuses on creating intuitive and seamless experiences that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone." Email LinkedIn Episode Transcript

In this episode, Eugene Woo, founder of Venngage, talks about the journey of making design tools more accessible. "For us, coming from a small company, listening to our customers was key," says Eugene. Discover how Venngage weaves accessibility into their platform and the impact this has on small business owners and educators alike. Email LinkedIn

In this episode, David and Sandi kick off Season Two by exploring the realm of entrepreneurship with a focus on accessibility. They are joined by Matisse Hamel-Nelis, a communications consultant who shares her journey into digital accessibility. Email LinkedIn Episode Transcript

In this episode, David and Sandi speak with Sam Sinjari, community builder, speaker, and advisor. Sam's mission is to highlight that small actions can lead to significant changes, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic society. Email LinkedIn Episode Transcript

In this episode: David and Sandi talk with Elizabeth Doherty and Stephanie Evans, board members of NEADS (National Educational Association for Disabled Students), about their experience in post-secondary education. They share insights and tips on navigating post-secondary education as a learner with disabilities. Elizabeth Doherty Email: elizabeth.doherty@neads.ca Stephanie Evans Email: stephanie.evans@neads.ca Stephanie Evans LinkedIn: inkedin.com/in/stephaniegevans Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-12-accessibility-from-a-students-view

In this episode: David and Sandi talk with Kate Brown, Accessibility and AODA Consultant at McMaster University about accessibility in post-secondary education. “Learn how to build an accessible Word doc. It’s the foundation of every digital accessibility practice.” – Kate Brown Email: brownk33@mcmaster.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynbrown2 Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-11-accessibility-and-post-secondary-education

David and Sandi chat with David Lepofsky, Chair of the AODA Alliance and the state of accessibility in the education sector. David and Sandi chat with David Lepofsky, Chair of the AODA Alliance, about the state of accessibility in the education sector. What barriers exist in our education system, and how can they be resolved? "... everybody either has a disability or gets a disability. Even for students without disabilities, when you educate them about this, it's gonna help them when they later require a disability." - David Lepofsky Email: david.lepofsky@gmail.com Website: aodaalliance.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-lepofsky-8a4ba364/ Episode Transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/episode-10-accessibility-and-the-education-sector/

David and Sandi talk with Tim Hamilton, the founder of Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA!) and member of the City of Hamilton's Accessibility Advisory Committee about the role accessibility advisory committees play in our communities. "Accessibility is a way of thinking. Accessibility is a way of operating. Accessibility is a way of doing business. " Tim Nolan Email: accessibilityhamilton@gmail.com Website: accessibilityhamiltonalliance.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-nolan-4b909b311 Episode Transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-09-accessibility-advisory-committees/

In this episode, David and Sandi talk with Jason Pomerleau, President of Elev8 Web Studio, about delivering accessible websites to clients – whether they realize it or not. "Because sometimes customers ... they wanna bring the cost down, so they'll say, well, what if we could remove this and this? I don't even wanna have that conversation because it's not coming out. It's part of our product. We're not gonna do a website project without accessibility in mind. " Jason Pomerleau, Elev8 Web Studio Email: jason@elev8webstudio.com Website: elev8webstudio.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonpomerleau/

In our latest episode, David and I sit down with Juan Olarte, CEO of Digita11y Accessible, to explore how AI is shaping accessibility in the workplace. We discuss the potential of AI tools to enhance productivity, the importance of ethical and secure implementation, and how understanding prompts can improve AI interaction. Juan also shares insights on AI as a personal assistant and offers practical advice for making digital environments more inclusive. " When it comes to AI and accessibility, I see AI as a big enabler for people with disabilities." Juan Olarte, Digita11y Accessible Email: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanolarte Website: digita11yaccessible.io Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-07-accessibility-and-ai Listen now and join the conversation:

In this episode, Sandi Gauder and David Best chat with Jennifer Curry Jahnke, Principal Educator with AccessibilityConsulting.ca. We explore how legislation is shaping the future of accessible practices and what small businesses can do to stay ahead. " An accessible website is a much nicer website. It's clearer, it's easier to understand, it's easier to follow. It just has better usability ... and it helps to meet legislative requirements, of course." Jennifer Curry Jahnke, AccessibilityConsulting.ca Email: jennifer@AccessibilityConsulting.ca Website: AccessibilityConsulting.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercurryjahnke Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-06-accessibility-legislation