My Activities 2017

Join me at Canada's digital government conference, November 1-3, 2017

This is a three-day conference where leading minds in government and technology come together to redefine what's possible in an era of digital systems and connected citizens. I will be participating on the "Inclusion And Accessibility" discussion panel. Democratic governments live in the tension between two often competing ideas: The will of the popular vote, and the constitutional rights of the individual. For digital government to work, it must not just be for the masses, but for everyone. And while technology holds great potential to streamline Byzantine government processes, it also runs the risk of widening an already significant digital divide by ignoring those who need it most. In this session, we'll look at what accessibility means for a connected citizenry, and why digital government for everyone isn't just a constitutional right; it's the right way to build sustainable platforms. The FWD50 conference will take place at the Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, 1000 Exhibition Way), Ottawa, Ontario.
FWD50 2017 Photo Collection.

Join me at the TechWell StarCanada 2017 software conference in Toronto, October 15-20.

While Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility for a wider spectrum of users, including the blind, and their interfaces is being required by law across more jurisdictions, testing for it remains limited, naive, and too late. Take away an understanding of the three core guidelines for accessibility; components of authoring tools, web content, and user agent accessibility for mobile, web browsers, and media players, and understand their impact on assistive technologies. As a member of the Inclusive Media and Design (IMD) team, I will be speaking on Accessibility Standards and Testing Techniques: Be Inclusive or Be Left Behind (Thursday 19th, at 10:15-11:15AM).

Join me at the FITC Front-End Developer Conference, Web Unleashed 2017, September 25 and 26.

I will be participating in the panel session "Making the Web Accessible for People with Disabilities", taking place on September 26 at 11:30Am to 12:15PM, at the Toronto Marriott downtown Eaton Centre hotel, room Salon CD. FITC stands for 'Future. Innovation. Technology. Creativity.' four words that capture the essence of what our company and events are all about. We produce design and technology focused events worldwide that inspire, educate and challenge attendees. Since 2002, FITC has brought together like-minded professionals in Toronto, Amsterdam, Tokyo, San Francisco, Chicago, Seoul, New York, Los Angeles and many other cities.
FITC2017: How to Build Accessible Products - YouTube

Join me at the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science third annual Accessibility Innovation Showcase.

The Accessibility Innovation Showcase is an event highlighting innovative assistive technologies and devices through interactive exhibits, and is taking place on September 25-26, 2017, at the Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto. The admission is free, and Thousands of visitors are expected and will experience the latest technologies to help improve the lives of Ontarians with disabilities. I will be participating in the "Ask the Expert", on the afternoon of September 26th.

Launch Of The Canadian Digital Service - Success or Failure?

By David Best, AEBC Blog, July 23, 2017
On July 18 The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Launch the Canadian Digital Service (CDS), a made-in-Canada approach to digital government. This is an exciting announcement, as it is the first step toward a more inclusive Canada. However, should digital accessibility be introduced at the step one design phase, or integrated at a later date once the digital processes have been put in place? The CDS team understands that people expect government services to be simple and easy to use, and realize that there is a lot of work to be done, and yet have marginalized groups that depend upon accessible digital communications, like blind Canadians, from the most important phase of the project. The CDS team, no doubt, is passionate about their work, driven by empathy to get the job done, and committed to making it easier for people to use government services, but yet do not have an obvious accessibility strategy or even an accessibility champion.

Join me at the MisFits of QA MeetUp in Toronto on June 21.

Meet Ups are a great way to meet with like minded people and learn new talents and skills. Networking is the key to success, and collaboration is the catalyst for innovation.
Discussion notes: Accessibility Testing, what do we know?

University of Guelph Open Learning and Educational conference 2017

Join me at the University of Guelph accessibility conference "Becoming a Catalyst for Inclusion", on May 29-31. As a member of the Inclusive And Media Design group, I will present on the topic "Why Site Analysis and Remediation is a Feel Good Thing", in Rozanski Hall 101, Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 3:15-4:00PM.. Learn about the why of accessibility remediation and the impact that AODA compliance can have on people who use your site. Accessibility should be a measure of productivity that enable people to be productive and satisfied.

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians 2017 Conference, Celebrating 25 years

The 2017 AEBC National Conference and Annual General Meeting will take place in Toronto, Ontario, at the Court Yard by Marriott Downtown Toronto, from April 28 to April 30, 2017. The theme is Celebrating AEBC's 25th Anniversary. Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is a national grassroots, peer support organization that comprises Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted and our supporters from the public at large. We work to ensure we have a voice on all matters affecting our participation in Canada's mainstream society. I believe we are at a critical turning point in the evolution of independence for blind Canadians. Scientists and engineers are pushing the boundaries of technology, and creating greater independence for persons living with vision loss. At the AEBC AGM this year I will be standing for nomination in a Directors position.
AGM2017 Nomination Introduction text transcript

Parks Canada Consultation round Table Feedback

Let's Talk Parks, Canada! invites all Canadians to share their views on Canada's national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas and on the Parks Canada Agency. For the first time ever, all Canadians are being invited to participate in the Minister's Round Table required by the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998). As the representative for The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) I was invited to participate in the Round Table discussion that took place in Markham Ontario on January 11, 2017. Read my Round Table Discussion feedback, and help shape the Parks Canada of tomorrow.

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My Activities 2018

My Activities 2016

My Activities 2015