Just like with WordCamps, organizing WordPress Accessibility Day is done through the dedication and work of a team of volunteer organizers. Each of us with different stories, expertise, experience, and a desire for the web to be accessible.
Putting on an event like this isn’t a small feat. Hundreds of hours go into the planning and production – including web design and maintenance, writing, social media, speaker selection, sponsor wrangling, transcription, translation…well the list goes on and on. Each organizer is passionate about accessibility, and sharing their time and talent for this event is part of that passion.
Our primary goal is to deliver a 24-hour event where attendees all over the world can learn to do better on the web.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what some of our organizers have to say about why they’re organizing this year.
My hope as an organizer of WordPress Accessibility Day is that the event will inspire people who are new to accessibility to take the first step in making their sites accessible, whether they are a content creator, designer, or developer.
I’m proud to help organize an event unique in the WordPress community. We have phenomenal speakers and presentations for people of all skill levels. I love that it’s a 24-hour event: there are sessions during business hours no matter where you’re located around the globe, and because it’s virtual, you can attend in your PJs if you want! (I definitely do as I’m getting into hour 12 of being online.)
My favorite thing about organizing WordPress Accessibility Day is all my wonderful co-organizers. Through this event, I have become friends with many people around the world. We truly enjoying organizing together and I miss everyone when we have downtime between events. Every year, I think that it can’t get better, and then the event always exceeds my expectations.
Amber Hinds, Board President, CEO of Equalize Digital
The more that developers, designers and content creators (and the site owners that employ them!) know about accessibility, the more we can all work together to remove barriers for people with disabilities and make the web a better place for everyone. That’s why I’m glad to help organize WPAD and serve on it’s Board.
Bet Hannon, Board Treasurer, Sponsor & Finance Lead, CEO of AccessiCart
WPAD empowers people with knowledge, so they can empower others with usable, accessible sites. I love being part of the organizing committee — it’s a small way of giving back (and paying it forward) to a community that has shared knowledge, camaraderie, and friendship with me.
Adrienne Grace, Volunteers Team Lead, Accessibility Analyst/Graphic Designer at The Standard
Accessibility awareness is the first step towards a more accessible future. WPAD is a great event that shines a light on how to make online spaces more inclusive.
Sarah Kornblum, Organizer, Agency Owner at 2 Dogs and a Laptop
Drawing on the skills and experiences of my peers is essential for my professional development, and WPAD lies at the critical intersection of WordPress and accessibility. I’m delighted I can help organize and raise the event profile in my region.
Ricky Onsman, Asia-Pacific Team Lead, Technical Content Writer at TPGi
I became an organizer, because I wanted to help building a new important accessibility conference. I stayed for 3 years because the main organizers are just fun, competent people who have created a conference that is second to none.
Richard Gauder, Post Event Team Co-Lead, Co-Founder at CMS Web Solutions Inc.
As someone who has physical disabilities with walking and who uses a mobility device (wheelchair, mobility scooter, cane), I’ve struggled at in-person events in the past. I can’t imagine dealing with inaccessibility on the web, too, but to so many people that’s a reality. In my work for representation in tech, being part of WordPress Accessibility Day just makes sense. I’m happy to be among an amazing group of organizers who put in the hard work and many hours to create this amazing event.
Michelle Frechette, Marketing Team Lead, Director of Community Engagement at StellarWP
Our organizers are busy getting ready for WordPress Accessibility Day which runs October 9-10, 2024. We hope to see you there!