The Accessibility Breakdown

The conversation delves into legal compliance topics related to accessibility, covering the Pharmavite ADA Web Accessibility Class Action Settlement, legal updates, standing analysis, and the challenges of age verification using facial recognition technology. The discussion highlights the need for continued exploration and improvement in these areas to ensure accessibility and legal compliance.TakeawaysLegal compliance in accessibilityChallenges of age verification using facial recognition technologyChapters00:00 Introduction to Legal Compliance Topics09:05 Legal Update and Standing Analysis22:10 The Faces Age Verification Cannot Read

The conversation covers the topics of building a general purpose accessibility agent and a structural workbook for AI accessible design systems. It delves into the process, implications, and governance of AI in design systems, providing valuable insights for organizations looking to integrate accessibility into their software development lifecycle. The conversation delves into the themes of ownership and responsibility for AI output, the overlap between coding and design in accessibility, and the implications of the accessible medical diagnosis equipment rule. It explores the need for clear ownership and responsibility for AI output, the intersection of coding and design in accessibility, and the impact of the accessible medical diagnosis equipment rule on medical equipment accessibility.Takeaways* Building a general purpose accessibility agent* Structural workbook for AI accessible design systems Ownership and responsibility for AI output* Overlap between coding and design in accessibility

Episode OverviewThis week's episode covered three major accessibility topics: regulatory deadline extensions, innovative PDF solutions, and the role of craft in an AI-driven world.1. HHS and Title II Deadline ExtensionsHHS (Health and Human Services) Section 504 accessibility requirements have been extended by one yearThis follows similar extensions for Title II of the ADA affecting state and local entitiesLarge entities (50,000+ employees) received a one-year extensionSmaller entities (under 50,000) received a two-year extensionKey Concern: Both hosts expressed frustration that these requirements aren't new - accessibility has been required for years, and WCAG 2.1 AA standards have been establishedBusiness Advice: Organizations should NOT pause their accessibility efforts despite extensions, as there's significant ROI in accessibility and the requirements remain legally enforceable2. PDF to Accessible Markdown ToolDylan Isaac and Blake Bertuccelli-Booth presented an open-source AI tool at the A11Y New York meetup (run by Thomas Logan/Equal Entry)The tool converts PDFs to Markdown format, making content more web-friendly and accessibleMarkdown uses simple characters (like # for headings) instead of HTML tags, making it easier to write and readPDFs were designed in the 1990s to represent physical documents, not digital contentThe tool (part of Quality Reflow from University of Illinois Chicago) helps organizations convert PDF backlogs to more accessible formats3. "Craft is Untouchable" - AI and AccessibilityDiscussion of Christopher Butler's article about how AI doesn't replace craftAI is compared to the synthesizer in the 1980s - a tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertiseAccessibility craft involves the human expertise of making technology usable for people with disabilitiesA story shared about Todd Waits (Crawford Technologies), who continued his keyboard passion after losing his right arm by using synthesizer technologyEmphasis that AI can be an assistive technology that makes things possible for people with disabilitiesKey TakeawaysDon't delay accessibility work due to regulatory extensions - the ROI is significantConsider converting legacy PDFs to Markdown for better accessibilityAI is a tool that enhances accessibility work rather than replacing human expertiseAccessibility has strong business benefits, including customer loyalty, retention, and expanded market reachResources MentionedEqual Entry blog and A11Y New York meetupQuality Reflow tool (University of Illinois Chicago)Crawford Technologies

In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss three main topics:1. "Design and Engineering Solve Different Problems: AI Initiatives Are Forgetting That" by Jeana ClarkThe dangers of "vibe coding" and rushing to generate code with AI without proper planning. Organizations should use AI to surface risks and challenge assumptions early, not just to code faster. Design and accessibility practitioners need to be included from the start.2. "Post Engagement Used to Bother Me" by Charlie TriplettTechnical accessibility posts get more engagement than organizational process discussions. The industry needs to focus on sustainable organizational change rather than just technical perfection. Mature programs are measured by how they handle recurring accessibility issues.3. "Totally Listening: Using a Total Communication Approach" by Molly Ziegler and Christina LompadoIntroduction to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools and the importance of asking people how they prefer to communicate. Listening doesn't always mean hearing - effective communication requires respect and understanding of individual preferences.Additional Highlights• Student asked Colorado Governor about employment for neurodiverse young adults• Boulder Startup Week featuring accessibility talks• Accessibility discussions appearing in mainstream conferences outside the industry

In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss three main topics:1. Title II Extension: They discuss the recent extension of the Title II ADA compliance deadlines. Organizations with 50,000+ people now have until April 26, 2027 (extended by a year), while smaller organizations have until 2028. They express disappointment about this last-minute extension but note that it could give organizations time to implement more sustainable accessibility practices rather than rushing to meet deadlines.2. EN 301 549: Accessibility Standard: They review an article by Callum McMenamin about how the EN 301 549 accessibility standard itself isn't accessible. The standard is published as a PDF with complex language and formatting that creates cognitive barriers. They discuss the irony of accessibility standards being inaccessible and potential solutions, including HTML versions that Canada has implemented.3. Tribute to James Edwards: The hosts pay homage to James Edwards (also known as "Brother Cake"), a respected accessibility expert who recently passed away. They discuss his article "The Road to Accessible Drag and Drop" and his talent for breaking down complex technical subjects into practical, understandable guidance.The episode includes personal stories about James Edwards and reflections on his contributions to the accessibility community.

In this episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark and Justin discuss three key accessibility topics:1. A Simple way to Make Instructions More Accessible - They review Josh Crawford's article about avoiding position-based language in instructions (like "click the button on the right") and instead using descriptive labels that work for screen reader users and those with visual impairments.2. Increasing Accessibility: Mindfulness-Based Practices for Autistic Folks - During Autism Awareness Month, they discuss Brett Albanese's article on how external stimuli like fidget toys can help autistic individuals focus during mindfulness practices. Justin shares personal experiences with his son, who uses music composition as a focusing tool during therapy.3. Deaf Student Inclusion Success Story - They highlight an inspiring story from Campton Elementary School in New Hampshire, where classmates of Ben O'Reilly, the only deaf student, spontaneously began learning American Sign Language to communicate with him. This student-led initiative spread throughout the school, with even teachers incorporating ASL into assemblies and events.The hosts emphasize how these stories demonstrate the importance of considering different accessibility needs and how, sometimes, the simplest solutions, especially those modeled by children, can be the most effective.

In this episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark Miller and Justin Stockton discuss three key accessibility topics:Locked Out: Why OTP and 2FA Authentication Fails Users with Disabilities by Sherry Byrne-HaberExplores how two-factor authentication and one-time passwords create significant barriers for users with disabilitiesHighlights issues with text messaging as a delivery method for authentication codesEmphasizes the importance of testing authentication flows with actual screen reader usersDiscusses the challenge of balancing security needs with accessibility requirementsScreen Readers Are Not Testing Tools by Eric EggertExplains why screen readers alone aren't sufficient for comprehensive accessibility testingNotes that screen readers have built-in assistive capabilities that may mask underlying accessibility issuesReinforces the need for multiple testing approaches beyond just screen reader testingShifting and Shuffling by Beth DeConinckContrasts true "shift left" accessibility integration versus superficial approachesShares a personal experience about detailed accessibility documentation in bug reportsDiscusses the tension between accessibility specialists and developers under pressureemphasizes the importance of education and knowledge sharing rather than keeping accessibility expertise siloedThe hosts conclude with brief comments about the Artemis II mission and its accessibility features, particularly the helpful live captioning.

Episode Summary: The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 2In this second episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark Miller and Justin Stockton discuss three key accessibility topics:1. WCAG A vs AA and Outdated Accessibility Statements, and more! - Nick Steenhout’s blog post that uses a car analogy to explain accessibility levels: Level A is a drivable chassis (bare minimum), AA adds essential features like windows and roof, while AAA is the trim package that may be optional for some but essential for others with specific needs.2. Beware of AI Accessibility Audits - Karl Groves' article warns about the limitations of AI in accessibility auditing. While AI shows promise, it currently works best for short tasks and struggles with context. The consensus is that a "human in the loop" approach remains necessary for now.3. Life as an Accessibility Specialist: What you need to know - Grant Broom's article, about the continuous learning required in accessibility, noting that the learning curve remains steep as standards evolve (WCAG 2.2, upcoming 3.0), technologies change, and best practices develop.

Justin Stockton and Mark Miller break down their top three moments from CSUN 2026: One Session - How Accessibility is Security, Radostina TsvetkovaThe GAAD Meetup - 15-year anniversaryThe trashcan story - The importance of "hallway" conversation at CSUN