Knowbility

The ramp up to AccessU always brings active feedback and suggestions from our vibrant community -- thank you! Layoffs in tech and the uncertain economy sent us to the drawing board to think of more ways to engage and serve as we've done for 25 years.

To help more people access the practical skills-building and hands-on training to help you with your current role or find your next one, we're offering:

💜 Discounted tickets for job-seekers (40% off)
If you were laid off in the great accessibility downsizing over the last year or are currently unemployed, write us at [email protected], send a verification of some kind, and we’ll send you a coupon to attend at the pre-sale price (40% off current standard pricing).

💜 One-day ticket for GAAD ($125)
Thursday, May 16th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). In celebration, we’re inviting the local (or remote) community to attend a full day of sessions, round table talks, the closing keynote panel, and a speed-networking happy hour for just $125. View the GAAD Celebration schedule: https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024/gaad-global-accessibility-awareness-day-2024

💜 Scholarship program (free admission)
There are still 2 open seats for the Fable-sponsored Jim Thatcher Scholarship. If you have a disability, complete the application form. Seats go to the first two qualified applicants.

Knowbility was born in response to this community. We know that we are stronger together than apart. Hope to see you in Austin or online! https://ow.ly/om7r50RmHMF

Announcing new AccessU 2024 promotions The ramp up to AccessU always brings active feedback and suggestions from our vibrant community — thank you! Layoff in tech and specifically in accessibility have had serious impact on so many. That — and the uncertain general economy — sent us to the drawing board to think of more ways to eng...

Why should you attend AccessU 2024? - https://mailchi.mp/knowbility/why-should-you-attend-accessu-2024

Five important reasons why you can’t miss the original hands-on accessibility training conference. Join us online or in-person in Austin, TX, next month!

Why should you attend AccessU 2024? Five important reasons why you can’t miss the original hands-on accessibility training conference. Join us online or in person in Austin, TX., next month.

Check out our 2024 keynote speakers! Meryl Evans, on Community, Championing and Compassion: An Accessibility Journey. In-person on the beautiful campus of St. Edwards in Austin, Texas and virtual/ online. Sign up now for our early bird special! https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

Want to know how to design in Figma with accessibility in mind? Register now for Thea Eaton's course 'Fig Trees and Rainbows' at AccessU! May 13-16, in-person and virtual this year in beautiful Austin, Texas. Figma makes designing for accessibility easy! https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

Don't miss this! Mark Steadman introduces 'Simplifying Mobile Accessibility at AccessU this May! Attend virtually or in-person, get your tickets now! https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

Knowbility is gearing up for its premier accessibility conference this year, AccessU! Both virtual and in person this year at the beautiful campus of St Edward University in Austin, Texas. Don't miss it! May 13-16, register now for tickets! https://ow.ly/M7pS50QIpSl

Want to know how to include different abilities in your testing lifecycle? Introducing Elisa Miller and her Deep Dive on usability testing. Register now for AccessU 2024 held May13-16! Virtual and on-campus. https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

AccessU 2024 is coming up! The premier accessibility conference that is held in-person this year at the lovely campus of St. Ewards in Austin, Texas, music capital of the world! Check out this scheduled accessibility workshop with Karl Groves. Not in Austin, Texas? There is now a virtual option open as well. Register now! https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

Knowbility is 25 this month! Our programs help make the digital world more accessible. Did you know that our program AccessWorks gives access to hundreds of persons with varying disabilities for custom accessibility user testing? Visit AccessWorks at https://knowbility.org/services/accessworks

Knowbility is 25 this month - our programs help make the digital world more accessible.
Start a fundraising team and/or donate $50 or more by Feb 29 and enter a drawing for a seat at the AccessU conference in May. Please visit giving.Knowbility.org!

Our AccessU instructors are forming the topics for their talks! Introducing Teenya Franklin and her Deep Dive on PDF Accessibility. Want to know how to make PDFs accessible? Register now for AccessU 2024! https://knowbility.org/programs/accessu-2024

Don't miss the best pricing on AccessU 2024, the premier conference on digital accessibility.

Knowbility is proud to don the blue beanie in celebration of Blue Beanie Day! 🧢

Since 2007, this international event has been championing web standards, promoting progressive enhancement, and advocating for accessible semantic markup.

Join the celebration and support Digital Accessibility at giving.knowbility.org or check out knowbility.org/bluebeanieday to read about the importance and meaning of this international celebration! 💙🌐

Let's unite to combat Web Standards Apathy!



Image Description: On a blue and purple background is the Knowbility logo, wearing a blue beanie. The text below reads, "Knowbility is celebrating Blue Beanie Day. Join us in the international celebration of web standards!"

This Giving Tuesday, support Digital Equity for all. Log onto giving.knowbility.org and learn how you can improve access to digital opportunities for millions of people with disabilities!

Your support is crucial in our mission to advocate against digital discrimination. Join our Fundraise for Digital Equity Challenge and form a team with friends, family, or co-workers to fundraise and champion the cause in your community.

You can also participate in the spirit of Giving Tuesday by directly donating at giving.knowbility.org.

Your generosity today is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape!



Image Description: On a dark purple background, a woman points to text that reads, "You can make a difference. Become an Accessibility Champion, support funding for programs that make a real difference in the lives of disabled people. Raise awareness and promote understanding of the importance of an inclusive digital world. Advocate against digital discrimination that continues to marginalize disabled people".

⏳ A look back in time...Check out these awesome AIR t-shirt designs from the early 2000s.

The year 2002 hosted the first SXSW-related happening, AIR for Austin Music, where volunteers built accessible, media-rich Web sites for seven Austin-area bands.

In 2005, Austin Air Interactive participated in conjunction with SXSW. Contestants from this year included:

• First Night Austin & Go9Media – Encore
• Austin Symphonic Band & Team Webmopac
• Tapestry Dance Company & Dell Lunch Club
• Rude Mechanicals
• St. Edward's University
• Network for Young Artists
• City of Austin

And more!

Image description: A panel including four images of t-shirts. Top Left: AIR Austin 2004. Top Right: AIR 2003 design. Bottom Left: AIR 2002 design. Bottom Right: AIR Austin design.

The final countdown has begun! ⏰

Today's the day – the registration deadline for AIR 2023 ends at 11:59 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on your chance to participate in the 2023 Accessibility Internet Rally.

For details and registration, head to knowbility.org/air. Join us in creating an inclusive online world!

Image Description:
Two women are cheering and smiling behind an AIR sign. The text on the right of the graphic reads," The Final Countdown, AIR 2023, registration ends today, August 30th at 11:59 p.m. CT. Learn More at Knowbility.org/air".

If your organization has a commitment to , we want you for the Accessibility Internet Rally!

Join past sponsors such as Salesforce, Adobe, and Visa to demonstrate your commitment to today.

Your support is critical in equipping AIR participants with skills and experiences that resonate long after completing the website's finishing touches and clicking the 'submit' button. Additionally, your sponsorship ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to opportunity.

Join us as, together, we achieve digital equity by closing the digital divide. 🌐 Discover more at knowbility.org/air

Image Description:
Two women are standing at a podium. In the background, a purple curtain and a screen display various sponsors' logos. The text at the bottom of the graphic reads, "Be a Leader in Digital Accessibility; your support ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to opportunity. Join us as, together, we achieve digital equity by closing the digital divide".

Did you know that most top websites are not accessible to people with disabilities? Yours could be inaccessible too -- and you might not even know it! Making accommodations on a website increases the availability and usefulness of those materials for a large number of users.

✨ Learn more at knowbility.org/air

Image Description: Grey graphic with a cartoon computer depicted in the center. The text within the computer reads, "Did You Know? Most top-visited websites are not fully accessible. As a consequence, many individuals are unable to obtain information and opportunities due to the websites' deficiency in accessible content and user-friendliness".

Join Knowbility next Thursday, August 24th, at 5:00 pm CDT, as we discuss AIR (Accessibility Internet Rally) and its incredible 25-year journey. 🌐

Get ready for an engaging conversation with ED Sharron Rush and special guests who've not only participated in AIR but have thrived, learned, and built meaningful careers in the field of accessibility. Whether you're a developer, a mentor, or a judge, this episode will fuel your passion for digital inclusion.

Please bring your questions, get inspired, and let's rally together toward a more accessible digital future! 💻

Register Today: knowbility.org/bada

Image Descriptions: Dark blue graphic with an animated computer floating on a cloud in the center. The text above the image says, " What is AIR, and How Does it Launch Accessibility Careers?". The text below the image reads, "Be a Digital Ally, Monthly Series, August 24th, 2023, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm CDT, Knowbility.org/bada".

Hey, it's National Nonprofit Day! 🌍

It's the perfect time to make a difference and recognize the organizations working tirelessly to create positive change in our communities. Embrace the spirit of giving back today. Reach out to your favorite nonprofits and discover how you can be a part of their impactful journey. Whether it's lending a helping hand, sharing your skills, or contributing to the mission, your support matters more than you know.

Curious about Knowbility's incredible initiatives? Head over to Knowbility.org/programs and see how we are making waves in the world of accessibility.

Let's be the change we wish to see. 💫

"📣 Exciting News from Knowbility!

Hey there, accessibility advocates and digital enthusiasts! Get ready to mark your calendars because we have some fantastic updates regarding AIR registration dates! 🎉

We are moving the registration date for AIR to August 30th! 🗓️

Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and inspiration as we countdown to registration day. We can't wait to see the incredible projects you'll bring to life in this year's AIR! 🌐

Image Description: Countdown calendar that indicates the date August 30th, 2023. The text at the top of the graphic reads "New Registration Deadline." AIR logo in the bottom left corner.

The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 33 years ago today, improving the lives of millions of disabled Americans for years to come. We'll always advocate for equity, both on and offline. Onward!

Legislation that empowers and improves the lives of people with disabilities is needed now! With the quickly upcoming anniversary of the ADA, we're excited to see the CVTA Act's reintroduction in Massachusetts.

Sen. Markey's legislation seeks to ensure that "accessibility will never be an afterthought." Creating technologies benefits everyone, and we hope to see nation-wide change in the United States. https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-markey-rep-eshoo-reintroduce-cvta-to-make-communication-technologies-accessible-for-americans-with-disabilities

Sen. Markey, Rep. Eshoo Reintroduce CVTA to Make Communication Technologies Accessible for Americans with Disabilities | U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts On eve of ADA anniversary, lawmakers propose legislation to update technology accessibility...

It's the 25th anniversary of AIR, and that means we've seen hundreds of nonprofit and community organizations have their sites transformed into a fully version for a minimal cost. Is your organization's website next?

Register today and become a part of the impact 💪

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone that contributed to and shared our mid-year fundraiser - we couldn't have done it without you! Although we didn't reach our goal, we made it over halfway! We're grateful for the continued support from the Knowbility & community.

Donations can be made year-round by visiting knowbility.org/donate.

Onward!

Folks, we're in the last hours of our mid-year fundraiser! We're near the $50,000 mark and could use your support to reach this final milestone. Please consider supporting digital equity by visiting knowbility.org/donate today!

Donate to Knowbility — Knowbility Donate to Knowbility and support programs that help millions every day.

Are you ready for ? Our July edition will stream live on Zoom today at 2PM CST. Join us as pro Kevin White of the W3C talks about the ins and outs of digital accessibility policy.

Register on Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/be-a-digital-ally-accessibility-policy-what-how-why

It's time to rally your team for AIR! Join your colleagues in a team, receive expert-level training from accessibility pros and make a positive impact by creating a fully website for a nonprofit organization. Sign up with a group of six today and become a part of the AIR impact for our 25th anniversary! knowbility.org/AIR

Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) — Knowbility The Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) is a pioneering web accessibility awareness program. Started by Knowbility in 1998 as a local event in Austin, Texas, the rally has evolved into an innovative, unique teaching and learning experience that puts accessibility and digital inclusion front and cente...