Minding The (Accessibility) Gap

with Kevin Huber

A little about me!

• they/them
• Product Engineering Manager at thredUP
• East Nashville
• Clothing, event planning, being nerdy 

We'll be...

1. Forming common nomenclature
2. Addressing misconceptions
3. Discussing the Curb Cut Effect
4. Expanding accessibility

Before

We

Begin...

Guidelines for a good conversation

• Ask for clarification if you are unsure (none of us is as smart as all of us)
• Mute your mic between talking
• Feel empowered to use the chat
• Cameras on (if possible) - it helps audio accessibility
•  

Visit a11y.kevinahuber.com for notes and slides

What are your experiences?

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Disability

A mismatch between a person and their environment

Accessibility

Correcting this mismatch

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A few disability categories 

• Visual
• Auditory
• Mobility
• Cognitive
• Vestibular
• Connectivity

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👎 Misconception #1

Disabilities can always be seen and are permanent

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👎 Misconception #2

Disabilities are the same in all environments

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👎 Misconception #3

Accessibility standards are conflicting and changing

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👎 Misconception #4

Accessibility is optional

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Title III - Public Accommodations and Positive Rights

The Curb Cut Effect

When designing for accessibility benefits a larger community

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Curb Cut Effect Examples

• Closed Captions
• Artificial Nose in VR
• Large click targets

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What are examples of the Curb Cut Effect-

When designing for accessibility benefits a larger community?

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• Closed captions
• Artificial nose
• Explicit labeling
• Alt text
• Keyboard controls
• Clear branding
• Color contrast
• Text upshots
• Performance Optimizations
• Readability
• Transcripts for audio/video
• Large text/zooming
• Ergonomic devices

• Clear UX
• Accurate photo captions
• Simple navigation
• Responsive design
• Click target size
• Steady cam hardware
• Text only versions
• Print compatibility
• Offline browsing
• Hover state fallbacks
• Dark mode
• Audio interfaces

Curb Cut Effect Examples

Let's get to business

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Discuss

1. How do you experience accessibility in your life?

2. What disabilities are frequently under addressed in accessibility efforts?

3. What is one thing you will do to make something in your life more accessible?
   
   ~ 10 minutes

Closing Thoughts

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The curb cut effect and related inclusive design thinking are tools that can change how one views the world, and make oneself more resilient and adaptable.

This can be extended to your home, your work, your craft, your relationships– everything. 

Thank you!

kevinahuber@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/kevinahuber