Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes this event different from a traditional conference?
- Is this the first participant-driven event on technology accessibility?
- How much does it cost to participate in the event?
- How can I sponsor the event?
- When and where is the event taking place?
- Who should attend the event?
- What topics will be covered at the event?
- If I want to present on a topic, how will that work?
- If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?
- If I present on a topic, what AV will be available?
- Will there be a need for volunteers?
- What's happening for lunch?
- How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?
- Will there be WIFI at the event?
- Is there a Twitter account I can follow for the latest information on the event?
- Is there a Twitter hashtag for the event?
- Where can I stay if I am coming in from out of town?
- Can I get help finding a roommate to help cut down on hotel costs?
- Will there be event T-Shirts?
What makes this event different from a traditional conference?
The Boston Accessibility Unconference is a participant-driven event, also known as a BarCamp. Participants will drive the day, including developing the session schedule the morning of the event. If you have never been to a BarCamp or unconference before, you are encouraged to check out the Wikipedia entry for BarCamp to get an overall feel of what to expect during the day.
Is this the first participant-driven event on technology accessibility?
The Boston Accessibility Unconference is joining the ranks of a series of sister events whose focus has been on technology accessibility and users with disabilities. Since 2009, these have taken place in: Washington D.C., Toronto, Guelph ON, London UK, Montreal, and Seattle. Ottawa will come aboard this December. Visit the Accessibility Camp website to learn more about the broader community that the Boston Accessibility Unconference is joining.
How much does it cost to participate in the event?
The Boston Accessibility Unconference is completely free to attend.
Can I help sponsor the event?
Of course! Anyone can donate any amount by using the "Donate" button found on every page. (The Boston Accessibility Unconference thanks Knowbility for their support in collecting these funds.) Any donations are used toward the costs associated with running the event.
When and where is the event taking place?
The Boston Accessibility Unconference took place Saturday, September 17, at the Microsoft NERD Center, One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA. Directions are available from the NERD site (not fully accessible) or the Boston Accessibility Unconference site (accessible).
Who should attend the event?
If you are just getting started or are advanced in your knowledge on technology accessibility, then this event is for you. It is an opportunity for members of the design, development, usability, accessibility, other IT professional, and end users with disabilities communities to share and interact with each other. Whether you spend all, some, or none of your time working in IT accessibility, as long as you have an interest, please consider attending.
What topics will be covered at the event?
The exact sessions will be determined the morning of the event. See 2011 Possible Topics List and 2011 Topics of Interest for possible session ideas from the 2011 Boston Accessibility Unconference.
If I want to present on a topic, how will that work?
You can express your interest in presenting when you register or during the morning of the event. Topics will be collected and 45-minute sessions will be slotted into the schedule. Four sessions will run concurrently. Almost all sessions will be decided that morning based on attendees' interest.
If I present, am I expected to have a slide deck?
If you end up presenting, you are welcome to use a slide deck. However, given the informal nature of the event, it is not a must. Bryce Johnson with Accessibility Camp Seattle explained it best when he said, "We want to emphasize conversation and reduce presentation."
If you choose to provide handouts, you are responsible for making sure to bring accessible formats (e.g., Word, tagged PDF). Email info@a11y-bos.org with any questions.
If I present on a topic, what AV will be available?
All rooms will have data projectors. You are responsible for bringing your own laptop if you choose to use a presentation deck. You’ll also be asked to provide an electronic copy to be linked to the event site post-event.
Will there be a need for volunteers?
We absolutely need volunteers on the day of the event in areas such as session note taking, time keeping, helping with set-up and clean-up, and more. E-mail info@a11y-bos.org if you can help and someone will contact you.
What’s happening for lunch?
Lunch will be provided free of charge to registered attendees. Be sure to indicate any dietary requirements when you register. The lunch we provide attendees gets rave reviews every year!
How do I indicate disability-related accommodation requests?
Please indicate whether you will need any accommodations on the registration form. As this event is funded through sponsors, accommodations will be available based on funding received. You will be contacted to confirm accommodations prior to the event.
All disability-related accommodations must be received at least a month in advance to allow for time to confirm appropriate arrangements.
Will there be WIFI at the event?
There will be free WIFI at the event. The code will be provided when you arrive.
Is there a Twitter account I can follow for the latest information on the event?
Somehow, we managed to lose the credentials for the Twitter account See the next question.
Is there a Twitter hashtag for the event?
The Twitter hashtag for our events is #a11ybos. We encourage folks attending in person and remotely to use the hashtag.
Where can I stay if I am coming in from out of town?
See our Possible Hotels page. We will not have an official hotel.
Can I get help finding a roommate to help cut down on hotel costs?
If you want to cut down on costs by trying to find someone to share a room, drop an e-mail to info@a11y-bos.org. As people make themselves known, you will be put in touch and then you can go from there.
Will there be event T-Shirts?
If we get a sponsor, T-shirts will be available. They are distributed based on when you register and if you show up.
Borrowed (and modified) with permission from Accessibility Camp Toronto (Thanks, Jennison!).
