Join us at CSUN
To help plan your schedule for the 40th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference next week (March 10-14 in Anaheim, CA), here are the Microsoft sessions that will include accessibility announcements, expert insights, and discussion on what’s next in accessible AI. We hope you join us, meet the team, and continue sharing your feedback.
All times are in Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Tuesday, 3/11
Accessibility in the AI ecosystem
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
This session will showcase how AI enhances accessibility for customers, partners, and the disability community, with real-world examples like Microsoft’s partnership with Rijksmuseum and the importance of inclusive data sets.
Presenter: Jenny Lay-Flurrie (Microsoft)
Avoiding the Pitfalls of “Shift-left” Accessibility
2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
If you’ve included accessibility from the start but struggle to maintain it, this session is for you. We’ll share Microsoft’s strategies and introduce “Continuous Accessibility” to keep accessibility practices throughout the product lifecycle.
Presenters: Alli Hirt (Microsoft), Erin Lucas (Microsoft), Manika Malhotra (Microsoft)
Wednesday, 3/12
Copilot and AI Tools to Empower Users with Disabilities
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us to discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot empowers the disability community by enhancing accessibility and productivity. Learn about real-world applications, user testimonials, and future developments. Experience live demonstrations insight.
Presenters: Jennifer Sharp (Microsoft), Erin Lucas (Microsoft)
Thursday, 3/13
Developing AI Equity, Access, and Inclusion for All
1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
AI is everywhere, impacting disabled people in employment, healthcare, and beyond. The U.S. Access Board, alongside nonprofit and industry partners, has created best practices on disability and tech – if you want to know more, this session is for you!
Presenters: Ariana Aboulafia (Center for Democracy & Technology), Alison Levy (U.S. Access Board), Rylin Rodgers (Microsoft)
Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion Through Open Source
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
This session will explore how Open Source Software and the broader open movement are improving accessibility and inclusion. It will also highlight opportunities for individuals and organizations across the accessibility ecosystem to contribute.
Presenters: Ed Summers (GitHub), Joe Devon (A11y Audits), Josh Miele (Amazon), Jennifer Mankoff (University of Washington)
Friday, 3/14
Enhancing Accessibility in Datacenters and Industrial Spaces
10:20 AM – 11:00 AM
Explore the Microsoft Global Datacenter Accessibility Program’s efforts to enhance inclusive space design, secure sponsorship, address accessibility gaps, and foster an inclusive culture through training and diverse recruitment.
Presenters: Bakty Motiram (Microsoft), Jennifer Sharp (Microsoft)
How GitHub Empowers Developers with Disabilities
10:20 AM – 11:00 AM
Join the GitHub accessibility team for an overview of GitHub and the accessibility features that empower developers with disabilities to create, collaborate, and contribute.
Presenter: Ed Summers (GitHub)
Six Steps to a “Robust” Accessibility Program
3:20 PM – 4:00 PM
Is your company aiming to meet Accessibility standards? Our presentation will show you how to centralize inventory, refine systems, identify accessible suppliers, and support non-engineering teams.
Presenters: Ankur Garg (Microsoft), Tehmina Z. Ali (Microsoft)
