International Association of Accessibility Professionals: IAAP

08/20/2026

Accessibility knowledge matters in development workflows.

Inaccessible code ships every day due to gaps in knowledge and process.

IAAP's WAS certification gives developers and technical teams the skills to evaluate, implement, and advocate for accessibility across every stage of the build.

Accessible code is the standard. WAS helps you meet it.

Start your WAS Certification journey today: https://f.mtr.cool/mpruezwzdr

08/19/2026

Happening Tomorrow | Accessible Programming in Memes: High-Impact Strategies for Developers

Developers play a critical role in building accessible digital experiences, and practical accessibility knowledge can make that responsibility more approachable.

Join IAAP tomorrow at 11 AM ET for a free webinar, “Accessible Programming in Memes: High-Impact Strategies for Developers,” with Johannes Lutz (of EBCONT).

The session will explore practical approaches to semantic HTML, text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, accessible forms, common development pitfalls, and pragmatic accessibility testing, using memes to make the concepts memorable and engaging.

Register to attend: https://f.mtr.cool/rjywbwwmcf

08/18/2026

Inclusive higher education is shaped by the many practices that influence how people experience campus life.

The work of organizations like the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education (CAPDHHE) brings together perspectives on human rights, equity, inclusion, and the work of campus practitioners across Canada. These areas intersect closely with accessibility, influencing experiences with digital services, learning environments, communications, policies, and participation.

Accessibility affects how students, faculty, staff, and visitors experience digital services, learning environments, policies, communications, and campus life. CAPDHHE’s work to support professional learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across Canadian higher education is an important part of that broader conversation. Their upcoming 2026 conference will also explore accessibility alongside other dimensions of inclusive excellence and well-being in post-secondary education.

We’re pleased to spotlight CAPDHHE and the professionals contributing to these conversations across Canadian higher education.

Learn more about the organization by visiting: https://f.mtr.cool/nnpbxotsxz

08/17/2026

Your Weekly Accessibility Check-In | This Week in Accessibility at IAAP

UPCOMING EXAM CERTIFICATION SESSIONS
Applications for the September-October exam session will be available in the Certification Portal on 2 September. Applications close September 16 at 5 pm ET, and scheduling opens September 7. The September-October exam session also features in-person testing at the M-Enabling Summit on Wednesday, October 7 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.).

Explore exam dates: https://f.mtr.cool/bpwkibnjdr

IAAP D-A-CH CHAPTER NEWS
Join the IAAP D-A-CH Chapter on August 27 for Accessibility Summer Shorts, a fast-paced online seminar featuring four 12-minute presentations packed with practical accessibility insights. Topics include ARIA basics for non-experts, creating technically accessible PDFs in Canva, and additional expert perspectives, making this an engaging opportunity to gain practical knowledge in just one hour.

Register now: https://f.mtr.cool/anylhlkmiz

IAAP INDIA & UK CHAPTER NETWORKING EVENT
This virtual event is a networking session where members and potential members can share accessibility tips and expertise, but it also acts as an event to help build and strengthen our community for accessibility professionals. It’s a great session for you to learn from other accessibility industry leaders, and it's the perfect opportunity for you to connect with other professionals in the accessibility space.

Learn more and register to attend: https://f.mtr.cool/uijpqrmwpm

08/16/2026

AI Glasses Supporting Independence for Blind Veterans

Meta is launching a program to provide Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses at no cost to eligible blind veterans in the United States, with more than 130,000 veterans expected to be eligible.

The initiative highlights how technology can have greater impact when access is paired with meaningful support. The glasses can help users read documents, identify objects, navigate surroundings, and manage everyday tasks through voice interaction. Meta and its partners are also providing hands-on training through the Blinded Veterans Association and other organizations.

Learn more by visiting this blog: https://f.mtr.cool/xywhatttrg

We're donating Ray-Ban Meta glasses to every blind veteran in America, giving them transformative AI technology.

08/15/2026

Apple’s latest hearing health features highlight how technology can bring hearing support closer to everyday life. With AirPods Pro and an iPhone or iPad, users can access a hearing test at home, personalized hearing assistance, and active hearing protection, where available and authorized.

The approach also points to the growing role of accessible technology in supporting people throughout different stages of their lives, while giving users greater choice and control over how they access and manage information.

Learn more by accessing the blog: https://f.mtr.cool/lwbywswhuo

The world’s first end-to-end hearing health experience: scientifically validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection.

08/14/2026

Across Canada, professional communities are creating new ways for people to connect, exchange knowledge, and collaborate across organizational boundaries.

Platforms and networks such as GCcollab, GCpedia, and other Government of Canada communities provide spaces for public servants, researchers, students, and partners to share expertise and contribute to public-sector initiatives.

For accessibility professionals in Canada, there are opportunities to connect through both digital communities and professional networks. We encourage Canadian accessibility professionals to explore GCcollab and its communities, and to connect with the IAAP Canada Chapter to participate in the growing Canadian accessibility community.

Learn, connect, share expertise, and contribute to the conversations shaping accessible digital environments across Canada.

08/13/2026

Small gaps at handoffs can create larger gaps in accessibility outcomes.

When accessibility decisions are made early, teams have more opportunity to clarify requirements, reduce variation, identify issues sooner, and avoid costly delays later in the process.

Each team that plays a part has a role, and stronger coordination across stages helps teams build accessibility into the work rather than addressing it later.

Where does your team have the greatest opportunity to strengthen accessibility earlier in the process?

08/13/2026

We've all experienced it before; someone with a disability completes an ordinary task, and the response is praise.

Victoria Nolan, Four-time Paralympian, world champion rower, educator with an executive MBA, names what that praise signals.

Early in her rowing career, she struggled to follow the rhythm mid-boat. Her club moved her to the front seat, where she set the pace for everyone behind her.

In episode 66 of United in Accessibility, she talks with Samantha Evans about what happens when organizations never make that move. An application form nobody tested, so a qualified resume is never reviewed. A room assigned near an elevator with a touchscreen and no tactile controls, chosen for her without anyone asking. Decisions about access, made without the person the access is for.

One thing to do this week: invite someone with lived experience into a conversation, a team, or a decision that affects them.

A seat in the boat, and a seat at the table.

Access episode 66: https://f.mtr.cool/sfooxknkbw

08/12/2026

Accessibility is an economic priority that strengthens organizations, workplaces, and communities.

In this thoughtful reflection for the Canadian Accessibility Network, Tony LaBillois, Chair of the CAN Advisory Council, explores how accessibility contributes to innovation, workforce participation, and long-term economic growth. The article highlights the role of accessible infrastructure, inclusive employment, leadership commitment, and ongoing education in creating environments where persons with disabilities can fully participate and succeed.

Building an accessible economy requires collaboration across business, government, education, and the accessibility community. Investing in accessibility helps organizations expand opportunity, strengthen their workforce, and deliver better outcomes for everyone.

Thank you to the Canadian Accessibility Network and Tony LaBillois for contributing to this important conversation.

Read the reflection: https://f.mtr.cool/jyhandxcuf

Reflection written by Tony LaBillois, Chair of the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) Advisory Council, for the November 2024 issue of the CAN Newsletter.