Accessibility at Salesforce plus Virtual and Augmented Reality Accessibility

***Full first and last names are required by our host for the official guest list. I will be messaging those of you whose names do not appear this way when you RSVP for this info. Failure to reply will result in your removal from the Guest List.

This month, we will have two talks. The first, from our host sponsor, Richard Boardman of Salesforce, will feature what they are up to regarding their accessibility efforts. We will then switch gears, welcoming Brooklyn New York's Thomas Logan who will discuss virtual and augmented reality accessibility.

From Thomas: "Software and hardware development of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology is well underway in 2017. These three dimensional experiences provide exciting opportunities to move beyond the conventional patterns of human computer interaction. However, these opportunities also pose many unanswered accessibility challenges. I believe people of all abilities should be able to fully enjoy and participate in these experiences immediately. In this presentation I will highlight successful applications available in the VR/AR marketplace that illustrate accessibility best practices via custom solutions. I will also review popular VR/AR applications that currently fall short of accessibility guidelines. My presentation will focus on what can be achieved via the specification of various non-existent accessibility application programming interfaces (APIs) on the current dominant development platforms. I will also highlight practical considerations for the universal design of hardware interfaces that are involved in these experiences. I look forward to discussions and collaboration with the movers and shakers of a11ybay to move VR/AR accessibility forward!"

A bit about Thomas - Thomas Logan has spent the past fifteen years assisting organizations to create technology solutions that work for people with disabilities. He resides in Brooklyn where he is co-organizer of our sister Meetup Accessibility NYC (http://meetup.com/a11ynyc). His company Equal Entry (http://equalentry.com) focuses on "Contributing to a more accessible world" through evangelism and expert technology review and recommendations.

With thanks to our sponsoring host, Salesforce, our agenda will follow the usual schedule:
6:00 - 6:30 Mix and Mingle
6:30 - 6:45 Opening, Announcements, Job Ops
6:45 - 7:15 Accessibility at Salesforce
7:15 - 7:20 Break
7:20 - 8:00 Virtual Reality and Accessibility

***directions

• the Rincon Cafe is just to the south of the main Rincon building atrium/food court (AKA the old post office)

• the most straightforward access is up the steps/ramp halfway down the east side of Spear St between Mission and Howard

• At the top of the stairs/ramps, proceed ahead for ~75 feet, then turn first left. Don't go through the doors into the main Rincon building atrium/food court. Instead, take the double doors immediately on your left into our cafe.

• The Spear Street Eatsa is a good landmark for your favourite Maps app/Lyft/Cab. The step/ramp access is immediately to the left of the Eatsa frontage on Spear St

Transit: Embarcadero/SF Ferry Building BART/Muni