Introducing the XR Association’s Developers Guide on Accessibility

The XR Association promotes the dynamic global growth of the XR industry, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed-reality, and future immersive technology. XRA is leading the way for the responsible development and adoption of XR by convening stakeholders, developing best practices and research, and advocating on behalf of our members and the greater XR industry.

With its members, XRA has written and published three chapters of the "XR Association Developers Guide: An Industry-Wide Collaboration for Better XR." The latest chapter — entitled "Accessibility & Inclusive Design in Immersive Experiences" — is a set of industry-backed guidance for developing accessible platforms for all users, not just those with disabilities.

Laura Chadwick, XRA's Vice President of Industry Relations and staff lead for its Accessibility Working Group, will provide an overview of the XRA's Developers Guide chapter as well as discuss the work of the XR Association in general.

XRA's Accessibility & Inclusive Design in Immersive Experiences chapter of its ongoing Developers Guide series is the first and only comprehensive resource that details not only why accessibility in XR is important, but also specifically includes guidance on how to incorporate accessibility into XR software. Attendees will get a deep dive into the chapter and have a chance to give feedback on it.

On behalf of its members, which include Google, Microsoft, Oculus from Facebook, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Vive by HTC, the XR Association is committed to supporting the development of accessible XR. Come learn about upcoming projects led by XRA focused on accessibility, provide your input, and get involved.

PRESENTER BIO
Laura Chadwick serves as the XR Association’s Vice President of Industry Relations. In this position, Chadwick oversees the implementation of XRA’s research agenda, the development of its catalog of industry-leading best practices, and the growth of member engagement and industry relations efforts.

Laura previously served as a director of corporate member engagement at the National Restaurant Association and as a federal lobbyist within its Government Affairs department. Additionally, she worked for the Consumer Technology Association, U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05), and U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28).

Chadwick graduated from Washington and ___ University in Lexington, Virginia, with a Bachelor’s in Politics and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs.

ACCESSIBILITY
The presentation will be captioned [cc]. The event will have real-time captions displayed in Hubs and YouTube live stream.

Mozilla Hubs holds weekly office hours that can be used to practice and gain an understanding of how to interact in Mozilla Hubs.

LIVESTREAM
We will have video streaming of the event to YouTube via a partnership with the Internet Society Accessibility SIG (a11ySIG).

Link: https://youtu.be/m1POouFfTww

If you are unable to join via Hubs, we encourage you to watch the stream on YouTube and ask questions. As we begin meeting regularly each month we will capture feedback on ways we can be more accessible and inclusive in virtual reality and start incorporating them into a set of Best Practices.

SPONSORS
Thanks to Equal Entry for sponsoring.

ACCREDITATION
All A11yVR meetups are pre-approved for IAAP Continuing Accessibility Education Credits (CAEC).

TIMELINE
Please NOTE: When you RSVP, use the "Add to calendar" link to receive a calendar invite transcribed to your time zone.

This timeline is based on the New York ET time zone.

7 - 7:15 PM
Thomas Logan introduction to A11yVR

7:15 - 7:50 PM
Presentation

7:50 - 8 PM
Q&A with attendees

8 - 9 PM
Breakout sessions in small groups to get to know each other in virtual reality. It is up to you if you want to stay and continue meeting other people in the room.