What we’re about
Virtual meetups on making websites accessible with live captions. This meetup has been officially approved for Continuing Accessibility Education Credits for maintaining Website Accessibility Specialist (WAS) and Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certification through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).
About Us & Our Events
We're a global group of developers, designers, and users interested in building more accessible websites. Join us twice per month for meetups on a variety of topics related to making WordPress and other websites that can be used by people of all abilities.
Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month at 8 AM Pacific and on the third Monday of the month at 5 PM Pacific. All groups are held virtually via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere. All meetups are live-captioned, and some have ASL interpretations. We encourage speakers to verbally describe imagery for people who cannot see the presentation.
Get Recaps & Stay Connected
To get email reminders about events and notices meetup recording as available post-event, join our email list.
We invite you to connect with other attendees and members between meetups to discuss accessibility in our Facebook Group.
You can find presentation recordings and transcripts on the Equalize Digital meetup webpage.
Sponsors
This meetup is organized by Equalize Digital, a company that specializes in WordPress accessibility. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to provide live captions and (occasionally) ASL interpreters. Learn about sponsoring here.
Interested in speaking?
We'd love to hear what you have to say and learn more about how you use WordPress to build accessible websites! Send the lead organizer, Amber Hinds, a message with your talk idea.
Code of Conduct
Please note that this group is a welcoming space for all, and all members must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct. By joining our group, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact an organizer.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Remediation or Rebuild? — Amber Hinds and Steve JonesLink visible for attendees
Join us for a presentation exploring the critical decision-making process behind determining whether a website can be remediated for accessibility compliance or if it needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the key factors that influence this choice, including the severity of accessibility barriers, the underlying technology and codebase, long-term maintenance considerations, and budget constraints. Using real-world examples and best practices, Amber and Steve will walk through assessment strategies, cost-benefit analyses, and the potential risks and rewards of each approach.
About Amber Hinds and Steve Jones
Amber Hinds
CEO, Equalize Digital
Amber Hinds is the CEO of Equalize Digital, Inc., a company specializing in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup, board president/co-lead organizer of the WP Accessibility Day nonprofit, and participates in the WordPress core accessibility team.Through her work at Equalize Digital, Amber is striving to create a world where all people have equal access to information and tools on the internet, regardless of ability. Since 2010, she has led teams building websites and web applications for nonprofits, K-12 and higher education institutions, government agencies, and businesses of all sizes, and has become a passionate accessibility advocate.
Steve Jones
CTO, Equalize Digital
Steve Jones is the Chief Technology Officer at Equalize Digital. Steve has developed highly custom WordPress websites for clients in the enterprise business, higher ed, and government sectors while also being an integral part of developing Equalize Digital’s accessibility auditing software, Accessibility Checker. He oversees the delivery of Equalize Digital’s accessibility remediation services for WordPress websites.Thank you to our sponsors:
- Live captions: Kinsta
- Organizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
- Your Business here! Learn about sponsorship
Event Details:
This meetup will be held at 8 AM Pacific via Zoom webinars.Registration on Zoom is required to attend. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5117413585536/WN_eDV9uBfDQfOZD4c_r6M91w
Accessibility & Accommodations:
This meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned.Slide links will be provided when applicable, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images, etc.
We're working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation.
All are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you, please contact an organizer, and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Code of Conduct:
Please note that this group is a welcoming space for all, and all members must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct.By RSVPing to this meetup, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact an organizer.
- Selling Accessibility Panel DiscussionLink visible for attendees
Ensuring accessibility in WordPress projects isn’t just a legal or ethical responsibility—it’s a powerful value-add for clients. But how do you effectively communicate its importance and integrate it into your sales process?
Join us for a panel discussion where agency owners and freelancers will share insights on positioning accessibility as a competitive advantage, overcoming client objections, and pricing accessibility services effectively. Whether you’re struggling to get client buy-in or looking to refine your sales approach, this conversation will provide actionable takeaways to help you confidently sell accessibility in WordPress projects.
About the Speakers: Amber Hinds, Bet Hannon, Gen Herres, Ron Zasadzinski, and Scott Tobin
Amber Hinds
CEO of Equalize Digital
Amber Hinds is the CEO of Equalize Digital, Inc., a company specializing in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup, board president/co-lead organizer of the WP Accessibility Day nonprofit, and participates in the WordPress core accessibility team. Through her work at Equalize Digital, Amber is striving to create a world where all people have equal access to information and tools on the internet, regardless of ability. Since 2010, she has led teams building websites and web applications for nonprofits, K-12 and higher education institutions, government agencies, and businesses of all sizes, and has become a passionate accessibility advocate.Bet Hannon
CEO and Founder of AccessiCart
Bet Hannon had a first career in nonprofit management but was downsized in the 2008 financial crisis. She stumbled into freelance web development, bootstrapped an agency, and in 2016 when a client needed web accessibility, got her team up to speed with that. Today, she's the CEO and founder of AccessiCart, a services agency that focuses on accessibility and eCommerce (or anything with a checkout form). She lives in Bend, Oregon, and loves hiking and snowshoeing.Gen Herres
Founder of Easy A11y Guide
Gen Herres is the Founder of Easy A11y Guide, which helps website owners & agencies to improve their accessibility. With 15 years of WordPress development experience, and 5 years of accessibility, Gen brings practical knowledge from working on over 1,000 websites to the accessibility space. She's a DHS Trusted Tester for Section 508, a well-known speaker, and an accessibility advocate. She’s spoken at meetups, on podcasts, at WordCamp US, and WP Accessibility Day, and is an IAAP member. She’s helped plugins, themes, and web agencies refine their accessibility processes and websites that real people can use. She also organizes the Baltimore WordPress meetup group.Ron Zasadzinski
Founder and CEO of CodeGeek
Ron started CodeGeek in 2002, and since then, he and his team have worked with clients all over the U.S. to create custom websites and web apps.
Whether in business or in life, Ron’s goal every day is to help people be the best they can be. He’s passionate about making the web more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Ron is involved in several ventures, including co-founding the Fort Collins Internet Professionals (FCIP) Meetup and being a flight instructor with over 30 years and 8,000 hours of flying experience. In his free time, Ron enjoys following NASA missions with great interest, hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife to see the many wonders this world has to offer.Scott Tobin
Founder and President of Sector45
Scott Tobin is the Founder and President of Sector45, a specialized medical marketing agency serving the aesthetic industry. With over 18 years of experience in medical marketing and more than 25 years in digital marketing, he brings deep expertise in internet services, strategic planning, SEO, search marketing, and practice growth. Scott is dedicated to helping medical professionals enhance their online presence and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.Thank you to our sponsors:
- Live captions: GoDaddy
- Organizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
- Your Business here! Learn about sponsorship
Event Details:
This meetup will be held at 5 PM Pacific via Zoom webinars.Registration on Zoom is required to attend. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9617430941134/WN_SgMOk8DjRWmQow4s5RW5iA
Accessibility & Accommodations:
This meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned.Slide links will be provided when applicable, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images, etc.
We're working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation.
All are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you, please contact an organizer, and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Code of Conduct:
Please note that this group is a welcoming space for all, and all members must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct.By RSVPing to this meetup, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact an organizer.
- ARIA for Beginners: Maria MaldonadoLink visible for attendees
Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) is a set of attributes that improve web accessibility for people using assistive technologies. It enhances HTML by adding details to interactive elements, making web applications easier to navigate and use.
Join us for this beginner-friendly session, where we’ll explore what ARIA is, when to use it (and when not to), and best practices for ensuring an inclusive digital experience. Whether you're a developer, designer, or accessibility advocate, this event will equip you with essential ARIA knowledge to enhance web accessibility.
About Maria Maldonado
Maria José Maldonado is a seasoned Web Accessibility professional with a strong foundation in education. Since transitioning to the field in 2018, she has been dedicated to advancing accessibility testing and fostering digital inclusivity. Holding CPACC, WAS, and CPWA certifications, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of WCAG standards and legal requirements.Her expertise spans assistive technologies, automated testing tools, and responsive design, ensuring seamless user experiences across diverse platforms. Passionate about creating accessible digital environments, she collaborates with teams to drive meaningful, user-centered accessibility solutions.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Live captions: Kinsta
- Organizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
- Your Business here! Learn about sponsorship
Event Details:
This meetup will be held at 8 AM Pacific via Zoom webinars.Registration on Zoom is required to attend. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3417450066894/WN_UelsYcK3ScG1AhR_aCleSQ
Accessibility & Accommodations:
This meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned.Slide links will be provided when applicable, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images, etc.
We're working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation.
All are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you, please contact an organizer, and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Code of Conduct:
Please note that this group is a welcoming space for all, and all members must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct.By RSVPing to this meetup, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact an organizer.
- From Conference to Industry AssociationLink visible for attendees
How does an annual accessibility conference grow into a national industry association with real policy influence? Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation about what it takes to scale an accessibility-focused initiative into an organization with national reach and impact.
In this session, we will explore the journey of evolving from a one-time event into a structured, sustainable, and strategic industry body. We'll share lessons learned and insights gained along the way, including:- Identifying your target audience and building meaningful connections
- Managing and growing membership while maintaining community focus
- Raising your national profile and becoming a recognized voice in accessibility
- Choosing a focus and setting boundaries to stay aligned with your mission
- Transitioning from an annual in-person event to ongoing virtual programming
- Balancing funding, sustainability, and organizational costs
- Building advocacy capacity and influencing digital accessibility policy
Whether you’re part of a grassroots initiative, a community event organizer, or someone passionate about accessibility advocacy, this session offers actionable strategies for scaling impact and making a difference.
About the Speakers: Bri Norton, Ricky Onsman, and Amanda Mace
Brigitta (Bri) Norton
Digital Accessibility Consultant at Ability Works
Bri is a Digital Strategist and User Experience and Accessibility specialist based in Canberra, Australia and has been an Accessibility Lead for both State and Federal Government and is currently a Digital Accessibility Consultant at Ability Works. Bri has more recently co-developed inclusive research workshops to share how to include accessibility earlier in the project lifecycle which includes engaging with people with disability as part of inclusive research activities.Amongst her professional experience with government agencies and local businesses, Bri is the co-chair for Australia’s Web Accessibility Initiative OZeWAI.org, a Standards Australia Accessible ICT Procurement Committee Member and a member of the ResearchOps.Community Cheese Board.
Ricky Onsman
Principal Technical Writer for the Knowledge Center at TPGi
Ricky Onsman is Principal Technical Writer for the Knowledge Center at TPGi, a global digital accessibility company. He writes guidance articles for TPGi staff and clients conducting manual accessibility audits, as well helping to craft the rules engine for TPGi's automated testing tools, developing training courses, and writing blog posts.Ricky built his first website in 1994, when it was still assumed that accessibility was a given, and since then has worked in IT for a range of companies and organizations, then as a freelance web designer and front end developer, then as an accessibility specialist with organisations like AccessIQ, Simply Accessible, AccessibilityOz, Intopia, Tenon, and now TPGi.
Ricky has been a member of the Australian Web Accessibility Initiative (OZeWAI) since 2014 and, as a Committee Member, has played a key role in developing the organization's web presence and newsletters, and its transition from conference organizer to national industry association.
Amanda Mace
Vice President at GrackleDocs
Amanda is a Subject Matter Expert in Digital Accessibility with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. She manages the Australasia office for GrackleDocs while growing and promoting the brand across the region. She also manages the audit team which is responsible for manual WCAG audits for our clients. Amanda is one of only two Australian-based W3C evangelists and the W3C Australian Western Region Chapter manager.When it comes to accessibility, she believes that innovation with accessibility built into it provides security, independence, and privacy for people with disabilities and ultimately better, more usable digital products for all. She has spent her career advocating that it is everyone's job to do their bit to remove barriers so all people can have equal access and equal opportunity in the digital world. Using her expertise in WCAG and PDF/UA to educate and help others understand digital access as well as how to go above and beyond standards, to ensuring great user experiences.
She is certified by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as a Certified Professional. Having begun her accessibility career as a WCAG auditor/tester, she worked her way up in that small business through to management. Throughout her career, She has had many opportunities to contribute to educating others about digital accessibility including, co-authoring a book chapter for the textbook, "Web Accessibility A Foundation for Research," as well as a white paper entitled, "Digital Accessibility: Perceptions, Expectations and Reality."
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Live captions: GoDaddy
- Organizer and post-event transcription: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
- Your Business here! Learn about sponsorship
Event Details:
This meetup will be held at 5 PM Pacific via Zoom webinars.Registration on Zoom is required to attend. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8217455096864/WN_p2ZmnnPfT56lWJ8T1KMlOw
Accessibility & Accommodations:
This meetup will be held virtually over Zoom and live captioned.Slide links will be provided when applicable, and presenters are encouraged to make slides as accessible as possible with alternative text for images, etc.
We're working to secure sponsors so that we can offer ASL interpretation.
All are welcome to attend. If you need specific accommodations to make this meetup work for you, please contact an organizer, and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Code of Conduct:
Please note that this group is a welcoming space for all, and all members must follow the WordPress Online Code of Conduct.By RSVPing to this meetup, you agree to abide by these guidelines. If you have concerns that the Online Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact an organizer.
