United in accessibility – in Paris

The IAAP EU Accessibility 2024 spring event was hosted by ATOS and held at their headquarters in Paris. It is always inspiring to share knowledge and network with fellow accessibility experts. At the beginning of the event, IAAP EU also organised a half-day members-only workshop. This concept is already something of a tradition, and one of the most popular member benefits.

Being responsible for the IAAP EU Program, I sometimes get credit for things where other people actually do the job. The EU-focused workshops may be my idea originally, but their success is the result of many committed facilitators working hard – not to mention all participants.

The super-nerdy topic of this year’s workshop was the EN301549 requirements covered in the Web Accessibility Directive that go beyond WCAG 2.1 AA. These requirements need to be met to comply with the directive – but there is no consensus yet on how to test or interpret them. Not a small task to take on.

After the workshop, quite a few talked to me enthusiastically about the process and the results, how talking through EU-specific topics in break-out groups led by highly knowledgeable specialists in the area brings new perspectives to important discussions. Several participants also told me that working together on specific issues, learning from colleagues from across the continent and with diverse backgrounds is truly enlightening. “I have learned so much from this” and “this is highly needed” were recurring comments. The energy in the room when groups reported back on their discussions was remarkable, and people wouldn’t stop talking about it in the breaks… The IAAP pay-off “United in accessibility” felt just right.

Thanks to all of you who contributed!

And the more traditional part of the event

After the workshop, we moved on to a hybrid event with panel discussions on a wide variety of accessibility-related subjects. During the one and a half days we discussed topics like the benefits of different types of certifications, the need for accessibility research and IAAPs role in it, as well as the importance of speech and translation technology in the multi-lingual European region. One session focused on the current situation in France, while others touched on inclusive employment, the unique monitoring going on in the EU and, of course the upcoming Accessibility Act – among other things. IAAP Chapters leads shared their wish-lists for the future and a series of brief inspirational presentations highlighted innovative ideas and tools, and offered personal stories.

Coming up next is the Web Accessibility Anniversary event on 23-24 September. Stay tuned for more information.

Susanna Laurin, IAAP Representative to the EU