Initial Thoughts on January’s A11y Book Club Read

As we kick off the new year, I’m diving into our January selection for the Accessibility Book Club: What Every Engineer Should Know About Digital Accessibility. It’s the perfect way to start the year—learning how we can make the digital world more inclusive!

This book immediately caught my attention because it’s designed for a wide range of readers, from students to seasoned professionals in the software engineering field. Whether you’re a newcomer or someone looking to strengthen your understanding of digital accessibility, this book offers valuable insights.

A Book for Everyone

One thing that stands out is how the book bridges the gap between accessibility experts and those new to the topic. It simplifies complex concepts, making them approachable without compromising depth. What’s more, it’s part of the What Every Engineer Should Know series, which covers various intersections of engineering with other disciplines. If you’re curious, you can explore the full series here.

A Peek Into the Content

The book is divided into two parts:

📘 Part One: Foundations of Digital Accessibility

This section lays the groundwork, introducing concepts like digital accessibility, disability inclusion, assistive technology, and the frameworks engineers use to approach accessibility. It’s perfect for those just starting their accessibility journey or looking to revisit the basics.

🔧 Part Two: Methods for Engineering Digital Accessibility

Here’s where it gets practical! This section dives into the nitty-gritty of accessibility, focusing on:

• Requirements gathering
• Accessible design
• Implementation
• Testing
• Documentation
• Ongoing support

For someone like me, with over five years of experience in digital accessibility, Part One may feel like a refresher. Still, I recognize its importance in helping newcomers build a solid foundation. I plan to approach it with an open mind, appreciating its role in introducing critical concepts to those just beginning their journey.

What I’m Excited About

I’m particularly eager to dig into Part Two. Practical methods for engineering accessibility are my bread and butter, and I’m hopeful this section will provide fresh insights or actionable techniques that I can incorporate into my work.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Please share your takeaways, favorite sections, or any questions in our LinkedIn group or jot them down to bring to our Accessibility Book Club meeting on Tuesday, January 28, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM PST.

We’ll meet online to discuss What Every Engineer Should Know About Digital Accessibility and enjoy a lively conversation, including an Author Q&A session!

Click here to register for the meeting on Eventbrite.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you all and hearing your thoughts on this fantastic book!