Accessibility as Agile: Build It Into Done
taught by: Janell Sims
Session Summary
Accessibility is not a final-sprint scramble, it’s an Agile quality habit. Learn how to build digital accessibility into everyday delivery by embedding it in discovery, user stories and requirements, acceptance criteria, and especially the definition of done.
Description
This session will demonstrate how to weave accessibility throughout every step of the project management process, from planning and discovery, to design and development, and in quality assurance and maintenance. Specifically in an Agile delivery loop, accessibility should be an integral part of requirements, acceptance criteria, and definition of done. Janell will share examples of what has worked for her in the past and lessons learned from what hasn’t worked as well, and she’ll show how being proactive in thinking about accessibility early and often will save time, avoid code fixes, and deliver a better product in the end. While the session will cover the Agile framework, the principles shared will apply broadly to project management in general. Attendees will have opportunities to work on project plans, gather requirements, and write acceptance criteria and definition of done with accessibility prioritized throughout.
Practical Skills
- As a primary outcome, participants will learn to shift from a reactive to proactive mindset in integrating accessibility throughout each phase of the project management lifecycle.
- In hands-on examples, participants will practice embedding accessibility in the project management delivery loop, including user stories, acceptance criteria, and definition of done.
- Working through real-world scenarios, participants will learn practical ways of managing pushback from team members who might not yet recognize the value add of accessibility.