Making Space: Disability and Tech: The Future is Accessible

The future will only become more accessible, so let's talk about it! As a content creator, scientist, web developer, or engineer, you will absolutely encounter situations of "Accessibility". This talk will address the very real ways that accessibility and universal design improve the user experience for everyone and how disabilities, technology and STEM are inextricably linked. Don't worry if this is a new topic, this presentation will be "accessible" to all experience levels and all abilities. 

Our speaker for this session is Thomas DiAgostino, MA. Tom is the Outreach and Training Coordinator at TechOWL, Pennsylvania's designated Assistive Technology Act Program. Before starting at TechOWL in 2019, Tom worked as an English Teacher through the Fulbright Commission in Uruguay as well as a Social Worker and Spanish interpreter in the foster care system in North Philadelphia. Currently, Tom teaches Race and Diversity classes as well as Spanish language classes at Temple University on top of his responsibilities with TechOWL. As a person with dyslexia, Tom is passionate about readability and website accessibility. Along with managing TechOWL’s social media platforms, Tom also co-leads the Fabrication program CreATe together and assists with managing the TechOWL website.

Tom has generously offered to do his presentation twice, one at 1:00 p.m. and one at 4:00 p.m. to enable more people to attend. Please register for the time that best suits your schedule.