1. Abstract
The importance of creating accessible web applications is undebatable. Whether it is from a moral perspective or a business one, accessibility is a must. Too bad it can be very (very) complex to implement and test.

Worry not! That's what we're here for. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll equip you with the tools and techniques you need to test and create accessible web applications. We’ll explore the principles of inclusive design and learn how to test our websites using assistive technology to ensure that they work for everyone.

We’ll cover topics such as semantic markup, ARIA roles, accessible forms, and navigation, and then dive into coding exercises where you’ll get to apply what you’ve learned. We’ll use automated testing tools to validate our work, AI tools to create and verify accessible components, and ensure that we meet accessibility standards.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create accessible websites that work for everyone, and you’ll have hands-on experience using the latest techniques and tools for inclusive design and testing.
Join us for this awesome coding workshop and become a ninja in web accessibility and inclusive design!

2. Agenda

• Why a11y is hard + inclusive-design principles
• Screen reader challenge - hands-on assistive technology
• Intro to Semantic HTML + ARIA
• Automated testing - tools, failures, what it can/can’t catch
• Product thinking about accessibility and design
• AI-assisted creation and review of accessible components
• Wrap-up: standards checklist + take-home workflow

3. Objective
Attendees will leave able to test and build accessible web UIs - not just recite WCAG:
●    Use a screen reader to find what actually breaks for users
●    Apply semantic HTML, ARIA, accessible forms, and keyboard navigation in code
●    Run automated a11y tests, fix real failures, and know what automation misses
●    Use AI to draft/review components, then verify them against WCAG
●    Take home a repeatable build-and-test workflow

4. Target audience and Prerequisites
Frontend developers, QA / test engineers, and anyone who ships web UI. No prior accessibility experience required. Comfortable with HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript Familiar with a browser DevTools and a code editor Some hands-on Playwright experience - you should have written or run a test before. We will not teach Playwright from scratch.

5. Technical requirements

• Bring your own PC.
• Bonus: have a screen reader ready beforehand - VoiceOver (macOS) or NVDA (Windows).