Knowbility announced on May 11 that registration is open for the John Slatin AccessU 2026 conference, scheduled to take place from May 11 to May 14 at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. The annual event will address the impact of artificial intelligence and the transition to new web accessibility standards.
The organization said AccessU is designed for tech professionals, content creators, policymakers, and advocates seeking advanced training in accessible digital design. This year’s conference theme centers on navigating disruptions caused by generative AI and preparing for the adoption of WCAG 3 standards.
Sharron Rush, co-founder and Executive Director of Knowbility, said, “The accessibility profession has finally matured, but we cannot afford to be complacent. AI is moving faster than policy, and WCAG 3 will fundamentally change how we measure success. AccessU 2026 is the ‘town square’ where we will collectively decide how to use these tools to empower people with disabilities rather than leaving them behind in the noise of progress.”
AccessU 2026 will feature a hybrid format with both in-person workshops at St. Edward’s University and virtual sessions available globally. Key tracks include an AI Symposium focused on automating accessibility while avoiding new barriers; an update on WCAG 3 outcomes-based scoring; specialized tracks in design, development for assistive technology, policy strategy, and real-time testing; as well as highlights such as an inclusive showcase featuring D-Madness, Ashley Shew, and Elizabeth Decker; a book launch by Lainey Feingold; keynote discussions; a W3C WAI Town Hall with Shawn Lawton Henry; presentations by Kelsey Ruger (Hello Alice), Frank Elavsky (Carnegie Mellon University), Mark Steadman (Fidelity Investments), and Christine Foushi (OneStep Beyond).
Registration is open for individuals and groups including tech professionals looking to audit AI-generated code, organizational leaders interested in legal aspects of emerging technologies, educators developing inclusive programming for schools and universities, as well as sponsors such as Microsoft, Salesforce, and Evinced.
Knowbility was founded in Austin in 1999 through a community collaboration focused on digital accessibility awareness. The nonprofit offers education programs like AccessU and its Online Learning Center; awareness initiatives such as the Accessibility Internet Rally program; accessibility services including audits and usability testing; and AccessWorks—a usability panel composed of people with disabilities. More information about registration can be found at the organization’s website.
