Talk Proposal: Improving Accessibility with Machine Learning

[MarkLunney]

• Draft Title: Improving Accessibility with Machine Learning
• Length: 30 Minutes
• Links: Work in Progress, I can share a WIP Google link with the Meetup Organisers
• Which dates, particularly Tue/Wed/Thu during the 2nd/3rd week of a month, are you likely available? Most evenings except March 16th-20th

This talk is about an idea I had to use machine learning to improve the accessibility of websites in cases where developers have not provided sufficient markup. It'll begin with a short segment on the current issues with web accessibility then look at ways machine learning can be used to help. I've developed a React demo which will show how I integrated the Microsoft Cognitive Services APIs and the difference it can make to users with screen reader technology.

The aim of the talk is primarily to give listeners inspiration for creating their own projects, it won't go deep into either web accessibility or machine learning itself. It'll be a fun talk with a robot / cat theme.

Speaker Bio

• Name: Mark Lunney
• Mini-bio: Front End Developer recently move to Vancouver from the UK, where I previously worked at Microsoft on applications for the Xbox One and Paint 3D for Windows 10.
• Would you like help with your presentation? (feedback on notes, practice run) - Both would be great
• Social media link(s): http://linkedin.com/in/marklunney / http://www.marklunney.com
• Do you agree to the VanJS Code of Conduct? Yes

PS - I'll be attending the meetup on machine learning next week, if the organisers would like to meet for a chat

[ShMcK]

You had me at Robot / cat theme.

Definitely we'd be happy to help with any early presentation feedback.

How's your availability for Mar 11th?

[MarkLunney]

Great, March 11th works for me.

[ShMcK]

@MarkLunney still on for March 11th? Will post soon

[MarkLunney]

@MarkLunney still on for March 11th? Will post soon

March 11th is still good for me. Slides are coming along, I'm migrating the demo from AWS to Microsoft Cognitive Services so ties in nicely with last months talks.

[ShMcK]

@MarkLunney sorry to let you know, we will have to cancel the event tomorrow. Our hosts have decided not to host any events due to the potential spread of COVID-19. Perhaps we can reschedule in the future when there is less risk and uncertainty.

[ShMcK]

Closing as stale. But feel free to re-open if you're looking to give a talk in 2023!