Jeannette is a former Speech Language Pathologist with nearly a decade of experience working with students that exhibit special abilities. Her expertise in the field of dyslexia has been solicited for articles in The Washington Post and The Detroit Free Press. After attending a coding boot camp and working as a back-end developer, Jannette began boasting the importance of accessibility, inclusivity and neuro diversity in the tech industry. She currently work with Microsoft Philanthropies and Detroit Public Schools Community District teaching high school students how to code.
We recently asked Jeannette Washington, M.Ed. five questions about her experience with digital accessibility, leading up to Accessibility Camp Chicago.
How did you initially get involved with digital accessibility?
I’ve tinkered with augmentative and alternative communication devices while practicing speech pathology. These are devices like eye controlled computers touch based speech generating devices that help people to communicate their basic needs. After completing a coding boot camp recently I decided to marry my two passions.
Do you feel that interest in accessibility is picking up in momentum? How have you seen this?
Absolutely! It is the hot topic at every tech conference and the elephant in every office space. Not to mention, the job market is slathering accessibility positions on every job board. The playing field is slowly leveling for those with special abilities.
What are the major challenges that you are seeing in making sites and applications accessible?
Educating people on their need to make their sites and applications accessible. Everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon for accessibility but no one really wants to compromise their design.
What are the examples of success that you have seen in the wild?
Those light bulb moments where clients get it and want to learn more. For instance, when you tell a client that their color scheme may be difficult for individuals with Irlen Syndrome and they show interest in learning more about this visual processing disorder rather than simply accepting your suggestion.
What is the one thing that excites you the most about your work in accessibility?
I am an accessibility consultant and I empower employers to create a culture that supports neuro diversity. Therefore, I know that my narrative is the least important in a room full of people advocating for their basic needs. We are natural storytellers and I am always excited to research hacks that make signals despite the noise.
If you haven’t already registered for Accessibility Camp Chicago, register today!
