[Announce] July 9th 2019 - MUG Meeting

[craig at decafbad.net]

We meet at 6:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the
Farmington Community Library.

 Topics Include:

 Accessibility and Web Design

 Many developers believe that once they get the software working on
their machines then their job is done. If it looks good and it works
then it must be good for everyone. But what happens when your target
audience isn't quite like you. What if they are blind or have low
vision? Many modern web frameworks don't give a great experience for
someone who is blind. Some developers also feel they "know better"
about the experience of being blind or working with low vision without
actually consulting someone who experiences these first-hand. Cathy
and Nino are both totally blind and will discuss the importance of
making websites as accessible as possible so that everyone can be
included in data dissemination. They will provide website references
and website accessibility checking tools so that interested website
developers can ensure that their products are as accessible as
possible. They both use screen reading software (JAWS (Job Access Work
Station) sold by Vispero) on their home computers. This software runs
on the Microsoft platform only. They will also speak on VoiceOver,
which runs on the iOS platform.

 Our presenters:

 Nino Pacini received his bachelor’s degree in software
engineering/programming from Wayne State University in 1986. He worked
as a large systems programmer for 15 years before retiring from the
field and focusing on technology accessibility issues and options. For
the past 15 years he has worked teaching accessible technologies to
the Visually Impaired at the Visually Impaired Services office in the
Detroit Medical Center, part time. He has also taught IOS
accessibility to the same population via their iPhones. He has been a
volunteer website accessibility tester on several occasions for
companies wishing to improve outreach into the visually impaired
community. Nino also worked with some automotive companies to provide
automobile audibility feedback on plug-in electric vehicles. Nino is a
semi-self-taught tinkerer who is fascinated by the intricacies of
systems whether mechanical or electronic.

 Nino is semi-retired, but continues to teach access technology on a
part-time basis.

 Cathy McAdam has 20 years experience in rehabilitation medicine as a
medical social worker at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.
 She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State
University.    Cathy started her own company in 1999, as a consultant
focused on advocacy for assistive technology, and partnering with
DiverseAbility LLC, as an advocate for the full inclusion of people
with disabilities in corporations, creating increased success of the
organization and career growth for the employee.  Cathy worked part
time with Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC), leading
assistive technology (AT) projects to drive systemic change that will
permanently improve access to assistive technology devices and
services.  Cathy also participated on the Michigan Department of
Education, Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) technology team to assist
with curriculum development of training for students who are blind or
have low vision, their parents and teachers.

 Cathy is retired but continues work as an advocate and volunteer for
disability concerns.


 Plus we'll have our regular features: Jobs Looking for People, People
Looking for Jobs, and much more! We'll also be meeting for dinner at
the Buddy's Pizza in Novi (44225 W 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377) after
the meeting.