Welcome to R/evolution!

We encourage the full active engagement of EPIP conference attendees and welcome all of our identities.  We all enter this virtual space from different time zones, home and work environments, perspectives, levels of energy, zoom-fatigue, joy and pain. We are people with varieties of disabilities, from hearing to vision to neurodiversity and others. Creating and holding space for us to be our full authentic selves is all of our responsibility. We are committed to making our virtual conference experience inclusive and accessible, and invite your participation in doing so. 

As many virtual platforms have not yet become entirely WCAG 2.1 compliant, we have chosen to use the SwapCard platform because of its ability to integrate with Zoom. Zoom’s live closed-captioning feature will be used to provide real-time closed captioning in English for all pre-recorded and breakout sessions. Our plenaries will have live ASL and live closed captioning as well. 

• Tech tips to view live transcription in Zoom can be found here (scroll to the bottom of the page to find “Viewing closed captioning or live transcription” instructions for your operating system). 
• View additional accessibility features, settings, and resources for Zoom here.
• Some breakout sessions may have interactive features like polls, third-party apps, or Google products. 

In recognition that our platforms may not meet everyone’s needs, we are also providing an accessibility discount to offset the costs that it may take to use user-based applications. The code will be provided within the registration form - please email [email protected] with questions. 

Showing up at R/evolution

Here are some tips to best support disability justice and language at R/evolution:

Avoid ableist (and other exclusive and harmful) language - click here to learn more

Edit your name to include your pronouns

When on camera, speak clearly and keep your face visible so that others can see your expressions to increase understanding and access

When speaking, share your name, pronouns, and provide a description of your visual presentation for those who are blind or may have low vision [e.g. “my name is Elyse, I use she/her pronouns, and I am a white, queer person with short hair, big earrings, and a bright shirt”]

Mute yourself when not speaking

Understand that we communicate, process information, and express ourselves in varied ways. Be patient with yourself, with others, and with technology. 

Speakers and presenters will be encouraged to:

• Make a digital copy of their presentation deck available in .ppt and .pdf in advance so that people may follow along on their devices and use their own accessibility settings, 
• Audio-describe images on any slides, and
• Create accessible presentation decks which include:
  • simple, larger font size (18pt or larger)
  • uncluttered backgrounds
  • high contrast between text and background
  • image descriptions for all images
  • limited animation and automatic slide transitions
  • alternative text for images and provide captions or transcripts for videos if possible

As you prepare for or join our conference, please contact EPIP’s Programs Manager, Tamitha Walker McKinnis, if you have specific requests, questions, concerns, or ideas, or if you need any additional support.