The Accessibility Breakdown

About The Accessibility Breakdown

Each week, we break down the three hottest topics in digital accessibility and celebrate all who “lead by accessibility.”

Publisher

Mark Miller

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2026

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Episode 19 – UX Prototypes, Overconfident Accessibility, and the Automation Trap

   This episode examines three timely questions at the intersection of UX, accessibility, and AI: why AI prototyping ranks highly among UX methods, how the Dunning-Kruger effect can create misplaced confidence in accessibility work, and why fully automating accessibility testing remains unlikely. Mark Miller and Justin Stockton emphasize early testing with people with disabilities, healthy skepticism about automated results, and the continuing importance of human experience as technology evolves.

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Episode 18: 2026 Mid-Year Report, Accessibility Roles, and VPAT Transparency

   Mark Miller and Justin Stockton break down three accessibility pieces that connect the dots between litigation trends, organizational staffing, and the practical politics of sharing conformance information. The conversation matters because it shows how accessibility failures are still showing up at scale, why one accessibility hire is rarely enough, and why VPATs and accessibility statements are as much about trust as they are about compliance.

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Episode 17: AI, federal regulations, sign language tools, and Hyperblam

   Mark Miller is joined by Justin Stockton and guest Steve Faulkner for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on AI-assisted legal research, sign language translation technology, and a browser-based music tool built with accessibility in mind. The discussion is part analysis, part industry reflection, with each speaker bringing a distinct perspective shaped by years of accessibility work. We discuss how AI can help surface disability-related changes in U.S. federal regulations, why local knowledge still matters when evaluating AI output, and what it means to build creative tools on the web without losing accessibility. The episode also explores the limits of expertise, the value of lived experience, and why large companies may be the ones able to tackle certain accessibility challenges at scale.

4. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Episode 16 - Event Accessibility, ROI, and the Cost of Backsliding

   Mark Miller, Justin Stockton, and Stephen Cutchins from Cvent discuss three accessibility stories that all point to the same lesson: accessibility is not just a compliance issue; it is a trust, revenue, and experience issue. Stephen brings deep event-industry perspective from Cvent, while Justin adds practical examples from meetup and concert access, and Mark ties it together with the larger business and culture impact.

5. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Episode 15 - Accessibility Game Theory, AI, and the politics of assistive tech

   Mark Miller, Justin Stockton, and guest Pete from Onward Accessibility break down three accessibility articles that each take a very different angle on the same question: who benefits when accessibility is treated as a business, technical, or political problem. They dig into game theory in procurement, the limits of building for AI instead of people, and the ethical tensions around Meta donating smart glasses in Ireland.

6. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Episode 14 - Plain Language & Unicorns

   Mark Miller and Justin Stockton break down three accessibility-focused articles covering plain language as an accessibility feature, the myth of the all-in-one accessibility specialist, and how return-to-office mandates can disproportionately harm disabled workers. The episode connects writing, organizational structure, and workplace policy back to a shared accessibility theme: if you design for real people, you improve access for everyone.

7. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Episode 13 - Mean What You Say & Stoic Accessibility

   Special Guest: Nicolas Steenhout. In this episode, we dive into practical insights on web accessibility through the lens of Stoic principles, evaluate the effectiveness of carousels, and discuss the importance of genuine inclusion in accessibility efforts. Join us as we explore how mindsets and real-world challenges intersect with creating accessible digital experiences.

8. 

   17 Jul 2026

   Episode 12 - Let's Get Purple and Old Man PDF

   In this episode of Accessibility Breakdown, Mark Miller and Justin Stockton dig into three timely accessibility topics: online retail accessibility, CSUN’s new innovation track, and whether PDFs are finally on the way out.They start with an article by Claire McDonald, based on research from Nexer’s The Hidden Journey report, which highlights how online retail still creates major barriers for disabled shoppers. Mark and Justin discuss why these issues keep happening, how cart abandonment and loyalty intersect with accessibility, and why the problem often comes down to leadership, ongoing integration, and organizational maturity rather than a one-time audit. Next, they shift to CSUN’s upcoming innovation track, a new initiative designed to give accessibility innovators a place to present ideas, get feedback, and connect with vendors and users. They explore how this could become a kind of incubator for assistive technology, and why CSUN continues to evolve as a hub for both established companies and new ideas. Finally, they discuss an article asking whether we’re witnessing the slow death of the PDF. The conversation covers the limits of PDFs on mobile, the challenge of maintaining accessible PDFs at scale, and why HTML often provides a more flexible and user-friendly alternative. They also reflect on how PDFs became so entrenched in the first place and why many organizations are still trying to move away from them.

9. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Episode 11 - The Accessibility Giving Tree and Missing Pieces of the Big WCAG

   Unlock the hidden disconnect between AI, accessibility, and your website’s future—what you don’t know could be breaking your site’s potential and your search rankings. AI is reading websites in new ways The accessibility tree matters for visibility Poor accessibility can hurt reach and compliance New standards like EN 17161 and WCAG 3 are changing the game Learn how to future-proof your site in an AI-driven web The surprising truth about how AI really reads your website—it's not what you think—and why so many sites are breaking as a result. If you're a developer, designer, or business owner struggling with accessibility or SEO, this episode will transform your understanding of the web's future. Discover how the accessibility tree acts as the secret bridge for AI, and why neglecting it can leave your site invisible to search engines and AI bots alike. Finally, we explore the future of web accessibility standards—why EN 17161 might be the most future-proof framework you can adopt now—highlighting the importance of organizational process, issue registries, and proactive compliance. As WCAG 3 promises a more adaptable, person-centered model, learn how to integrate ongoing accessibility management into your workflows, so your website stays relevant—and visible—for years to come. The Accessibility Tree Is How AI Agents Read Your Site & It’s Breaking (https://www.searchenginejournal.com/the-accessibility-tree-is-how-ai-agents-read-your-site-its-breaking/578171/) Slobodan Manic (https://www.searchenginejournal.com/author/slobodan/) Design for all, part 4: WCAG’s patient partner (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/design-all-part-4-wcags-patient-partner-wilco-fiers-83roe) Wilco Fiers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilcofiers/)

10. 

    22 Jun 2026

    Episode 10 - A Blind Look at AI & More than WCAG to Me

    Understanding the Future of Accessibility and AI: Insights from Wilko Fierce and Jonathan Moson In this episode, we explore groundbreaking perspectives on accessibility standards, AI's role in assistive technology, and societal implications, with deep dives into Wilko Fierce's EN 17161 standard and Jonathan Moson’s compelling article on AI and blindness. Whether you're an industry professional or just curious about next-gen accessibility, this discussion will broaden your understanding of how standards evolve and technology impacts lives.

11. 

    9 Jun 2026

    Episode 9 - Compliance & Your Face

    The conversation delves into legal compliance topics related to accessibility, covering the Pharmavite ADA Web Accessibility Class Action Settlement, legal updates, standing analysis, and the challenges of age verification using facial recognition technology. The discussion highlights the need for continued exploration and improvement in these areas to ensure accessibility and legal compliance. Takeaways Legal compliance in accessibility Challenges of age verification using facial recognition technology Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Legal Compliance Topics 09:05 Legal Update and Standing Analysis 22:10 The Faces Age Verification Cannot Read

12. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 8 - AI Ownership & X-Ray Accessibility

    The conversation covers the topics of building a general purpose accessibility agent and a structural workbook for AI accessible design systems. It delves into the process, implications, and governance of AI in design systems, providing valuable insights for organizations looking to integrate accessibility into their software development lifecycle. The conversation delves into the themes of ownership and responsibility for AI output, the overlap between coding and design in accessibility, and the implications of the accessible medical diagnosis equipment rule. It explores the need for clear ownership and responsibility for AI output, the intersection of coding and design in accessibility, and the impact of the accessible medical diagnosis equipment rule on medical equipment accessibility. Takeaways * Building a general purpose accessibility agent * Structural workbook for AI accessible design systems Ownership and responsibility for AI output * Overlap between coding and design in accessibility

13. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 7 - The HHS Extension and the Markdown Breakdown

    Episode Overview This week's episode covered three major accessibility topics: regulatory deadline extensions, innovative PDF solutions, and the role of craft in an AI-driven world. 1. HHS and Title II Deadline Extensions HHS (Health and Human Services) Section 504 accessibility requirements have been extended by one year This follows similar extensions for Title II of the ADA affecting state and local entities Large entities (50,000+ employees) received a one-year extension Smaller entities (under 50,000) received a two-year extension Key Concern: Both hosts expressed frustration that these requirements aren't new - accessibility has been required for years, and WCAG 2.1 AA standards have been established Business Advice: Organizations should NOT pause their accessibility efforts despite extensions, as there's significant ROI in accessibility and the requirements remain legally enforceable 2. PDF to Accessible Markdown Tool Dylan Isaac and Blake Bertuccelli-Booth presented an open-source AI tool at the A11Y New York meetup (run by Thomas Logan/Equal Entry) The tool converts PDFs to Markdown format, making content more web-friendly and accessible Markdown uses simple characters (like # for headings) instead of HTML tags, making it easier to write and read PDFs were designed in the 1990s to represent physical documents, not digital content The tool (part of Quality Reflow from University of Illinois Chicago) helps organizations convert PDF backlogs to more accessible formats 3. "Craft is Untouchable" - AI and Accessibility Discussion of Christopher Butler's article about how AI doesn't replace craft AI is compared to the synthesizer in the 1980s - a tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertise Accessibility craft involves the human expertise of making technology usable for people with disabilities A story shared about Todd Waits (Crawford Technologies), who continued his keyboard passion after losing his right arm by using synthesizer technology Emphasis that AI can be an assistive technology that makes things possible for people with disabilities Key Takeaways Don't delay accessibility work due to regulatory extensions - the ROI is significant Consider converting legacy PDFs to Markdown for better accessibility AI is a tool that enhances accessibility work rather than replacing human expertise Accessibility has strong business benefits, including customer loyalty, retention, and expanded market reach Resources Mentioned Equal Entry blog and A11Y New York meetup Quality Reflow tool (University of Illinois Chicago) Crawford Technologies

14. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown Episode 6 - Totally Listening & Forgetful AI

    In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss three main topics: 1. "Design and Engineering Solve Different Problems: AI Initiatives Are Forgetting That" by Jeana Clark The dangers of "vibe coding" and rushing to generate code with AI without proper planning. Organizations should use AI to surface risks and challenge assumptions early, not just to code faster. Design and accessibility practitioners need to be included from the start. 2. "Post Engagement Used to Bother Me" by Charlie Triplett Technical accessibility posts get more engagement than organizational process discussions. The industry needs to focus on sustainable organizational change rather than just technical perfection. Mature programs are measured by how they handle recurring accessibility issues. 3. "Totally Listening: Using a Total Communication Approach" by Molly Ziegler and Christina Lompado Introduction to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools and the importance of asking people how they prefer to communicate. Listening doesn't always mean hearing - effective communication requires respect and understanding of individual preferences. Additional Highlights • Student asked Colorado Governor about employment for neurodiverse young adults • Boulder Startup Week featuring accessibility talks • Accessibility discussions appearing in mainstream conferences outside the industry

15. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 5 - Title II Extension & James Edward

    In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss three main topics: 1. Title II Extension: They discuss the recent extension of the Title II ADA compliance deadlines. Organizations with 50,000+ people now have until April 26, 2027 (extended by a year), while smaller organizations have until 2028. They express disappointment about this last-minute extension but note that it could give organizations time to implement more sustainable accessibility practices rather than rushing to meet deadlines. 2. EN 301 549: Accessibility Standard: They review an article by Callum McMenamin about how the EN 301 549 accessibility standard itself isn't accessible. The standard is published as a PDF with complex language and formatting that creates cognitive barriers. They discuss the irony of accessibility standards being inaccessible and potential solutions, including HTML versions that Canada has implemented. 3. Tribute to James Edwards: The hosts pay homage to James Edwards (also known as "Brother Cake"), a respected accessibility expert who recently passed away. They discuss his article "The Road to Accessible Drag and Drop" and his talent for breaking down complex technical subjects into practical, understandable guidance. The episode includes personal stories about James Edwards and reflections on his contributions to the accessibility community.

16. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 4 - Mindful Autism & the Kids lead

    In this episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark and Justin discuss three key accessibility topics: 1. A Simple way to Make Instructions More Accessible - They review Josh Crawford's article about avoiding position-based language in instructions (like "click the button on the right") and instead using descriptive labels that work for screen reader users and those with visual impairments. 2. Increasing Accessibility: Mindfulness-Based Practices for Autistic Folks - During Autism Awareness Month, they discuss Brett Albanese's article on how external stimuli like fidget toys can help autistic individuals focus during mindfulness practices. Justin shares personal experiences with his son, who uses music composition as a focusing tool during therapy. 3. Deaf Student Inclusion Success Story - They highlight an inspiring story from Campton Elementary School in New Hampshire, where classmates of Ben O'Reilly, the only deaf student, spontaneously began learning American Sign Language to communicate with him. This student-led initiative spread throughout the school, with even teachers incorporating ASL into assemblies and events. The hosts emphasize how these stories demonstrate the importance of considering different accessibility needs and how, sometimes, the simplest solutions, especially those modeled by children, can be the most effective.

17. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 3 - Do the Shift and Shuffle

    In this episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark Miller and Justin Stockton discuss three key accessibility topics: Locked Out: Why OTP and 2FA Authentication Fails Users with Disabilities by Sherry Byrne-Haber Explores how two-factor authentication and one-time passwords create significant barriers for users with disabilities Highlights issues with text messaging as a delivery method for authentication codes Emphasizes the importance of testing authentication flows with actual screen reader users Discusses the challenge of balancing security needs with accessibility requirements Screen Readers Are Not Testing Tools by Eric Eggert Explains why screen readers alone aren't sufficient for comprehensive accessibility testing Notes that screen readers have built-in assistive capabilities that may mask underlying accessibility issues Reinforces the need for multiple testing approaches beyond just screen reader testing Shifting and Shuffling by Beth DeConinck Contrasts true "shift left" accessibility integration versus superficial approaches Shares a personal experience about detailed accessibility documentation in bug reports Discusses the tension between accessibility specialists and developers under pressure emphasizes the importance of education and knowledge sharing rather than keeping accessibility expertise siloed The hosts conclude with brief comments about the Artemis II mission and its accessibility features, particularly the helpful live captioning.

18. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 2 - WCAG and Cars

    Episode Summary: The Accessibility Breakdown - Episode 2 In this second episode of The Accessibility Breakdown, hosts Mark Miller and Justin Stockton discuss three key accessibility topics: 1. WCAG A vs AA and Outdated Accessibility Statements, and more! - Nick Steenhout’s blog post that uses a car analogy to explain accessibility levels: Level A is a drivable chassis (bare minimum), AA adds essential features like windows and roof, while AAA is the trim package that may be optional for some but essential for others with specific needs. 2. Beware of AI Accessibility Audits - Karl Groves' article warns about the limitations of AI in accessibility auditing. While AI shows promise, it currently works best for short tasks and struggles with context. The consensus is that a "human in the loop" approach remains necessary for now. 3. Life as an Accessibility Specialist: What you need to know - Grant Broom's article, about the continuous learning required in accessibility, noting that the learning curve remains steep as standards evolve (WCAG 2.2, upcoming 3.0), technologies change, and best practices develop.

19. 

    2 Jun 2026

    The Accessibility Breakdown Episode 1 - CSUN 2026

    Justin Stockton and Mark Miller break down their top three moments from CSUN 2026: One Session - How Accessibility is Security, Radostina Tsvetkova The GAAD Meetup - 15-year anniversary The trashcan story - The importance of "hallway" conversation at CSUN

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