National Coding Symposium Introduces Middle-High School and College Students to Expansive Career Field of Coding and Technology
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and California School for the Blind (CSB) are pleased to announce the virtual 2021 National Coding Symposium will take place Tuesday, May 11, through Friday, May 14.
The purpose of the National Coding Symposium is to demonstrate the world of coding, programming and related careers, are available and accessible to students with visual impairments. This event is co-sponsored by CareerConnect, part of the APH ConnectCenter and made possible in part by support from Fox Family Foundation.
This free, virtual event comes at a pivotal time for Computer Science related jobs, as they are growing faster than any other industry; yet the pool of potential candidates is decreasing. Only 2.5% of undergraduate degrees are awarded in Computer Science, despite a need for nearly quadruple that amount.
“We are excited to be a part of this really powerful way to connect kids with mentors in the field of Programming and Computer Science. This is a great way to introduce them to the many opportunities available in the technology field,” said Olaya Landa-Vialard, Ph.D., ConnectCenter Director.
Learning to code through classwork and after-school clubs is a regular occurrence in schools across the country. As coding is inherently accessible, the pattern of exclusion of students with visual impairments is unacceptable. This event seeks to motivate blind and low vision middle-high school and college-age students to consider the possibility of a career in programming or a career where knowledge of code can open the doors to all sorts of related job opportunities.
“Through a series of inspirational speakers, panel discussions, informational lectures, and question and answer sessions, attendees will learn about the various pathways to careers related to coding,” said Adrian Amandi, Director of the California Education Resource Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Blind. “Programming might not be in everyone's eventual career path, but it will certainly benefit the job seekers and leaders of tomorrow if everyone learns how to code.”
The Coding Symposium will feature two daily keynote speakers, several presentations and multiple breakout panel sessions. Keynote speakers, presenters, and panelists come from a diverse coding career background of programmers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, hiring managers, career center directors and counselors, university and high school instructors and more.
Registration for the Coding Symposium is open and free for all attendees. While the targeted audience is students considering a career in or related to programming, the content of the symposium will benefit teachers and parents as well. Award opportunities are also available to be used towards the purchase of select technology products.
Some of the confirmed speakers, presenters and panelists include: Laura Allen, Head of Strategy for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google; Jennison Asuncion, Head of Accessibility, LinkedIn; Michael Forzano, Software Development Engineer II, Amazon; Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director, Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Apple; Dean Hudson, Quality and Assurance Engineer, Apple; Jyotsna Kaki, Accessibility Testing Program Manager, Google; Josh Miele, Principal Accessibility Researcher, Amazon Lab126; Saqib Shaikh, Software Engineering Manager, Project Lead, Seeing AI at Microsoft; Kisiah Timmons, Principal Product Designer, Verizon Media and many more.
AMP Creative Seeking participants for Focus Groups regarding Accessibility of Their E-Learning Platform
AMP Creative develops unique, customized training, tailored to the needs of people. They design, develop, and deliver learning strategies and solutions-helping enterprise clients prepare for the future.
AMP Creative is looking to create a better user experience for those who use screen access software when dealing with digital platforms. To create a better user experience, they are looking to hold interviews to understand what obstacles people may face in hopes to make a more user-friendly design.
If possible, they would like to speak with people who experience any of the following to ensure their Webb App meets accessibility needs.
- Color Blind
- Vision Impairment
- Non-Traditional Keyboard User
- Hearing Impairment
- Cognitive Impairment
Details
- Date: April 1 - April 30
- Number of people: 10-15 needed
- Timeframe: 45min - 1 hour
- Availability: Anytime between 8am-6pm M-F ( we are flexible with times)
- Compensation: $50 for their participation
- Contact: malcom@ampcreative.com
