Why are we doing this?
India, Ojen, and I have created a newsletter highlighting our unique perspectives and real-life experiences, all enriched by our diverse cultural backgrounds. While we may have differences, we share the goal of recognizing and supporting those at the forefront of making products more inclusive and accessible.
In every newsletter, we'll tackle one accessibility topic at a time. We'll make things easy to comprehend, provide actionable steps using real-life examples, and offer our personal insights. For accessibility experts, this newsletter will be a friendly reminder and a nudge in the right direction.
About us:
India Kaltsas West
Accessibility Consultant
African American • Greek | Visually Impaired • Brain Tumor Survivor | Age 24 | Screen Reader • Braille • Keyboard | Loves Swimming & Surfing
• 7+ years working as an A11Y Tester for Google.
• Accessibility Consultant or San Diego State University Assistive Technology Initiative.
"Hello, I am India, a visually impaired brain tumor survivor and disability advocate passionate about accessibility, equity, and inclusion. My particular area of focus is assistive technology and helping people learn about and implement strategies for making digital spaces accessible for people who are visually impaired or blind. This work is important because digital accessibility and assistive technology are fundamental to eradicating barriers, increasing equitable access, and reducing disparities for the disabled community. I am grateful for the opportunity to create a positive impact and enact change to improve people's quality of life."
Ojen Shammasian
UX Designer • Speaker
Middle Eastern Armenian American | Muscular Dystrophy | Age 42 | Voice Command Systems like Google Home • Bixby • Voice Access | Loves Sunbathing
• 5+ years mentoring at Santa Monica College.
• Guest Speaker for GoGuardian.
• BA in Interaction Design, specializing in Accessible Design from Santa Monica College.
“Hi, my name is Ojen! I graduated from Santa Monica City College with a bachelor’s in Interaction Design, focusing on accessible design for all. I believe successful design incorporates the ability to understand and apply services and products of all kinds for the most complex user. I want to share my thoughts and ideas on the importance of a specific user’s inability to use implemented designs and problems diverting designers from accessible design. Most designs are for the majority. Let's tap into designing for the outlier to design for all inclusively.”
Sophia Scozzesi
Accessibility Tester
French • Mexican • American | Ataxia (Neuromuscular Disorder) • Nystagmus | 36 years old | Kurzweil 3000 (Screen Reader) | Love doing Crossword Puzzle during my downtime
“Living with Ataxia due to a brain injury at the age of 25. I had never heard of Ataxia, but when I looked it up, it was a “neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements.” In other words, I shake a lot. I started to look at the world differently and realized that people don’t grasp common sense when it comes to seeing me uniquely challenged, nor do they see the lack of inclusivity in the world. I want to deliver information, experiences and triumphs about Ataxia and other challenges to help dissolve the stigma around disabilities. People with disabilities are faced with too much isolation to handle at times, and right here is a place where people with disabilities can share their stories and shed light for the world to become more inclusive in every way possible.”
Yoonah Bae
Product Designer • Illustrator
Korean American | Immigrant • English as Second Language | 35 years old | Enjoys using Voice Command Control Systems like Google Home • Siri | Loves going outdoors with my dog
• 4+ years in UI/UX designing software, a decade designing hardware.
• BA in Interaction Product Design at Otis College of Art and Design.
“Hello! I'm Yoonah, a product designer in the world of EdTech. I aim to create enjoyable and accessible learning moments for people of all ages and abilities. I believe accessibility should guide product creation to optimize the overall experience, as it benefits a wider audience and improves quality for everyone. I’m excited to compile this newsletter featuring our personal experiences and practical accessibility design tips.”
Together, We Make a Difference
Remember, every effort, big or small, contributes to a more accessible and inclusive online environment for all. We are excited to continue this journey with you, and we can't wait to share more knowledge and experiences in the following newsletter.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or stories to share. Your input is invaluable, and we are always here to support you in your accessibility endeavors.
Thank you once again for your passion and dedication to accessibility. Until next time!
Contact Us Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to reach out to our team at accessibilitychamps@gmail.com