For WordPress and the WordPress ecosystem to be truly accessible, it has to be available to everyone. When we talk about accessibility, we do mean accessible to those with disabilities (and we often focus on screen readers, etc.). But what if I told you that people in the BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, and even older communities (like me), often find the way to success paved with roadblock after roadblock? And just like the tales of our parents "it's uphill both ways." This talk will bring forth the struggles that people in our community experience in finding success, as well as ways we can all be advocates for one another, and make room at the table for all.

1. Accessibility is More Than
Disability Accommodation
(The Table is Bigger Than You Think)
Michelle Frechette
@michelleames

2. Web Accessibility
● Screen readers
● Motor skill issues
● Neurodivergent
● Navigation
● Color contrasts
● Screen readers
So Important!
(But not what this talk is about)

3. It’s about inclusion for underrepresented groups
● It’s why we founded Underrepresented in Tech
○ Creating opportunities for inclusion
○ Opt-in
○ Free to join - always
○ Free to search - always
○ Helps fight imposter syndrome
○ Not a 501(c)3, but not a revenue generator
Our Story

4. Events
How are you inviting
people?
What does your call
for (speaker,
organizer, sponsor)
look like?
Do outreach.
Compensate.

5. Better Products
● Products reviewed by all user groups (vacuums for mom, anyone?)
● Does it work for everyone?
● Are you marketing it right?
This will affect sales!

6. Better Projects
● Podcasts
● Blogs
● Workshops
● Webinars
Look for patterns.
Make it easy to be
part of.
Do outreach.

7. Better Teams
● How are you recruiting?
● What does your application look like?
● What language are you using?
● Are you encouraging or discouraging?
● Should be easy to apply.
○ Application
○ Interview
○ Emails
○ Eye contact
○ Time of day for interviews
Do outreach.
Strive for
“too many”
applications.

8. Equal Pay Day

9. I have a secret…
● The table is figurative.
● You can always make more room.
● There’s no such thing as crowding.
● No one has to sit at the kids’ table.
● And we can have more than one table.
Valuing
people makes
the difference.

10. Intention is EVERYTHING
● Is your intention performative? Tokenization?
● Understand privilege
● Do the work to create the right environment
● Have the right intention
● Understand the barriers to participation?
● How can you open opportunities for others?
Those of us with privilege
bear the responsibility to
level the playing field.

11. Michelle Frechette
@MichelleAmes
michelle@StellarWP.com
● @UnderrepdInTech
○ UnderrepresentedInTech.com
● @post_status
○ PostStatus.com
● @StellarWP
○ StellarWP.com
● WPCareerPages.com
● @ABigOrangeHeart
○ BigOrangeHeart.com