Keynote: Katie Cunningham

Submitted on 2014-07-02 12:09

Last week, we revealed the programme schedule for Pycon Australia 2014 (2014.pycon-au.org/programme/schedule). Such an impressive line-up of talks we are fronting this year, we couldn't be more proud. Kicking off proceedings are, of course, our plenary speakers and we are absolutely thrilled to have Katie Cunningham deliver a keynote at PyCon Australia 2014.

Katie is no stranger to Python conferences. A prolific speaker and advocate for accessibility, she has taken the stage at several PyCon and Django conferences. This year, her keynote titled "Accessibility: Myths and Delusions" will invite us to look at accessibility from a usability perspective. Whether you are developer, designer or content creator, Katie's talk will challenge you to question the online experience your website is really delivering.

Accessibility is very close to her heart and she defines it simply as "all of the data and all of the functionality for all of the users." Katie adds, "Accessibility is one of the least understood areas of modern UI/UX, most often resulting in a below-par experience for users with different needs. Myths and delusions about creating an accessible interface are everywhere and it's time we change that." In her talk, Katie will debunk some common misconceptions surrounding accessibility, the tools, compliance, impact on the audience and examine effort vs. cost considerations.

Katie lives and breathes Python, Django and Open Source. Her job as Python developer at Cox Media Group is just the tip of the iceberg. A true champion for diversity and inclusivity, she nurtures PyLadies in her hometown of Washington DC as well as co-founding Young Coders. She is also an author, working on her third book. She writes at therealkatie.net and tweets at @kcunning.

We can't wait to hear Katie's keynote and we are sure you will enjoy it as well.

Registrations for PyCon Australia 2014 are already open and tickets are flying fast. Our t-shirt printing deadline is coming up in a little over a week, to ensure you get your t-shirt, book your conference ticket today, visit: 2014.pycon-au.org/register/prices