Accessibility Blog

Explore how the Esri FedGIS conference will equip government GIS professionals with the latest skills and focus on accessibility in geospatial technology.

Read about new features and functionality throughout ArcGIS that support accessibility, both in content creation and configuration as well as published content. 

The Esri Accessibility team is gearing up for the Esri User Conference - will you be there?

The Esri Federal GIS Conference is returning to Washington D.C. from February 24 to 26, showcasing a variety of engaging sessions. At Esri, we value this opportunity to connect with federal employees, allowing us to better understand how we can support their vital work.

This year, we are offering two sessions dedicated to the enhancement of accessibility in Esri applications. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the applicable accessibility standards, explore best practices, and discover ways to improve accessibility in the maps and applications they create.

2025 Sessions

Mapping and GIS: Accessibility Essentials

Monday, February 24, 3:00-4:00 PM EST, Room 156 WEWCC

Are you ensuring that your maps and apps are accessible for a wide range of users? Join us to learn the essentials of digital accessibility to improve your GIS solutions and compliance with accessibility criteria. This presentation includes a brief introduction to accessibility terminology, standards, and guidelines as well as an exploration of recommended practices to improve accessibility in mapping and applications. Additionally, discover assistive technologies and testing tools available to evaluate and remediate according to accessibility best practices.

Presenters: @CharmelMenzel and @KarlFrantz 

Web Apps in ArcGIS: Accessibility Best Practices

Tuesday, February 25, 2:45-3:45 PM EST, Room 144B WEWCC

How accessible are your apps? When you design web apps with accessibility best practices, you help individuals of all abilities to interact with and understand your content. Discover how to optimize your support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies. Obtain tips on improving color contrast, adding alternative text, and testing for accessibility, all while crafting more inclusive web app experiences with web app builders.

Presenters: @CharmelMenzel and @KarlFrantz 

Esri Showcase

If you have questions and would like to discuss accessibility best practices, please stop by the Accessibility booth in the Showcase or reach out to Karl Frantz (kfrantz@esri.com) and Charmel Menzel (cmenzel@esri.com) to set-up a meeting during the conference.

Accessibility booth in Showcase

Additional Resources

At Esri, we are committed to creating accessible products and services compatible with the latest assistive technology. 

Esri Accessibility Site

Accessibility Conformance Reports

Esri Accessibility Resources

Esri Legal Accessibility

Esri Community - Accessibility Board

Digital accessibility in GIS is important to ensure that the data presented in maps and apps is accessible to everyone. By implementing digital accessibility across GIS content, technology barriers are reduced or eliminated for people with disabilities and information can be shared more effectively.

Did you attend the accessibility sessions at the Esri UC 2024? Even if you didn't, here are some of the resources from those sessions!

Here is all the information about accessibility sessions and demos that are taking place at the 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego, California, July 15 - 18. 

Are you going to the 2024 Federal GIS Conference on February 12-14? If so, we want to help you make sure your GIS maps and apps are accessible. Check out the sessions or visit the booth!

Are you attending the 2023 Esri User Conference? Here are the sessions that are going to be all about accessibility at the Esri UC in San Diego, July 10-14, 2023. 

Check out some of the latest information, blogs and videos that are all about digital accessibility!