I talked with Mashable about how accessibility bots will be affected by Twitter charging for API access. The decision sidelines and shuts down most bots, though I hope to keep one of my bots running. #a11y
Patrick Garvin
Front-end web developer interested in the intersection of web accessibility and journalism. I run @A11yAwareness@disabled.social.
At the end of 2025, a few great journalism minds offered insights for the future of journalism. None touched on accessibility beyond a few passing references. With that in mind, I want to offer some possibilities around the future of journalism and accessibility.
In 2026 — and beyond — I look forward to helping journalists and news organizations make these possibilities a reality.
Back in the summer, I created a Twitter bot that shares accessibility tips, resources, and best practices. I'm glad that I've created a presence for that resource on Mastodon, too: You can find it at @A11yAwareness@disabled.social
Having fun at IRE's Access Fest, showing journalists how to add alt text to images.
Any event that purports to be about DBEI (diversity, belonging, equity, inclusion) is really missing the mark if the organization running the event cannot even bother to add alt text to the social media posts promoting the event.
I'm in the process of updating my collection of good examples of news organizations adding alt text on social media. If you've seen any this year that stuck out to you, feel free to let me know. And feel free to brag on yourself if you've written some that you're especially proud of! (And thanks in advance for any and all that you share.)
#PartyLikeAJournalist
#JournoRequest