Accessibility Conference Calendar 2025: CSUN, axe-con, A11yTO Events

Accessibility conferences provide essential learning, networking, and professional development for anyone working in digital accessibility. From the massive CSUN Assistive Technology Conference to specialized developer events like axe-con, these gatherings bring together practitioners, advocates, researchers, and users with disabilities to share knowledge and advance the field. Planning ahead helps maximize these valuable learning opportunities.

This guide covers the major accessibility conferences in 2025, including focus areas, typical content, registration details, and tips for getting the most from each event.

Q: What are the best accessibility conferences in 2025?

A: The leading accessibility conferences include CSUN Assistive Technology Conference (March, largest and most comprehensive), axe-con (March, developer-focused and free), A11yTO (October, Canadian community focus), and Accessing Higher Ground (November, higher education). Additional specialized events serve specific industries and regions throughout the year.

Major Accessibility Conferences

CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

When: March 2025 (typically mid-March) Where: Anaheim, California, USA Format: In-person with some virtual options Cost: ~$600-$800 (early bird) / $800-$1,000 (standard)

About: The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference is the world's largest event focused on technology and disability. Running for nearly 40 years, it brings together 5,000+ attendees including researchers, practitioners, vendors, and users with disabilities.

Who should attend:

• Anyone serious about accessibility careers
• Assistive technology specialists
• Accessibility researchers
• Vendor/procurement professionals
• Policy makers and advocates

What to expect:

• 500+ sessions across multiple tracks
• Assistive technology exhibition hall
• Research presentations
• Vendor demonstrations
• Networking opportunities
• IAAP certification testing

Topics covered:

• Web accessibility
• Mobile accessibility
• Assistive technology advances
• Research findings
• Legal and policy updates
• Employment and disabilities
• Education accessibility

Pro tips:

• Book hotel early (host hotel sells out)
• Plan sessions in advance (overwhelming without plan)
• Allow time for exhibition hall
• Network actively
• Consider pre-conference workshops

axe-con

When: March 2025 (typically early March) Where: Virtual (free) Format: Online conference Cost: Free

About: axe-con is Deque's annual free virtual conference focusing on digital accessibility for developers, designers, and testers. It provides practical, technical content accessible to a global audience.

Who should attend:

• Developers building accessible products
• Designers focused on inclusive design
• QA engineers and testers
• Accessibility practitioners
• Anyone new to accessibility

What to expect:

• 40+ sessions over 2-3 days
• Highly technical content
• Live captioning and ASL interpretation
• Networking opportunities
• On-demand viewing afterward

Topics covered:

• Coding accessible components
• Testing methodologies
• Design systems accessibility
• Framework-specific guidance (React, Vue, etc.)
• Legal and compliance updates
• Career development

Pro tips:

• Free doesn't mean low quality—excellent content
• Plan your schedule despite virtual format
• Engage in chat and networking sessions
• Catch recordings for missed sessions
• Share learnings with your team

A11yTO Conference

When: October 2025 Where: Toronto, Canada Format: In-person Cost: ~$300-$500 CAD

About: A11yTO is a community-driven accessibility conference serving the Canadian and broader North American accessibility community. It combines technical content with community building.

Who should attend:

• Canadian accessibility professionals
• Community-focused practitioners
• Those seeking smaller, welcoming environment
• Designers and developers
• Accessibility advocates

What to expect:

• 20-30 sessions
• Strong community atmosphere
• Mix of technical and strategic content
• Inclusive, welcoming environment
• Networking with Canadian community

Topics covered:

• Web and mobile accessibility
• Design and development practices
• Organizational accessibility programs
• User experience research
• Canadian regulatory context

Pro tips:

• Great for first-time conference attendees
• Excellent networking opportunities
• Toronto is accessible via transit
• Combine with October travel plans

Accessing Higher Ground

When: November 2025 Where: Westminster, Colorado, USA Format: In-person Cost: ~$500-$700

About: Accessing Higher Ground focuses specifically on accessibility in higher education, covering technology, policy, and practice for colleges and universities.

Who should attend:

• Higher education accessibility professionals
• Disability services staff
• IT professionals at universities
• Faculty interested in accessibility
• Educational technology vendors

What to expect:

• Education-focused content
• Policy and regulatory updates
• Practical implementation guidance
• Vendor demonstrations
• Peer networking

Topics covered:

• Learning management system accessibility
• Course content remediation
• Student accommodation technology
• Procurement accessibility
• Faculty training approaches
• Section 508/504 compliance

Pro tips:

• Very focused—ideal for higher ed professionals
• Good vendor exhibition for ed tech
• November Colorado can be cold—pack layers
• Strong community for ongoing connections

M-Enabling Summit

When: June 2025 Where: Washington, DC area, USA Format: In-person Cost: ~$600-$900

About: M-Enabling Summit focuses on mobile and digital accessibility, particularly assistive technology and innovation. It attracts international attendees and policy makers.

Who should attend:

• Mobile accessibility specialists
• Government accessibility professionals
• International practitioners
• Policy makers
• Innovation/research focused professionals

What to expect:

• International perspective
• Government and policy focus
• Assistive technology innovation
• Research presentations
• Vendor demonstrations

Topics covered:

• Mobile accessibility
• Global accessibility regulations
• Assistive technology innovation
• Policy and standards
• Research findings

Inclusive Design 24

When: September 2025 Where: Virtual (free) Format: 24-hour online event Cost: Free

About: Inclusive Design 24 (ID24) is a free 24-hour online event featuring sessions from accessibility experts worldwide. The format ensures accessibility across time zones.

Who should attend:

• Anyone interested in accessibility
• Global accessibility professionals
• Those unable to travel to conferences
• Teams looking for accessible learning
• Design and development professionals

What to expect:

• 24 one-hour sessions over 24 hours
• Global speaker perspectives
• Highly accessible format
• Free, no registration barriers
• Recordings available afterward

Topics covered:

• Inclusive design principles
• Technical implementation
• User experience
• Process and strategy
• Emerging trends

Regional and Specialized Events

Europe

IAAP European Conference

• When: Varies (check IAAP calendar)
• Where: Various European cities
• Focus: European accessibility regulations, EAA compliance

Web Accessibility Days (Germany)

• When: Typically spring
• Where: Germany
• Focus: German-language accessibility content

Paris Web

• When: October
• Where: Paris, France
• Focus: Web quality including accessibility (French)

Australia/Pacific

A11y Camp (Australia)

• When: Varies by location
• Where: Various Australian cities
• Focus: Australian accessibility community

Access Conference (New Zealand)

• When: Varies
• Where: New Zealand
• Focus: New Zealand accessibility

Industry-Specific

AHEAD Conference

• When: July
• Where: Various US cities
• Focus: Higher education disability services
• Audience: Disability services professionals

Knowbility Events

• When: Various
• Where: Texas/Virtual
• Focus: Community accessibility, including AccessU

ATIA Conference

• When: January/February
• Where: Orlando, Florida
• Focus: Assistive technology in education

Virtual and Ongoing Events

Regular Virtual Events

A11y Meetups

• Various groups worldwide
• Monthly meetings
• Free
• Search Meetup.com for local groups

WordPress Accessibility Day

• Annual event
• WordPress-specific accessibility
• Virtual, free
• Typically fall timing

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

• When: Third Thursday of May
• Events worldwide
• Many free activities
• Great entry point

Webinar Series

IAAP Webinars

• Monthly webinars
• Free for members, available to all
• Topic variety

W3C WAI Events

• Periodic webinars and workshops
• Web standards focused
• Often free

WebAIM Webinars

• Periodic training webinars
• Practical implementation focus
• Often free or low cost

Conference Selection Guide

Based on Role

Developers:

1. axe-con (free, technical)
2. CSUN (comprehensive)
3. ID24 (free, global)

Designers:

1. axe-con (design track)
2. A11yTO (community focus)
3. ID24 (inclusive design focus)

Managers/Leaders:

1. CSUN (comprehensive)
2. M-Enabling (policy focus)
3. Industry-specific events

Higher Education:

1. Accessing Higher Ground (ed-specific)
2. AHEAD (disability services)
3. CSUN (comprehensive)

Government:

1. CSUN (policy track)
2. M-Enabling (government focus)
3. Accessing Higher Ground (Section 508)

Based on Budget

Free:

• axe-con (March)
• ID24 (September)
• GAAD events (May)
• Local meetups (ongoing)

Under $500:

• A11yTO (~$300-500 CAD)
• Regional conferences
• IAAP chapter events

$500-$1000:

• CSUN (~$600-1000)
• Accessing Higher Ground (~$500-700)
• M-Enabling (~$600-900)

Based on Experience Level

Beginners:

1. axe-con (accessible, free, foundational)
2. GAAD events (introductory)
3. Local meetups (community support)

Intermediate:

1. A11yTO (community + learning)
2. CSUN (breadth of topics)
3. ID24 (diverse perspectives)

Advanced:

1. CSUN (deep technical sessions)
2. M-Enabling (research/innovation)
3. Specialized industry events

Getting Maximum Value

Before the Conference

Plan your schedule:

• Review session catalog thoroughly
• Identify must-attend sessions
• Build backup options for conflicts
• Note session locations for travel time

Set learning goals:

• What specific questions need answers?
• What skills want to develop?
• What connections to make?
• What to bring back to team?

Prepare logistics:

• Book travel and hotel early
• Register before prices increase
• Coordinate with team on coverage
• Prepare elevator pitch/business cards

During the Conference

Attend strategically:

• Balance technical and strategic content
• Leave time for networking
• Visit exhibition hall purposefully
• Take breaks to process

Network effectively:

• Introduce yourself to speakers
• Exchange contact info
• Join conversation groups
• Attend social events

Document learning:

• Take notes during sessions
• Capture key insights immediately
• Note follow-up items
• Collect relevant resources

After the Conference

Share knowledge:

• Present learnings to team
• Write summary for organization
• Share relevant resources
• Identify implementation opportunities

Maintain connections:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow up on conversations
• Join recommended communities
• Stay in touch with new contacts

Apply learning:

• Identify priority implementations
• Create action plan
• Schedule follow-up reviews
• Measure impact over time

TestParty at Conferences

TestParty participates in accessibility conferences to:

• Share platform capabilities
• Learn from community feedback
• Connect with accessibility professionals
• Stay current on industry developments

Look for TestParty at CSUN and other major events, or schedule a demo anytime to learn about automated accessibility compliance.

FAQ Section

Q: Which conference should I attend first?

A: If budget allows, CSUN provides the most comprehensive introduction to the accessibility field. For free options, axe-con offers excellent technical content. Local meetups provide low-commitment entry points.

Q: Can I justify conference attendance to my employer?

A: Frame conference investment in terms of skills development, network building, compliance knowledge, and inspiration for improvements. Calculate the cost of not staying current with legal requirements and best practices.

Q: How do I stay connected with the accessibility community between conferences?

A: Join Slack communities (Web a11y, A11y-webring), follow experts on LinkedIn and Twitter, attend local meetups, participate in GAAD activities, and subscribe to accessibility newsletters.

Q: Are conference recordings available?

A: Virtual conferences (axe-con, ID24) typically provide recordings. CSUN recordings are available for purchase. Check individual conference policies as availability varies.

Q: What if I can't afford conference registration?

A: Many conferences offer scholarships or reduced rates. Virtual events (axe-con, ID24) are free. Local meetups and GAAD events provide no-cost learning. Employers sometimes cover costs when justified.

Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead: Popular conferences sell out; register and book travel early.

• Match conference to needs: Developer-focused, higher education, government—choose events aligned with your context.

• Budget strategically: Free events (axe-con, ID24) provide excellent value; invest in in-person events for networking.

• Maximize attendance: Set goals, plan schedules, network actively, and share learnings afterward.

• Stay connected year-round: Conferences are highlights, but ongoing community participation sustains learning.

Conclusion

Accessibility conferences provide concentrated learning and networking opportunities essential for professional development in the field. From the comprehensive CSUN conference to free virtual events like axe-con and ID24, options exist for every budget and career stage.

The key is intentional participation: choosing events that match your needs, preparing thoroughly, engaging actively during the event, and applying and sharing learnings afterward. The accessibility community is notably welcoming—conferences are where lasting professional relationships begin.

Whether you're new to accessibility or a seasoned practitioner, 2025's conference calendar offers valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and advance accessible digital experiences.

Building an accessibility program? Get a free accessibility scan to establish your baseline, then learn more at industry conferences.

Related Articles:

• Top 50 Accessibility Experts to Follow on LinkedIn
• Accessibility Certification Programs: IAAP, WAS, CPWA Comparison
• Accessibility Meetups & Communities: Where to Network in 2025

TestParty created this content using a combination of AI tools and human expertise in WCAG remediation. While we strive for accuracy, accessibility requirements vary by jurisdiction and circumstance. This article is informational only—please seek professional advice for compliance decisions.