This will be a panel discussion exploring the gap between what publishers say about DEIA and the lived experience of content users. While progress is being made, our platforms and content are often delivered in ways that don't support a diversity of readers, and there is still work to be done on how we present and curate knowledge about Indigenous/First Nation peoples and culture. We will explore how platforms often lack basic accessibility features, how those with disabilities or neurodiversity struggle to access content in a way that suits them, and how we might better collect, curate and archive Indigenous knowledge and practices. The panel will discuss the issues and give an overview of what publishers could do to build trust with and better serve these communities.

Affinity groups are effective in creating workplace cultures that foster belonging, strengthen allyship, and develop emerging leaders. Organizations can offer structural support for these communities and gain these benefits. In the face of US legal and political challenges to DEIA initiatives, how can individuals and organizations create or maintain resilient communities? Our panel, from a range of organizations, will discuss their experience and examples of leading community groups to take active roles in advocacy, advance organizational goals, and develop career opportunities, and ways to define and track metrics for success. Using scenario modeling, the audience and panel will consider how affinity groups and communities within organizations can mitigate risks, provide support, advance organizational goals, such as increasing employee satisfaction and retention, or creating accessible and inclusive products.

During this session, we will explore themes including how authors can best contribute to accessibility, the opportunities and limitations presented by automation and Generative AI, and the intersection between accessibility and copyright.