For the past month, I've written about running effective remote accessibility workshops. I particularly like running remote workshops because they enable inclusive, global participation. Participants can collaborate seamlessly without the need to travel. For me and others I've talked to, remote workshops reduce anxiety by providing a familiar setting and are just as effective as in-person sessions.
They are not without their challenges though. As a facilitator, you will struggle with technology and facilitation barriers. As a participant, you might find it hard to get your point across. You'll miss body language and other cues that would be much easier to pick up in person.
These challenges aren’t deal breakers when you plan for them thoughtfully.
Here's a quick recap on how to overcome remote accessibility workshop barriers:
These articles complemented the Effective Accessibility Workshop series.
As much as I love workshops, I don't think they can ever completely replace meetings.
Unfortunately, meetings are a part of working in tech. And sometimes it feels like you are in unproductive discussions with repetitive points that drag out endlessly. Meetings that have no clear objectives and lead to meandering conversations about unrelated issues. Meetings that start without clear goals and end without action items. Meetings where some are invited but excluded.
I hate these meetings, yes.
But it doesn't mean meetings can't ever be effective.
I'll show you how.