Open Source

Open source and accessibility have a complicated relationship. Some of the most important assistive technology is open source: NVDA is a widely used Windows screen reader, free to download. Orca provides screen reader support on Linux. But many open source applications are understaffed for accessibility, leaving disabled users dependent on volunteer goodwill for basic access to widely used software.

On the tooling side, open source has matured significantly. axe-core, maintained by Deque, underpins much of the web's accessibility testing tooling. Browser extensions, linters, and plugins routinely build on it. Major Linux distributions ship screen reader, magnifier, and on-screen keyboard support, though parity with commercial platforms isn't complete for every assistive technology.

Open source projects that take accessibility seriously document their status honestly rather than claiming 'accessibility-friendly' without testing. They treat accessibility issues as real bugs, include disabled contributors in decisions, and resource accessibility work properly when funding makes it possible.

Upcoming events

  2. All Things Open 2026

    until EDT
    Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC
    Event website (opens external site)
    Description

    All Things Open is a technology conference focusing on the tools, processes and people making open source possible, featuring co-located events, workshops, and more than 150 sessions across nearly 20 tracks.

    Schedule not yet announced

    All Things Open 2026 is expected to include one or more accessibility-themed sessions but the full schedule has not yet been announced. Details will be published here closer to the date of the event.