Electronic literature uses games, images, videos, sounds, links, navigation, and other digital qualities as an essential part of the reading experience. What can we do to make these experiences more accessible: financially, technologically, physically, internationally? Please join our (Un)conference, Access Works: two days of informal, interactive discussions and workshops to find ways to extend access to electronic literature for all. We will be global and online, so come and join the discussion when you are awake!
Deena Larsen (Artist in Residence, DTC Vancouver, Electronic Literature Lab) is chairing this 24-hour (un)conference with worldwide moderators. Below are some highlights:
Keynote Interactive Discussions
Access to and from Commercialized Platforms
Lai-Tze Fan will explore the asymmetry of access and accessibility in commercialized computational platforms, including those used to create and support electronic literature. As more and more platforms are restricting users’ and third-party developers’ access to code, databases, and application programming interfaces, Fan discusses social implications that may include misinformation, copyright restrictions, and biases in communication and technological literacy. What kinds of information and knowledge may still be accessed?
Barriers to Electronic Literature Works in India
Shanmugapriya T will address barriers in electronic works within the South Asian realm, with a focus on India. Shanmugapriya T is a Digital Humanities Postdoctoral Scholar at the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies (HCS) at University of Toronto. implications that may include misinformation, copyright restrictions, and biases in communication and technological literacy. What kinds of information and knowledge may still be accessed?
Virtual Tours
Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab
During the tour we will share the history of the lab, explore how we intentionally designed the space to be accessible, discuss our inclusive design process, and showcase a selection of Microsoft’s accessibility hardware and software products.
Electronic Literature Lab’s The NEXT
During the tour we will explore the accessible features and works of The NEXT and discuss best practices for accessibility in sharing, archiving, and preserving electronic literature.
Plus technology demonstrations, workshops, and more! Visit the conference website for more information.