Description
Target Audience: Decision-makers, project managers, developers, designers, and anyone involved in Drupal site strategy and implementation.
Abstract: This session will explore how to build a compelling business case for web accessibility by connecting inclusive digital practices to measurable outcomes. Through real-world case studies and practical examples, attendees will learn how to frame accessibility as a strategic advantage. We’ll also demonstrate how Drupal’s accessibility features can support inclusive web development, helping organizations align accessibility efforts with business goals.
This presentation bridges the gap between technical implementation and business strategy, equipping attendees with the tools to advocate for accessibility as a competitive advantage.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the tangible benefits of web accessibility beyond compliance.
Learn strategies to present accessibility as a business priority.
Get stakeholder buy-in by connecting web accessibility to company goals.
Tearyne Almendariz
Owner @ NLBC Works, LLCTearyne Almendariz is the founder and principal consultant at NLBC Works, LLC, a strategy and implementation firm focused on web accessibility, digital event production, and equity-centered practices. With over a decade of experience in digital communications and content operations, Tearyne specializes in designing inclusive digital experiences that prioritize usability, belonging, and access.
As Co-Lead of the Drupal Diversity & Inclusion (DDI) initiative, Tearyne works to improve representation and foster safer, more inclusive environments within the open source community. She also serves as Vice President of the Midwest Open Source Alliance (MOSA), supporting regional efforts to broaden participation in open source through mentorship, education, and community-led governance.
At the intersection of tech and equity, Tearyne brings deep expertise in event management, leading digital conferences, hybrid gatherings, and live streams that reflect diverse voices and accessible design standards. Her background in instructional design and program strategy enables her to guide teams through thoughtful, impact-driven delivery across platforms and audiences.
Andrew Olson
Lead Front-End Developer @ Principal Financial GroupAndrew enjoys front-end development and the challenge of making the web accessible for everyone on any device. He has designed and developed dozens of sites for companies specializing in sporting goods, health and wellness, restaurant food service, and more. He is also a talented team leader, photographer, musician, and speaker. Andy is on the Drupal team at his current company, Principal Financial Group. At his previous company, Andy helped create an internal accessibility task force that performs accessibility audits for clients and advocates for accessibility initiatives. He is an organizer for A11yTalks, a monthly meet-up featuring conversations around digital accessibility. Andy remains active in open-source as the co-maintainer of the Live Captioning Initiative, an open-source project that helps hearing-impaired individuals participate at events online or in-person. He is an organizer of the Fox Valley Drupal Meet Up and Midwest Drupal Camp (MidCamp). In addition, Andy is Acquia Certified for Front End Development for Drupal 7 and Drupal 8 and is an approved Acquia Site Studio 6 Site Builder. Andy has a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iowa. A fun fact about Andy is that he sang in a band at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
