The Accessibility Internet Rally is the centerpiece project of the nonprofit organization Knowbility.org, based in Austin, Texas. It’s my favorite corporate volunteering event, my favorite group volunteering event, my favorite tech volunteering event, and my favorite episodic volunteering event. And now that it’s available to anyone to participate online, it’s poised to become my favorite online volunteering event!
The Open Accessibility Internet Rally (OpenAir) is an international community hackathon with a unique twist – accessibility! OpenAIR increases awareness of the tools and techniques that make the Internet accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, and it also enhances participants’ accessible design skills. Unlike other hackathons, the things that get developed at this event are used LONG after the event is over! Unlike other hackathons, this event changes people and the way they work for years to come.
Experts in the accessibility field will act as mentors during the competition – that’s some primo networking! Truly, participate in this, and you increase your own marketability as a web designer!
Added bonus: this year, OpenAIR has added new game elements, leaderboards, and fabulous prizes.
OpenAIR begins in October and wraps up with an awards ceremony in February. Requirements to participate:
- Skilled in web production: Designers, developers, QA testers, we’re looking at you!
- Passionate about making a difference: Help non-profits, create inclusive content, empower everyone to access the web.
- Eager to learn: You’ll receive amazing training and support: prepare to be challenged!
- Ready to level up: You don’t mind getting a little glory for your skills and your team.
If this describes you or your team, don’t miss out! There are limited spots, and the competition is just about to start. This year’s OpenAIR kicks off at the Google campus in Austin, TX in October, streamed live across the world.
Reserve your team on OpenAIR now! (The first 10 teams that sign up receive a custom game avatar for the competition)
Don’t have a team? Don’t think you can put together a team on your own? Still want to participate as a designer? No problem! Register as an individual and Knowbility will help you join a team!
Are you a nonprofit that wants to be the recipient of an OpenAIR web design/collaboration? Register here.