Mike Gifford, CPWA @FOSDEM
@ox.ca
Open Standards & Practices lead at @CivicActions.com | #Drupal #Accessibility | Digital Services Coalition Board | @w3c Invited Expert #SustainableWeb #ARRM | http://ox.ca | #SolarPunk #Quaker #Feminist #Canadian #WebAlmanac #IAAPCPWA
#UNOpenSourceWeek
#UNOpenSourceWeek
I'm glad that at least Toronto is represented here citiesfordigitalrights.org
Why aren't more Canadian cities interested in digital rights and digital sovereignty?
Why aren't more Canadian cities interested in digital rights and digital sovereignty?
Cities for Digital Rights
Cities Coalition for Digital Rights aims to protect and uphold human rights on the internet at the local and global level.
citiesfordigitalrights.org
February 10, 2026 at 2:05 PM
I'm glad that at least Toronto is represented here citiesfordigitalrights.org
Why aren't more Canadian cities interested in digital rights and digital sovereignty?
Why aren't more Canadian cities interested in digital rights and digital sovereignty?
@brucefanjoy.bsky.social thanks for pushing again the 4 day work from office ruling for the public sector.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
It will just make government less productive.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
It will just make government less productive.
Ottawa Liberal MP calls on feds to reconsider 4 day a week office mandate for public servants
The Liberal MP in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton is calling on the federal government to reconsider its new return-to-office (RTO) mandate for public servants, saying it will “cost the government ...
www.ctvnews.ca
February 9, 2026 at 11:16 PM
@brucefanjoy.bsky.social thanks for pushing again the 4 day work from office ruling for the public sector.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
It will just make government less productive.
www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
It will just make government less productive.
This is the 2nd time today, where @mark-carney.bsky.social Davos speech was raised in Dublin. Yesterday in a different Dublin conference in a different sectorit was raised by a speaker. #sovereignty #Canada #Ireland
February 6, 2026 at 9:42 AM
This is the 2nd time today, where @mark-carney.bsky.social Davos speech was raised in Dublin. Yesterday in a different Dublin conference in a different sectorit was raised by a speaker. #sovereignty #Canada #Ireland
I hadn't thought about the importance for #accessibility of having breakpoints for #tablets. I wasn't aware that this was both so important & so under-supported in the web. How do we test for this & for #landscape mode for mobile devices too.
#IAAPEU #EndUserFocus
#IAAPEU #EndUserFocus
February 5, 2026 at 2:28 PM
I hadn't thought about the importance for #accessibility of having breakpoints for #tablets. I wasn't aware that this was both so important & so under-supported in the web. How do we test for this & for #landscape mode for mobile devices too.
#IAAPEU #EndUserFocus
#IAAPEU #EndUserFocus
@iaaporg.bsky.social Where is the IAAP EU coverage here?
February 5, 2026 at 9:38 AM
@iaaporg.bsky.social Where is the IAAP EU coverage here?
Chris White from #VisionIreland builds on @mark-carney.bsky.social speech at #Davos at the #IAAPEU conference in #Dublin today. It was interesting to hear the #GreenGrocer metaphor of the #PowerOfThePowerless be applied in the #Disability #Accessibility community.
#Carney is resonating.
#Carney is resonating.
February 5, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Chris White from #VisionIreland builds on @mark-carney.bsky.social speech at #Davos at the #IAAPEU conference in #Dublin today. It was interesting to hear the #GreenGrocer metaphor of the #PowerOfThePowerless be applied in the #Disability #Accessibility community.
#Carney is resonating.
#Carney is resonating.
Canada has created the CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024 based on Europe's Accessibility standards. It is great, but what are we doing to go beyond #WCAG? I am learning a lot at
the #IAAPEU & Vially #Accessibility Event in #Dublin. There is so much nuance.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
the #IAAPEU & Vially #Accessibility Event in #Dublin. There is so much nuance.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
International Association of Accessibility Professionals
www.accessibilityassociation.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Canada has created the CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024 based on Europe's Accessibility standards. It is great, but what are we doing to go beyond #WCAG? I am learning a lot at
the #IAAPEU & Vially #Accessibility Event in #Dublin. There is so much nuance.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
the #IAAPEU & Vially #Accessibility Event in #Dublin. There is so much nuance.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
I'm in Dublin now for the IAAP EU & Vially Accessibility Event today/tomorrow.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
On Friday I will be at the National Open Source Innovation Summit
summit.openirelandnetwork.com
#accessibility #a11y #IAAP #IAAPEU #OpenSource #FOSS #Dublin
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
On Friday I will be at the National Open Source Innovation Summit
summit.openirelandnetwork.com
#accessibility #a11y #IAAP #IAAPEU #OpenSource #FOSS #Dublin
International Association of Accessibility Professionals
www.accessibilityassociation.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 AM
I'm in Dublin now for the IAAP EU & Vially Accessibility Event today/tomorrow.
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
On Friday I will be at the National Open Source Innovation Summit
summit.openirelandnetwork.com
#accessibility #a11y #IAAP #IAAPEU #OpenSource #FOSS #Dublin
www.accessibilityassociation.org/iaap-eu-even...
On Friday I will be at the National Open Source Innovation Summit
summit.openirelandnetwork.com
#accessibility #a11y #IAAP #IAAPEU #OpenSource #FOSS #Dublin
Reposted by Mike Gifford, CPWA @FOSDEM
It’s #BlackHistoryMonth, a time to reflect on and honor Black history. At CivicActions, we are committed to amplifying the voices of our Black colleagues as we work toward a stronger future for our company and industry. #BlackHistoryMatters
February 2, 2026 at 4:40 PM
It’s #BlackHistoryMonth, a time to reflect on and honor Black history. At CivicActions, we are committed to amplifying the voices of our Black colleagues as we work toward a stronger future for our company and industry. #BlackHistoryMatters
#FOSDEM tell the EU why #OpenSource matters. Before Tuesday fill in the input opportunity for the:
European Open Digital Ecosystems
ec.europa.eu/info/law/bet...
European Open Digital Ecosystems
ec.europa.eu/info/law/bet...
January 31, 2026 at 11:14 AM
#FOSDEM tell the EU why #OpenSource matters. Before Tuesday fill in the input opportunity for the:
European Open Digital Ecosystems
ec.europa.eu/info/law/bet...
European Open Digital Ecosystems
ec.europa.eu/info/law/bet...
@juanlu.space we should talk about the Web Sustainability Guidelines.
January 31, 2026 at 10:59 AM
@juanlu.space we should talk about the Web Sustainability Guidelines.
I love how many times #Drupal has been called out at the EU Open Source Summit this year. We're half-way through this great @openforumeurope.org tradition, but in so many ways the Drupal community's governance model is an important one for #DigitalSovereignty & #OpenSource #EUpolicy
January 30, 2026 at 11:58 AM
I love how many times #Drupal has been called out at the EU Open Source Summit this year. We're half-way through this great @openforumeurope.org tradition, but in so many ways the Drupal community's governance model is an important one for #DigitalSovereignty & #OpenSource #EUpolicy
At the Open Source Policy Summit Baddy from @1xinternet.bsky.social mentioned Dries' blog post on funding open source. For folks looking for the resource dri.es/funding-open... @openforumeurope.org #OpenSourcePolicySummit
Funding Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Open Source alone won't deliver digital sovereignty. Europe must fix procurement and fund those who actually build it.
dri.es
January 30, 2026 at 10:17 AM
At the Open Source Policy Summit Baddy from @1xinternet.bsky.social mentioned Dries' blog post on funding open source. For folks looking for the resource dri.es/funding-open... @openforumeurope.org #OpenSourcePolicySummit
My 1st talk for #EUOpenSourceWeek is done. Great to present on #a11y #WAD & #EAA at the #Drupal4Gov
I'm enjoying the great talks. Recurring focus on #procurement & drive to #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to #FOSDEM on the weekend.
I'm enjoying the great talks. Recurring focus on #procurement & drive to #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to #FOSDEM on the weekend.
January 29, 2026 at 10:40 AM
My 1st talk for #EUOpenSourceWeek is done. Great to present on #a11y #WAD & #EAA at the #Drupal4Gov
I'm enjoying the great talks. Recurring focus on #procurement & drive to #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to #FOSDEM on the weekend.
I'm enjoying the great talks. Recurring focus on #procurement & drive to #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to #FOSDEM on the weekend.
I had to check my carry-on bag as there was no room for it on the flight from Ottawa->Montreal->Brussels.
My carry-on didn't make the transition in Montreal & I got an email confirming that it should arrive tomorrow.
Fine. this happens @aircanada.bsky.social
however, I'm now caught in a loop.
My carry-on didn't make the transition in Montreal & I got an email confirming that it should arrive tomorrow.
Fine. this happens @aircanada.bsky.social
however, I'm now caught in a loop.
January 26, 2026 at 9:39 AM
I had to check my carry-on bag as there was no room for it on the flight from Ottawa->Montreal->Brussels.
My carry-on didn't make the transition in Montreal & I got an email confirming that it should arrive tomorrow.
Fine. this happens @aircanada.bsky.social
however, I'm now caught in a loop.
My carry-on didn't make the transition in Montreal & I got an email confirming that it should arrive tomorrow.
Fine. this happens @aircanada.bsky.social
however, I'm now caught in a loop.
Just landed in #Brussels for the #EUOpenSourceWeek #FOSDEM I am less sure about my luggage, but will find out soon.
Looking forward to talking about #accessibility #OpenSource & #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to talking about #accessibility #OpenSource & #DigitalSovereignty
January 26, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Just landed in #Brussels for the #EUOpenSourceWeek #FOSDEM I am less sure about my luggage, but will find out soon.
Looking forward to talking about #accessibility #OpenSource & #DigitalSovereignty
Looking forward to talking about #accessibility #OpenSource & #DigitalSovereignty
Reposted by Mike Gifford, CPWA @FOSDEM
Should Europe be building an equivalent of @microsoft.com or #Google?
In his latest article, #EOSA Member Dries Buytaert (@drupalassociation.bsky.social)delves deeper into why open source is the most credible path to digital sovereignty.
Check out Dries' latest blog now : dri.es/funding-open...
In his latest article, #EOSA Member Dries Buytaert (@drupalassociation.bsky.social)delves deeper into why open source is the most credible path to digital sovereignty.
Check out Dries' latest blog now : dri.es/funding-open...
January 22, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Should Europe be building an equivalent of @microsoft.com or #Google?
In his latest article, #EOSA Member Dries Buytaert (@drupalassociation.bsky.social)delves deeper into why open source is the most credible path to digital sovereignty.
Check out Dries' latest blog now : dri.es/funding-open...
In his latest article, #EOSA Member Dries Buytaert (@drupalassociation.bsky.social)delves deeper into why open source is the most credible path to digital sovereignty.
Check out Dries' latest blog now : dri.es/funding-open...
Reposted by Mike Gifford, CPWA @FOSDEM
All models are wrong—but some are useful.
WCAG contrast ratios helped set the floor, but newer perceptual models like APCA can better reflect how people actually read. Accessibility should serve users, not just thresholds.
Read more: medium.com/civicactions...
#a11y #WCAG #APCA
@ox.ca
Read more: medium.com/civicactions...
#a11y #WCAG #APCA
@ox.ca
All Models Are Wrong, But Some Are Useful: Choosing the Right Contrast Model for Accessibility
By Mike Gifford & Mitchell Evan
medium.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:57 PM
All models are wrong—but some are useful.
WCAG contrast ratios helped set the floor, but newer perceptual models like APCA can better reflect how people actually read. Accessibility should serve users, not just thresholds.
Read more: medium.com/civicactions...
#a11y #WCAG #APCA
@ox.ca
Read more: medium.com/civicactions...
#a11y #WCAG #APCA
@ox.ca
FOSDEM 2026: Feb 1, 9:35am
Talk: Accessible Sovereignty: Why the Four Freedoms Depend
If people with disabilities cannot use a UI, the 4 Freedoms become theoretical. Accessibility is how freedom becomes usable.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #FreeSoftware #a11y #FOSS
Talk: Accessible Sovereignty: Why the Four Freedoms Depend
If people with disabilities cannot use a UI, the 4 Freedoms become theoretical. Accessibility is how freedom becomes usable.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #FreeSoftware #a11y #FOSS
FOSDEM 2026 - Accessible Sovereignty: Why the Four Freedoms Depend on Inclusion
fosdem.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:43 PM
FOSDEM 2026: Feb 1, 9:35am
Talk: Accessible Sovereignty: Why the Four Freedoms Depend
If people with disabilities cannot use a UI, the 4 Freedoms become theoretical. Accessibility is how freedom becomes usable.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #FreeSoftware #a11y #FOSS
Talk: Accessible Sovereignty: Why the Four Freedoms Depend
If people with disabilities cannot use a UI, the 4 Freedoms become theoretical. Accessibility is how freedom becomes usable.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #FreeSoftware #a11y #FOSS
FOSDEM 2026: Sat Jan 31, 4:05pm, K.3.401
Talk: We Need to Support Authors Better to Deliver Accessible Content (Collaboration & Content Management). 
Stop treating accessibility as just audit problem. It is an authoring problem.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #OpenSource
Talk: We Need to Support Authors Better to Deliver Accessible Content (Collaboration & Content Management). 
Stop treating accessibility as just audit problem. It is an authoring problem.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #OpenSource
FOSDEM 2026 - We Need to Support Authors Better to Deliver Accessible Content
fosdem.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:37 PM
FOSDEM 2026: Sat Jan 31, 4:05pm, K.3.401
Talk: We Need to Support Authors Better to Deliver Accessible Content (Collaboration & Content Management). 
Stop treating accessibility as just audit problem. It is an authoring problem.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #OpenSource
Talk: We Need to Support Authors Better to Deliver Accessible Content (Collaboration & Content Management). 
Stop treating accessibility as just audit problem. It is an authoring problem.
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #Accessibility #OpenSource
FOSDEM 2026 - Sat Jan 31, 11:10 CET, UD2.218A.
Procurement Is the Biggest Form of Fundraising for FLOSS (Funding the FOSS Ecosystem). 
Make “Public Money, Public Code” real through contract requirements, now!
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #OpenSource #Procurement #Contracting
Procurement Is the Biggest Form of Fundraising for FLOSS (Funding the FOSS Ecosystem). 
Make “Public Money, Public Code” real through contract requirements, now!
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #OpenSource #Procurement #Contracting
FOSDEM 2026 - Procurement Is the Biggest Form of Fundraising for FLOSS
fosdem.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:26 PM
FOSDEM 2026 - Sat Jan 31, 11:10 CET, UD2.218A.
Procurement Is the Biggest Form of Fundraising for FLOSS (Funding the FOSS Ecosystem). 
Make “Public Money, Public Code” real through contract requirements, now!
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #OpenSource #Procurement #Contracting
Procurement Is the Biggest Form of Fundraising for FLOSS (Funding the FOSS Ecosystem). 
Make “Public Money, Public Code” real through contract requirements, now!
fosdem.org/2026/schedul... 
#FOSDEM #OpenSource #Procurement #Contracting
Next week in Brussels, I'm speaking at Drupal4Gov EU as part of #EUOpenSourceWeek
The #WAD, the #EAA & #Drupal. Now what?
The June 2025 deadline has passed. The risk now is false confidence & operational debt.
10:35am, Jan 29, 2026
drupal4gov.eu
#Drupal4Gov #OpenSource #FOSS #Accessibility #EAA
The #WAD, the #EAA & #Drupal. Now what?
The June 2025 deadline has passed. The risk now is false confidence & operational debt.
10:35am, Jan 29, 2026
drupal4gov.eu
#Drupal4Gov #OpenSource #FOSS #Accessibility #EAA
Drupal 4 Gov EUROPE
Join us for a day of knowledge sharing and networking in Brussels
drupal4gov.eu
January 22, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Next week in Brussels, I'm speaking at Drupal4Gov EU as part of #EUOpenSourceWeek
The #WAD, the #EAA & #Drupal. Now what?
The June 2025 deadline has passed. The risk now is false confidence & operational debt.
10:35am, Jan 29, 2026
drupal4gov.eu
#Drupal4Gov #OpenSource #FOSS #Accessibility #EAA
The #WAD, the #EAA & #Drupal. Now what?
The June 2025 deadline has passed. The risk now is false confidence & operational debt.
10:35am, Jan 29, 2026
drupal4gov.eu
#Drupal4Gov #OpenSource #FOSS #Accessibility #EAA