Access Fandom

Creating on Crip Time, the restfestfilmfestival.org runs August 15-22, 2024.

It's a by-us, for-us event. They're prioritizing access--including

• low- and zero-cost passes
• wide open schedule encourages attending from bed
• captions (no sign language)
• audio description
• video on demand provides a 7-day window 15-22 August to unlock a screening, and then 7 more days to once unlocked to actually watch it
• content warnings

among other considerations https://www.restfestfilmfestival.org/accessibility

More details ( Read more... )

It’s a cool concept, hides clutter in your room. Also creates barriers.

Zoom virtual backgrounds combine you in the foreground with something nifty in the background. (Think the weather reporter on TV in front of a big US map.) In the past week I've seen the prow of a ship, inside of Tardis, comets, the Hamilton stage and more. Zoom itself says This feature works best with a green screen and uniform lighting, to allow Zoom to detect the difference between you and your background. -- which is not equipment most people have at home!

The Zoom software uses clever algorithms to isolate your outline from what your camera captures. But these algorithms often fail for delicate edges, like hair or hands. Outcome: every movement captured on camera includes Zoom struggling to adjust the edges, which can result in your head and hands sparkling, flashing, or disappearing altogether.

It’s distracting and unpleasant for me when even one user has the virtual background. For some of us with migraine, vestibular issues, brain injury or epilepsy it can be a complete barrier.

Even if the software works perfectly, some of the available backgrounds include so much detail that it overwhelms your image. I can’t read your facial expression, much less your lips. This results in no benefit to using video at all.

Do you have issues with this aspect of Zoom? Are there benefits to the backgrounds that I'm missing?

But I didn’t anticipate how much my vision disorder would eventually affect my own view of myself, my work, and my life in fandom.

In pop culture, disability is a trope, especially visual impairment.