Are you intimidated by operating a screen reader? For most sighted individuals using a screen reader is something they've never done before. If you're a developer or a QA that is producing accessible products using a screen reader becomes something that we must use for our jobs. And frankly, learning how to use one is not a easy feat.This talk will go over how screen readers interact with the web, the basics of getting a screen reader setup on your computer, and how to operate it. You'll leave this session greater knowledge of accessible development and how to use a screen reader effectively.

Courtney is an Accessibility Program Manager for Gallup, a company that provides analytics and advice for everything that matters, in Omaha, Nebraska. Courtney's passion for the web all started with teaching her 11-year-old self how to write CSS on a dial-up internet connection on a farm in rural Iowa. Since then she has been in a myriad of positions including a Flash developer, a brief stint as a server admin, a designer, a full stack developer, and a project manager. Her passion is making a web that is usable and accessible to all. When she's not playing with new technology, you can find her creating new recipes in her kitchen or working on her farm.