Uploaded November 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Abrar Sheikh
2018.northbaypython.org/schedule/presentation/11
### Abstract
I am a backend Software Engineer at Yelp who uses Python extensively for building Yelps infrastructure and internal tools. I also suffer from a genetic disorder called Albinism which often results in limited visual acuity that can range from 20/120 to 20/200 in most common cases. With such a low vision it's extremely difficult to read the computer screen without the use of on-screen magnifiers. In this talk, we will see how a person with adverse visual acuity can thrive and be successful in the field of Software Engineering. We will address the importance and meaning of accessibility for Software Engineers with partial vision and recommend some best practices that are available today. We will also talk about the importance of an inclusive work culture that can help foster creativity and ease ramp up for a Software Engineer with a disability.
### Structure of this talk
1. Define low vision
2. Demographics of low vision
3. Educational challenges and strategies for overcoming
- Classroom accessibility
- Access to reading material
- Access to technology: philosophy behind using an on-screen magnifier and demo
4. Professional challenges and strategies for overcoming
- Getting Hired
- Community and peer support
5. A live demo showcasing how someone with low vision codes
### Key takeaways
1. Strong practical understanding of what low vision means in real life.
2. Simple and pragmatic strategies to overcome fundamental limitations that a person with low vision faces in a typical career path in software engineering.
3. Ways in which the tech community can support individuals with low vision to be successful and efficient.
A Python conference north of the Golden Gate
North Bay Python is a single-track conference with a carefully curated set of talks representing the diverse Python community and their different areas of interest.
If a topic is less to your interest, or you've met some people you really want to sit down and chat with, we'll have plenty of areas away from the main theatre to catch up and chat.
Our goal is to keep prices as low as possible. That means we won't be catering lunch. Instead, you can look forward to extra-long lunch breaks you can use to explore all of the great food options around the venue.
Abrar Sheikh
2018.northbaypython.org/schedule/presentation/11
### Abstract
I am a backend Software Engineer at Yelp who uses Python extensively for building Yelps infrastructure and internal tools. I also suffer from a genetic disorder called Albinism which often results in limited visual acuity that can range from 20/120 to 20/200 in most common cases. With such a low vision it's extremely difficult to read the computer screen without the use of on-screen magnifiers. In this talk, we will see how a person with adverse visual acuity can thrive and be successful in the field of Software Engineering. We will address the importance and meaning of accessibility for Software Engineers with partial vision and recommend some best practices that are available today. We will also talk about the importance of an inclusive work culture that can help foster creativity and ease ramp up for a Software Engineer with a disability.
### Structure of this talk
1. Define low vision
2. Demographics of low vision
3. Educational challenges and strategies for overcoming
- Classroom accessibility
- Access to reading material
- Access to technology: philosophy behind using an on-screen magnifier and demo
4. Professional challenges and strategies for overcoming
- Getting Hired
- Community and peer support
5. A live demo showcasing how someone with low vision codes
### Key takeaways
1. Strong practical understanding of what low vision means in real life.
2. Simple and pragmatic strategies to overcome fundamental limitations that a person with low vision faces in a typical career path in software engineering.
3. Ways in which the tech community can support individuals with low vision to be successful and efficient.
A Python conference north of the Golden Gate
North Bay Python is a single-track conference with a carefully curated set of talks representing the diverse Python community and their different areas of interest.
If a topic is less to your interest, or you've met some people you really want to sit down and chat with, we'll have plenty of areas away from the main theatre to catch up and chat.
Our goal is to keep prices as low as possible. That means we won't be catering lunch. Instead, you can look forward to extra-long lunch breaks you can use to explore all of the great food options around the venue.
