Accessibility Statement
Last updated November 12, 2026
We want everyone to be able to use deishacks.com and the Hacker Hub, and to take part fully in DeisHacks 2027, February 26 to 28, 2027. If something gets in your way online or at the event, email deishacks@brandeis.edu and we will work with you.
Our goal
We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA for deishacks.com and the Hacker Hub. The site is built and checked by student volunteers, so we test as we go and fix problems as we find them.
What we do
- Keyboard support: links, buttons, forms and dialogs can be used without a mouse, with a visible focus outline.
- Reduced motion: if your device asks for reduced motion, we turn off or calm down animations.
- Pause control: moving banners on the home page have a button to pause them.
- Text alternatives: meaningful images have alt text, and decorative ones are hidden from screen readers.
- Contrast: we choose text and background colors to meet the WCAG AA contrast ratio.
- Structure: pages use headings, labels and landmarks so screen readers can move around them.
Known limitations
- Some decorative animations on the home page still play unless your device asks for reduced motion or you pause them.
- Some content comes from other services, including the Google Forms registration form, Google Calendar and YouTube demo videos. We cannot fully control their accessibility. If one of them blocks you, email us and we will help another way.
Report a barrier
Email deishacks@brandeis.edu with the page you were on, what you were trying to do, and the device, browser or assistive technology you use if you are comfortable sharing it. We aim to reply within 5 business days.
Accommodations at the event
Tell us what would help you take part in the event weekend. For example:
- mobility access, seating or step-free routes;
- sensory needs, such as captions, seating near the speaker, or lower light and sound;
- dietary needs and food allergies;
- a quiet space to rest or work;
- anything else, including needs related to faith, health or caregiving.
Email deishacks@brandeis.edu, ideally at least two weeks before the event (by February 12, 2027), so we have time to arrange it. Later requests are still welcome, and we will do everything we can. We keep what you share private and use it only to plan your accommodation.
Brandeis students can also work with Brandeis Student Accessibility Support (SAS) for accommodations on campus.
Contact
Questions or feedback: deishacks@brandeis.edu