Celebrate Digital Accessibility at the AIR Awards: Honoring Innovation and Inclusion

The Accessibility Internet Rally: a celebration of digital inclusivity

The Accessibility Internet Rally (AIR) serves as a pivotal event that promotes the importance of digital accessibility. Each year, web professionals unite to participate in a friendly competition while enhancing their skills in creating websites for charitable organizations. This initiative cultivates a strong sense of community and underscores the principle of equitable online access for all individuals.

A journey of collaboration and advocacy

Reflecting on the journey that started with the AIR 2025 Kickoff, it is evident that this event has evolved into a platform for collaboration, creativity, and advocacy. Teams worked closely with nonprofit partners, benefiting from expert mentoring and training focused on delivering websites that prioritize inclusivity and user-centric design. The culmination of this effort was marked by the submission of completed projects on November 21, and anticipation now builds as the judging process approaches.

AIR awards celebration: a night to remember

Make a note for January 15, 2026, as the AIR Awards Celebration approaches. This year’s event will be hosted at the KMFA Studios’ Draylen Mason Music Studio, a venue that reflects both creativity and community spirit. The evening will honor the dedication of teams and their nonprofit partners, alongside the exceptional judges and mentors who guided them throughout this journey.

How to participate in the celebration

We cordially invite you to take part in this recognition of success and innovation. To ensure your attendance, please complete the RSVP form or consider purchasing a ticket or sponsoring the event. Upon submitting your request, you will receive an invoice with all necessary details for a secure donation. Your support is essential in fostering an inclusive digital landscape.

The evolution of the Accessibility Internet Rally

Founded in 1998, the Accessibility Internet Rally began as a one-day hackathon dedicated to improving web accessibility. Over the years, it has evolved into an eight-week global online competition that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to enhance web inclusivity. Participants gain the skills necessary to develop websites that are accessible to all, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

The Accessibility Internet Rally functions not only as a platform for learning but also as a breeding ground for advocates of digital inclusion among developers and the nonprofits they support. The initiative has a significant impact, as participants emerge as champions for accessibility, working to foster a more equitable digital environment long after the competition has ended.

Empowering teams for a better web

Each year, AIR significantly contributes to digital accessibility by launching a variety of websites. This initiative welcomes individuals dedicated to digital inclusion, especially those interested in partnering with mission-driven organizations. The AIR program runs from mid-September to mid-November, with the awards ceremony taking place in January. For a comprehensive overview of the event timeline, refer to the 2025 AIR Calendar of Events.

Your support today can help Knowbility advance its mission of promoting an inclusive digital landscape. By backing our initiatives, you can assist in dismantling barriers and ensuring equal access to the wealth of resources available online.

Meet Sharron Rush: a pioneer in digital accessibility

In a recent podcast episode, we spoke with Sharron Rush, the Executive Director of Knowbility. With over 25 years of experience, she has significantly influenced the field of digital accessibility. Under her leadership, Knowbility has emerged as a recognized nonprofit organization advocating for global digital inclusion.

Sharron shared her journey, which began while she worked with Easterseals Central Texas in the mid-1990s. Her focus was on developing employment programs for individuals with disabilities during a time of rapid technological change in Austin, Texas. It was here that she identified the substantial barriers individuals with disabilities encounter in accessing technology and the internet.

A collaborative approach to accessibility

Empowering digital accessibility through collaboration

Sharron’s experiences led to the establishment of Knowbility, an organization dedicated to promoting collaboration among community members, technology entrepreneurs, and advocates for disability rights. This collaborative spirit is essential to AIR, where diverse groups unite to address the challenges associated with digital accessibility. The annual AIR competition serves as a key component of Knowbility’s outreach efforts, educating participants on accessibility fundamentals while fostering connections within the nonprofit sector.

As we prepare for another year of innovation and advocacy, we encourage you to join us in this vital mission. Together, we can create a digital environment that is welcoming and accessible to all.