# Tim Damen's talks > Tim Damen — frontend developer, web accessibility specialist, and co-founder of Focusring. International conference speaker and host of the focustrap podcast. This site is the talk archive of Tim Damen. Every talk has its own page with the abstract, the conference and venue, a link to the slides, and — when the session was recorded — a link to the video. Topics are mostly web accessibility, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web standards, and developer experience. Personal site: https://timdamen.io/ ## Upcoming talks - [Utilising the JavaScript Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) for Automated Frontend Lifecycle Management — Commit Your Code, Plano, USA, 4 September 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/cyc-26-utilising-the-javascript-abstract-syntax-tree-ast-for-automated-frontend-lifecycle-management/): This talk explores how to leverage NX's Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) utilities to level up frontend code management at scale. We'll dive into strategies for automating frontend maintenance tasks, implementing consistent code patterns, and reducing technical debt through automated code updates. Attendees will learn how to build scalable, automated solutions that can modernize code over the wire, enforce best practices, and streamline development workflows across their entire organization. - [Your Biggest New Customer Can't See Pixels — UtahJS, Sandy, Utah, USA, 18 September 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/utahjs-26-your-biggest-new-customer-cant-see-pixels/): For decades we've argued that accessibility is the right thing to do. The argument just got easier, because your next customer probably isn't human. AI agents now browse, compare, and interact on behalf of users, and they consume your site through the exact same accessibility tree screen readers do. This talk covers how agents use the web, why their failures map to WCAG violations, and what web development teams should do today to improve the agent experience (AX). - [Your Biggest New Customer Can't See Pixels — Frontmania, Utrecht, Netherlands, 7 October 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/frontmania-26-your-biggest-new-customer-cant-see-pixels/): For decades we've argued that accessibility is the right thing to do. The argument just got easier, because your next customer probably isn't human. AI agents now browse, compare, and interact on behalf of users, and they consume your site through the exact same accessibility tree screen readers do. This talk covers how agents use the web, why their failures map to WCAG violations, and what web development teams should do today to improve the agent experience (AX). - [Utilising the JavaScript Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) for Automated Frontend Lifecycle Management — Hello Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway, 21 October 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/hello-stavanger-26-utilising-the-javascript-abstract-syntax-tree-ast-for-automated-frontend-lifecycle-management/): This talk explores how to leverage NX's Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) utilities to level up frontend code management at scale. We'll dive into strategies for automating frontend maintenance tasks, implementing consistent code patterns, and reducing technical debt through automated code updates. Attendees will learn how to build scalable, automated solutions that can modernize code over the wire, enforce best practices, and streamline development workflows across their entire organization. - [Your Biggest New Customer Can't See Pixels — Agentic Engineering Days, Zurich, Switzerland, 20 November 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/agenticdays-26-your-biggest-new-customer-cant-see-pixels/): For decades we've argued that accessibility is the right thing to do. The argument just got easier, because your next customer probably isn't human. AI agents now browse, compare, and interact on behalf of users, and they consume your site through the exact same accessibility tree screen readers do. This talk covers how agents use the web, why their failures map to WCAG violations, and what web development teams should do today to improve the agent experience (AX). ## Past talks - [Build Together, Accessed by All: Open Source Web Accessibility — DevDays Europe, Vilnius, Lithuania, 20 May 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/devdays-2026-oss-build-together-accessed-by-all-open-source-web-accessibility/): Accessible forms are a cornerstone of web usability, yet they often fall short in meeting the needs of all users. This talk delves into the semantic approach to forms, exploring how to create accessible and user-friendly forms that cater to diverse user needs. Learn practical techniques and best practices for building forms that are not only functional but also inclusive. - [Diving into the Toplayer: Where Dialogs, Popovers, and Modals Live — WebKonf, Budapest, Hungary, 18 April 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/webkonf-26-diving-into-the-toplayer-where-dialogs-popovers-and-modals-live/): In the world of web development, the top layer is where the magic happens. This talk explores dialogs, popovers, and modals, looking into their design, implementation, and accessibility considerations. Learn how to create a user experience that elevates your web applications. - [Build Together, Accessed by All: Open Source Web Accessibility — WebKonf, Budapest, Hungary, 18 April 2026](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/webkonf-26-oss-build-together-accessed-by-all-open-source-web-accessibility/): Open source and accessibility are both built on the same idea: nothing is done until it works for everyone. Tim Damen shares his journey into open source, why growth opportunity, and how accessibility is one of the biggest unsolved problems in the ecosystem. Live demos of nuxt/a11y and WCAGify included. - [Diving into the Toplayer: Where Dialogs, Popovers, and Modals Live — JSNation US, New York, USA, 20 November 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/jsnation-25-diving-into-the-toplayer-where-dialogs-popovers-and-modals-live/): In the world of web development, the top layer is where the magic happens. This talk explores the intricacies of dialogs, popovers, and modals, delving into their design, implementation, and accessibility considerations. Learn how to create seamless user experiences that elevate your web applications to new heights. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — Øredev, Malmö, Sweden, 5 November 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/oredev-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focus/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Diving into the Toplayer: Where Dialogs, Popovers, and Modals Live — Frontmania, Utrecht, Netherlands, 8 October 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/frontmania-25-diving-into-the-toplayer-where-dialogs-popovers-and-modals-live/): In the world of web development, the top layer is where the magic happens. This talk explores the intricacies of dialogs, popovers, and modals, delving into their design, implementation, and accessibility considerations. Learn how to create seamless user experiences that elevate your web applications to new heights. - [Diving into the Toplayer: Where Dialogs, Popovers, and Modals Live — UtahJS, Salt lake city, Utah, USA, 12 September 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/utahjs-25-diving-into-the-toplayer-where-dialogs-popovers-and-modals-live/): In the world of web development, the top layer is where the magic happens. This talk explores dialogs, popovers, and modals, looking into their design, implementation, and accessibility considerations. Learn how to create a user experience that elevates your web applications. - [The Importance of Soft Skills as a Developer in the age of Al-driven Development — ANWB Frontend Summit, Den Haag, Netherlands, 19 June 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/anwb-summit-25-the-importance-of-soft-skills-as-a-developer-in-the-age-of-ai-driven-development/): In the age of AI-driven development, soft skills are more important than ever for developers. This talk explores how empathy, communication, and collaboration can enhance your effectiveness as a developer, improve team dynamics, and lead to better user experiences. Learn how to leverage these skills to thrive in a rapidly changing tech landscape. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — Frontend Nation, Online, 4 June 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/frontend-nation-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focu/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Accessibility feedback loop: Continuous a11y improvement in your development life cycle — NDC Oslo, Oslo, Norway, 23 May 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/ndc-oslo-25-accessibility-feedback-loop-continuous-a11y-improvement-in-your-development-life-cycle/): Discover how implementing an accessibility feedback loop can transform your development process. Learn about continuous WCAG evaluations, rapid feedback cycles, and accessibility integration that fits within agile methodologies. We'll explore real-world strategies and their impact on development teams. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — DevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1 April 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/devcon-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focus/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — WebDevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21 March 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/webdevcon-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focus/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Continuous a11y improvements — Perth Web A11y Camp, Victoria Park WA, Australia, 18 February 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/perth-web-accessibility-camp-continuous-a11y-improvements/): Discover how implementing an accessibility feedback loop can transform your development process. Learn about continuous WCAG evaluations, rapid feedback cycles, and proactive accessibility integration that fits seamlessly within agile methodologies. We'll explore real-world implementation strategies and their impact on development teams. - [Scaling Accessibility — JSNation US, New York, USA, 21 November 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/jsnation-24-scaling-accessibility/): How does a big organization become accessible? Let’s talk about a11y scaling strategies. To find out how to become accessible, and stay accessible. - [Web accessibility in practice, more than just WCAG — Frontend Nation, Online, 6 June 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/frontend-nation-24-web-accessibility-in-practice-more-than-just-wcag/): Web accessibility is more than just following the WCAG guidelines. In this talk, we explore the practical aspects of making the web accessible, including real-world examples, user testing, and the importance of understanding diverse user needs. Learn how to create inclusive digital experiences that go beyond compliance. - [Automated a11y testing — DevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 22 January 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/devcon-24-automated-a11y-testing/): Automated accessibility testing is a powerful tool for developers, but it is not a silver bullet. In this talk, we explore the limitations of automated testing, the importance of manual testing, and how to integrate both into your development workflow to create accessible web applications. - [Making forms accessible — ABN AMRO x PP Meetup, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 26 October 2023](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/making-forms-accessible/): Learn how to make web forms accessible to all users by considering factors such as proper label placement, appropriate input types, and ARIA role usage. With practical tips and real-life examples, you can create fully functional and inclusive online forms that work for everyone. ## Recorded talks - [Diving into the Toplayer: Where Dialogs, Popovers, and Modals Live — UtahJS, Salt lake city, Utah, USA, 12 September 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/utahjs-25-diving-into-the-toplayer-where-dialogs-popovers-and-modals-live/): In the world of web development, the top layer is where the magic happens. This talk explores dialogs, popovers, and modals, looking into their design, implementation, and accessibility considerations. Learn how to create a user experience that elevates your web applications. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — Frontend Nation, Online, 4 June 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/frontend-nation-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focu/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Accessibility feedback loop: Continuous a11y improvement in your development life cycle — NDC Oslo, Oslo, Norway, 23 May 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/ndc-oslo-25-accessibility-feedback-loop-continuous-a11y-improvement-in-your-development-life-cycle/): Discover how implementing an accessibility feedback loop can transform your development process. Learn about continuous WCAG evaluations, rapid feedback cycles, and accessibility integration that fits within agile methodologies. We'll explore real-world strategies and their impact on development teams. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — DevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1 April 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/devcon-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focus/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Stuck in a Focustrap: Keyboard Accessibility & Focus — WebDevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21 March 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/webdevcon-25-stuck-in-a-focustrap-keyboard-accessibility-focus/): Keyboard navigation remains an afterthought for many developers. "Stuck in a Focustrap" explores this essential but frequently neglected side of web accessibility, offering practical techniques and thoughtful approaches to creating inclusive digital experiences. - [Continuous a11y improvements — Perth Web A11y Camp, Victoria Park WA, Australia, 18 February 2025](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/perth-web-accessibility-camp-continuous-a11y-improvements/): Discover how implementing an accessibility feedback loop can transform your development process. Learn about continuous WCAG evaluations, rapid feedback cycles, and proactive accessibility integration that fits seamlessly within agile methodologies. We'll explore real-world implementation strategies and their impact on development teams. - [Scaling Accessibility — JSNation US, New York, USA, 21 November 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/jsnation-24-scaling-accessibility/): How does a big organization become accessible? Let’s talk about a11y scaling strategies. To find out how to become accessible, and stay accessible. - [Web accessibility in practice, more than just WCAG — Frontend Nation, Online, 6 June 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/frontend-nation-24-web-accessibility-in-practice-more-than-just-wcag/): Web accessibility is more than just following the WCAG guidelines. In this talk, we explore the practical aspects of making the web accessible, including real-world examples, user testing, and the importance of understanding diverse user needs. Learn how to create inclusive digital experiences that go beyond compliance. - [Automated a11y testing — DevCon, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 22 January 2024](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/devcon-24-automated-a11y-testing/): Automated accessibility testing is a powerful tool for developers, but it is not a silver bullet. In this talk, we explore the limitations of automated testing, the importance of manual testing, and how to integrate both into your development workflow to create accessible web applications. ## Pages - [About Tim Damen](https://talks.timdamen.io/about/): speaker bio, photos, and background for event organisers. - [Upcoming talks](https://talks.timdamen.io/upcoming-talks/): where Tim Damen is speaking next. - [All talks](https://talks.timdamen.io/presentations/): the complete talk archive. - [All recordings](https://talks.timdamen.io/videos/): talk recordings grouped by year. - [Tags](https://talks.timdamen.io/tags/): browse talks by topic. - [Contact](https://talks.timdamen.io/contact/): how to reach Tim Damen about speaking at your event. ## Optional - [RSS feed](https://talks.timdamen.io/rss.xml): new talks as they are published. - [Sitemap](https://talks.timdamen.io/sitemap-index.xml): every indexable URL on this site.