meetup · Monthly
Building without barriers: a11y for backend engineers
Backend accessibility: building systems that don't exclude people
When
Wednesday 20 May
Time
17:30
Venue
AutoProtect Offices
South Bank
Price
Free
Andy Carter's talk at Leeds PHP's May meetup takes on a topic most backend engineers sidestep: accessibility. The argument is straightforward — the systems and APIs we build can create hidden barriers for disabled users, even when the front end looks fine. Carter works through real backend scenarios where accessibility decisions matter, and what you can actually do about them.
The evening runs at AutoProtect's offices on Leeds Dock, LS10 1EG. Doors open at 18:30 for networking and pizza. Carter's talk starts at 19:15 and runs until around 19:50. A second talk is listed as TBC. The whole thing wraps up around 20:25, with an optional walk to The Adelphi afterwards.
The event is free and open to all — you don't need to be a PHP developer to get something out of it. The accessibility angle is relevant to anyone building server-side systems, regardless of language.
Leeds PHP has been running regular meetups in the city for years, bringing together developers working in PHP and adjacent technologies. The group meets monthly, typically at venues around Leeds city centre and South Bank. Estrato Cloud are sponsoring this particular event; AutoProtect are providing the space.
Why attend
Backend accessibility is under-discussed. Most talks on the subject are aimed at front-end developers, so Carter's focus on server-side scenarios is genuinely unusual. If you've ever assumed accessibility was someone else's problem, this is a direct challenge to that assumption, with practical examples rather than abstract principles.
The format is low-key: pizza, a talk, a break, another talk, then the pub. Leeds PHP draws a mix of working developers and freelancers from across the city. The Adelphi is a short walk from the venue if you want to carry on the conversation.
Agenda
- 18:30 – Arrive, networking and pizza
- 19:05 – Intro to Leeds PHP and sponsors
- 19:15 – Building without barriers (a11y for backend engineers) — Andy Carter
- 19:50 – Break
- 19:55 – Second talk (TBC)
- 20:25 – Tidy up; walk to The Adelphi
Speakers
- Andy Carter — backend engineer speaking on accessibility in server-side systems
Organiser
Leeds PHP Meetup
Leeds PHP is a monthly meetup for PHP developers and software engineers in Leeds. They host talks, networking and the occasional trip to the pub, drawing developers from agencies, product companies and freelance backgrounds across the city. Find them on LinkedIn and at their own website.
Venue
AutoProtect Offices, South Bank
AutoProtect's offices sit at 6 The Dockside, LS10 1EG, on Leeds Dock — the South Bank development that has become a regular home for Leeds tech events and office space over the past few years.
FAQs
- Is this event free?
- Yes. The May Leeds PHP meetup is free to attend and open to all, regardless of experience level or background.
- Where exactly is the venue?
- AutoProtect Offices, 6 The Dockside, LS10 1EG, Leeds. That's on Leeds Dock on the South Bank.
- Do I need to register in advance?
- The event is listed on Meetup.com — it's worth registering there so the organisers have an idea of numbers, though the event is open to all.
- Is this in person or online?
- In person only. There is no mention of a livestream or recording in the source material.
- Will there be food?
- Yes — pizza is provided from 18:30 during the pre-talks networking. Estrato Cloud are sponsoring the event.