This page provides basic information about Converge Accessibility for responding to Requests for Proposals and preparing other sales- and marketing-related efforts.
Company Name and Address
Converge Accessibility LLC, 17217 SE 23rd Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683. Tel: 425.306.3123
Company Description
Biography for Ken Nakata
Ken Nakata is a former Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Justice Department's Disability Rights Section. He developed nationwide ADA policies for the internet, was awarded the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Information Technology by Attorney General Janet Reno, served as lead counsel for the interagency working group making the Federal government's information technology accessible to people with disabilities (pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act), and represented the United States many times in litigation in Federal courts.
Ken is a frequent lecturer and he is sought after by major international accessibility conferences separately for his knowledge of law and technology. He has trained teams on the proper coding in HTML for accessibility as well as led continuing legal education (CLE) courses for attorneys on legal defenses in web accessibility cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Unruh Act.
Ken is a Founding and former Board Member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and currently serves on the IAAP’s Certification Committee. Ken is admitted to the bars of New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University. He is also certified as a privacy professional with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) with the IAAP, and a Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform.
Biography for Jeff Singleton
Jeff Singleton is a recognized authority on web accessibility and testing. He is a former member of Microsoft's Accessible Technology Group (ATG), where he led the Windows Narrator quality assurance team. An expert user of most assistive technologies, Jeff has a keen understanding of accessibility standards such as WCAG and Section 508, as well as the practical impact of accessibility issues on people with disabilities.
Jeff has led accessibility projects for leading companies, including HP and Microsoft, helped government agencies, such as the Veterans Health Administration, make their technology accessible, and conducted accessibility reviews of technologies and websites used by NASA grantees.
One of Jeff's strongest talents and passions is educating others about accessibility. For more than a decade, he has led training sessions at major international accessibility conferences, including the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and the National ADA Symposium. Jeff also holds an ADA Coordinator Title III Business Certificate and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Biography for Laura Ruby
Laura Ruby is one of the world’s leading experts in digital accessibility and communications technology policy. As Microsoft’s Director of Worldwide Accessibility Policy and Standards she developed technology regulatory policy and industry-wide standards that ensure accessible technology for people with disabilities around the globe.
Over her 22 years at Microsoft, Laura spearheaded Microsoft’s accessibility compliance program, partnered with governments around the world to develop laws, regulations, and policies that promoted digital accessibility, and collaborated with national and international disability organizations and industry associations. Through this work, Laura helped lead Microsoft’s transformation into a global leader in digital accessibility.
Prior to working at Microsoft, Laura worked at AT&T Wireless Services as a Manager of Law & Government Affairs. At AT&T, she oversaw all Federal disability related regulatory proceedings and advised the company on accessibility compliance matters.
A recognized global expert in accessibility policy, Laura collaborates with advocacy organizations and governments to ensure that as cities, courts and justice systems worldwide digitally transform, they do so in a smart and accessible way that empowers all citizens.
Laura has advised numerous public and private organizations on how to leverage accessibility criteria in their procurement policies to increase accessibility and inclusion. Laura’s expertise has been critical to the G20 and World Economic Forum’s model accessibility policy which is being adopted by cities worldwide.
Laura has also advised governments on issues regarding accessible technology through her work on
- the US FCC’s Consumer and Disability Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
- the Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee for U. S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
- the Information and Technology Industry Council’s Accessibility Committee (founding member and inaugural chair).
- the Global Initiative for Inclusive Information Technologies (G3ict) (Senior Fellow).
Laura received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Pacific Lutheran University where she minored in psychology and studied American Sign Language.
Laura Ruby, 206.499.0341, lbruby@live.com, www.linkedin.com/in/laurabethruby
Biography for Eli Arao
Eli Arao is an Accessibility Specialist in Test with Converge Accessibility LLC, where he evaluates websites and applications for compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). In this role, he develops clear, actionable reports for both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring accessibility requirements are understood and implemented. He also creates educational materials on WCAG criteria to support clients and professionals in meeting accessibility standards.
A graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Computer Science, Eli’s interests span databases, machine learning, and back-end web development. His academic and professional journey includes roles as a teaching assistant and tutor, where he guided students across a range of computer science topics, and as a research collaborator, where he independently implemented advanced algorithms for simulation projects. He also gained technical experience in IT support and large-scale system preparation through his work with the Bellevue School District.
Eli combines his technical expertise with strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Colleagues consistently highlight his ability to learn quickly, adapt to new challenges, and provide thoughtful collaboration. Beyond technology, Eli is passionate about the outdoors and gaming, bringing balance and creativity to both his professional and personal pursuits.
Other Company Information
- WA UBI: 604 619 375 (founded June 24, 2020)
- EIN: 85-1459812
- DUNS: 118264223
- NAICS: 541519
- SAM Unique Entity ID: MSEWE1NPUAF1
Graphics and Media
Proposal Material
- How We Ensure Web and Digital Technologies are Accessible. This 4-slide PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of how we test websites and other digital content for accessibility. This presentation can be included in partner presentations for Self-Evaluations and Transition Plans under ADA Title II or Section 504. It includes extensive speaker notes that can be trimmed down as needed but should give presenters a detailed script for confidently presenting with us as a partner.
Sample Audit Reports
The following reports are redacted examples that offer a glimpse of the level of detail that we typically provide in accessibility audit reports.
- Sample PDF Format Audit Report. Some developers and program managers prefer our older reports in Microsoft Word.
- Sample Excel Format Audit Report. Other developers prefer our newer reports in Microsoft Excel.
Sample VPAT/ACR Reports
The following Voluntary Product Accessibility Template / Accessibility Conformance Reports are redacted examples that offer a glimpse of the level of detail provided in our VPAT/ACRs.
Services
Expert-level reviews in the following areas:
- Website accessibility
- Mobile and desktop application accessibility
- Document accessibility
- Title II and Section 504 self-evaluations and compliance reviews