Applause and Progress Software to Discuss AI’s Role in Accessibility Compliance at M-Enabling Summit 2026

Day-one session highlights how blending AI automation with human-in-the-loop testing drove a 67% reduction in critical audit bugs for ShareFile

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applause, the global leader in managed software testing services and digital quality, today announced it will co-host a session with Progress Software at the 2026 M-Enabling Summit, the premier global gathering advancing digital accessibility and inclusive technology, taking place October 5-7 in Arlington, Virginia.

Speakers William Reuschel, Inclusive Design Practice Lead, Applause and John McCartney, Senior Manager of User Experience, Progress ShareFile, will lead the session, “Beyond the Hype: How ShareFile and Applause Balance AI and Human Empathy for True Enterprise Scaling.” During the session, they’ll discuss how ShareFile, a client collaboration platform and Progress Software subsidiary, transitioned from a reactive, pilot-based accessibility testing strategy to a mature, system-led compliance model. As part of its approach, ShareFile balances automated tooling with human-in-the-loop testing to help ensure comprehensive results.

Since 2023, Applause has supported the Progress ShareFile team with expert-led design reviews, testing with assistive technology users, empathy sessions, AI-powered code evaluations, detailed reports, an internal accessibility support channel and ongoing training. Today, ShareFile has a rigorous shift-left strategy that allows the organization to make sustainable, high-impact business decisions. As a result of embedding empathy into design and development cycles, ShareFile has achieved a 67% reduction in critical audit bugs.

Details to register:

• What: “Beyond the Hype: How ShareFile and Applause Balance AI and Human Empathy for True Enterprise Scaling” at the 2026 M-Enabling Summit
• When: Monday, October 5, 2026, at 2:50 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. ET
• Where: Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia
• How: Register online: https://www.m-enabling.com/event/c303ac78-b6b9-45b3-a375-10f9ea7bc56b/register?rp=a35608fb-711c-4193-a97a-f31096bb954a

Learn more:

• Video Case Study: How Progress Software Shifts Accessibility Left
• Written Case Study: Progress Software
• Press Release: Applause and Progress Software Enable Accessible Collaboration for ShareFile Users Worldwide
• Podcast Episode: Ready, Test, Go., Ep. 46, “Empathy, Accessibility and the Limits of AI Trust”
• Podcast Episode: Ready, Test, Go., Ep. 33, “Why Inclusive Design Matters More Than Ever”
• Video: Why Accessibility Reveals a Company’s Engineering Maturity
• Video: Accessibility Testing With Applause
• Landing Page: Applause Accessibility Testing

About Applause

Applause is the global leader in managed software testing services and digital quality. Through AI, automation and the world’s largest independent testing community, we help leading enterprises validate every aspect of their apps and other digital experiences. Our fully managed approach makes it easy for organizations to test under real-world conditions, across devices, locations and use cases — at the speed and scale required in the age of AI. Applause alleviates pressure on internal teams by helping expand testing coverage, keep pace with modern release cycles, and deliver exceptional quality to their users around the world. With deep expertise in payment testing, accessibility, UX and AI evaluation, Applause is a trusted partner to the world’s most innovative brands. Visit applause.com to learn more.