Exploring Policies and Practices Regarding Accessible IT

#17714

Speaker(s)

  • Sheryl Burgstahler, Director, Accessible Technology Services, University of Washington

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 5-6-hr
  • Format: Panel
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: Pre-conference

Summary

Many campuses have developed policies and practices regarding the procurement, development and use of accessible IT. How do they compare? What works best for your school?

Abstract

There is no shortage of approaches to developing postsecondary campus policies and practices that promote the procurement, development and use of accessible IT. Some have emerged in resolving civil rights complaints about IT being inaccessible on campuses; some are the result of a general awareness of obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its 2008 Amendments and other federal or state laws; some have emerged from a general commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For this workshop, speakers and panelists will be recruited from multiple campuses to share specific aspects of their policies and procedures along with lessons learned. Small group and large group discussions will be facilitated to maximize participant interactions. And, useful resources will be shared. Participants will benefit from the experiences of others in this highly engaging workshop.

Keypoints

  1. Many campuses have developed policies and practices with respect to accessible IT.
  2. Campus leaders can benefit from learning about the practices of other institutions.
  3. Resources are available to help leaders develop policies and practices appropriate for their institutions.

Disability Areas

Topic Areas

Administrative/Campus Policy, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Sheryl Burgstahler

Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler founded and directs Accessible Technology Services, which includes the DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center and the IT Accessibility Team within UW-IT at the University of Washington (UW). These units promote (1) the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education and careers and (2) the development of facilities, IT, services, and learning activities that are welcoming and accessible to individuals with disabilities through the application of a Universal Design (UD) Framework. ITAT focuses efforts at the UW; the DO-IT Center reaches national and international audiences with the support of federal, state, corporate, foundation, and private funds. Dr. Burgstahler is an affiliate professor in the UW College of Education. She developed and continues to teach a graduate course in applications of universal design in higher education at City University of New York.