Presented at 11:15am in Plaza Ballroom E on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
#34059Speaker(s)
- Rachel Kruzel, Higher Education Specialist, Texthelp
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
The AT and accessibility fields are constantly evolving given the dynamic nature of technology and our world. Staying on top of these changes and updates is essential. In line with the tradition of past Trending Tech Tools sessions, the latest updates, tools, software programs, and key topics that support and impact these fields will be discussed.
Abstract
Developments and changes within the assistive technology and accessibility fields are not slowing down. As in years past, continual updates, new tools, key topics, and trends impact our work and the work we do with students everyday. The last year and a half has shaped these fields in ways we never thought possible and has catapulted us into a new era of technology, accessibility, and usability for individuals with disabilities and campuswide accessibility.
This session will provide the annual digest of the changes and updates that have occurred over the last year in the fields of AT and accessibility. As with tradition, new software tools, changes to flagship tools that have shaped our field, trends, key topics, and must know about updates will be featured. Attendees will leave the session with critical updates and information; making them more informed as they work with students and move the needle forward on digital accessibility, usability, and inclusion on their campuses.
Keypoints
- Tools, software, trends, and topics central to the AT and accessibility fields develop and update rapidly.
- A digest summary of key changes, updates, and topics provides an easy way to stay informed of these changes.
- By staying informed of these updates and changes, professionals can better support users and their campus.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Educational Materials, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Captioning/Transcription, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Rachel Kruzel
Rachel Kruzel, ATP, is the Higher Education Specialist for Texthelp where she supports higher education institutions across the United States and Canada as they explore, adopt, and implement technology based literacy, STEM, and accessibility based solutions to help create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible campuses and learning spaces for all students and campus members. She is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and spent over ten years working as an Assistive Technology and Accommodations Specialist in Disability Resource Offices prior to coming to Texthelp. During her time in higher ed, she built and developed assistive technology programs at both schools she worked at, as well as coordinated the provision of accommodations. Rachel is a national expert in the areas of assistive technology, digital accessibility, accessible course materials, and accommodation provision around testing and notetaking. Rachel presents both regionally and nationally on these topics and others, as well as consults with students, parents, schools, and organizations.