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I Didn’t Know Word Could Do That! (or IDK Word Could do That)

Presented at 11:15am in Governors Square 11 on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

#34524

Speaker(s)

  • Catherine M. Stager, Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist, FRCC BCC
  • Dustin Raiken, Assistive Technology Assistant, FRCC BCC

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: All Levels
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Microsoft Word is a tool that many of us use but there are many ways Word can support us and users with disabilities that are not well known. This session will feature some of the tips developed in the very short "IDK Word" documents we have developed to help students work more efficiently. We will offer the chance to learn and practice these tips.

Abstract

While many students are "digital natives," very few receive training in using tools such as Microsoft Word. Knowing some of the tips and tricks that can make Word more efficient is a great way to help support students who may have little knowledge of the power that Word can offer. Our document series, IDK Word, offers bite-sized tips that students can use independently or in their assistive technology trainings. For this session, attendees will have the opportunity to learn and practice some of the options that can make Word a support tool. We will also examine what types of strategies support overcoming different types of barriers that students might encounter and look at the IDK Word documents that support those aspects.

Keypoints

  1. Do students know the power of their tools? MS Word can add efficiency and effectiveness for all users.
  2. Aspects of MS Word can help Assistive Technologists teach strategies that help overcome user challenges.
  3. Teaching the use of Styles and “Check Accessibility” in Word helps support independence and inclusive design.

Disability Areas

Topic Areas

Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Catherine M. Stager

Cath has specialized in assistive technology, universal design, web accessibility and creating access to Academia and technology for over twenty years. She has worked with students, faculty and staff at both Colorado State University and University of Colorado-Boulder and has presented regionally and nationally on Universal Design, Accessibility, Assistive Technology and Disability Rights, Responsibilities & Accommodations within Higher Education for Students with Disabilities.

Cath is one of the founding members of the Assistive Technology Higher Education Network (ATHEN) (http://athenpro.org/). She is a Certified Usability Analyst and a lifelong learner. She is a long-time supporter/presenter for the Accessing Higher Ground: Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference. Cath currently is an Assistive Technology Specialist at Front Range Community College Boulder County Campus.

In addition to being passionate about accessibility, Cath loves to take walks, to go hiking or camping, and to spend time with family and friends!

Dustin Raiken