Scheduled at 11:15 am in Independence on Wednesday, November 13.
#39545Speaker(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
When an AT tool is adopted, the majority of the work has just begun. Implementation and ongoing awareness building are part of the work associated with an adoption. This session will focus on strategies to grow usage and build awareness. Through guided steps and plans, attendees will understand these strategies and leave with tangible objectives to implement on their campus. Texthelp tools will be used as the framework, but ideas and action items will be applicable to any AT implementation.
Abstract
Investment in an assistive technology or digital accessibility tool, especially one that has the capability to impact the wider campus community requires strategic implementation and resources. Resources are required to get these tools initially up and off the ground along with those needed to support ongoing use. Historically rooted in supporting learners with disabilities, AT tools have the ability to positively affect not only the audience it was adopted to support, but other populations of students across campus who can benefit as well. These tools can support efforts focused on student academic support, leading to increases in retention and graduation rates. They can also help to create more inclusive campuses while making them more digitally accessible. When a tool to support these types of efforts is adopted, research tells us only 40% of the work is done. The next stage around implementation is where the majority of the work occurs. But how do campuses strategically tackle the work to roll out these tools? What messaging will reach the intended users and personas on campus who will benefit from these tools? What resources need to be created or distributed to support adopters and users?
This session will address these questions and others, providing attendees with answers, ideas, strategies and a roadmap for implementing, building awareness and increasing usage of adopted assistive technology and accessibility tools. Users will be given tangible strategies and examples of the steps other campuses have used to implement these tools which have produced successful outcomes. While we’ll speak broadly on these topics, the conversation will reference Texthelp tools as a method of applying what is discussed; tying concepts to tangible, relatable examples. Adopters of any AT or accessibility tool will leave the session with ideas and actionable steps they can take in the days and months ahead for their own campus.
Keypoints
- The majority of the implementation efforts have just begun when an AT or accessibility tool is adopted.
- Key strategies and actions taken based on personas can help to accelerate the adoption and use of tech tools.
- Effective communication and resources can help increase use and embed AT and accessibility tools on a campus.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
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.