Scheduled at 9:00 am in Penrose 2 on Friday, November 21.
#41244Speaker(s)
- Alaina Beaver, Global Head of Accessibility Customer Engagement, ServiceNow
- Erica Illingworth, Head of Accessibility and Globalization Marketing and Communication, ServiceNow
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Intermediate
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
From help desks to campus apps, ServiceNow powers higher ed — but how do we make it accessible to all? Join us for a fun, lively tour through AI-driven features, workflow tips, and free tools (showcasing our neurodiversity Chromium extension!) that support digital equity. We'll cover what to ask, what to configure, and how to scale accessibility across complex systems. Expect demos, real talk, and just enough magic to leave you inspired.
Abstract
From help desks to campus apps, ServiceNow powers essential services in higher education — but how do we ensure those services work for everyone? In this energetic session, we’ll click our ruby slippers three times and dive into the intersection of accessibility, AI, and practical tools you can start using today. From an exploration of out-of-the-box features, to new voice-assisted modes of engaging with our signature Now Assist AI Agents, and landing with a live demo of Text Adjust, our free neuordiversity Chrome extension that anyone can use, our tour will have you feeling like you're defying gravity.
Stick around for questions, discussion, and some real talk about how to drive accessibility at scale in a large, complex organization.
We’ll explore:
- How AI is showing up in ServiceNow environments (and what that means for accessibility
- Accessibility must-haves for digital workflows and self-service portals
- Free (or low-cost) tools that can help you evaluate, test, and advocate for accessibility
- Key questions to ask when configuring, customizing, or procuring enterprise tools
- Real-world examples of how accessibility leaders are creating more equitable digital ecosystems
Whether you're wrangling workflows, advising on procurement, or leading accessibility initiatives, this session will offer practical tips, honest insights, and a little inspiration to make your corner of the cloud more inclusive.
Keypoints
- AI can boost accessibility when built right—voice, prediction, and adaptive tools are already here.
- Accessible workflows are essential, and ServiceNow has tools to support diverse campus needs.
- Free tools and smart advocacy can spark real change, even in complex higher ed ecosystems.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Artificial Intelligence, Other, Procurement, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Alaina Beaver
Alaina Beaver has been active in the professional accessibility space for over a decade. From her roots in Higher Education Administration at CU Boulder, to running her own consultancy practice, to leading Accessibility work at Google and now at ServiceNow, accessibility and truly usable experiences have long been her north star. Please connect with Alaina at LinkedIn to get in touch.
Erica Illingworth
I'm a natural polymath and interdisciplinary strategist, adept at both procedural and creative problem-solving. I often dream big and offer up off-the-wall ideas when launching new projects. I have experience working in collaboration for content strategy, web development, graphic design, and video production. I delight in sharing my knowledge with others and in developing my team to reach their potential. I'm fascinated by internet culture and passionate about user experience and accessibility.