Using the Capability Maturity Model to advance accessibility and inclusivity

Handouts

Presented at 9:00am in Gov Square 12 on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

#34363

Speaker(s)

  • Cheryl Pruitt, Director, Accessible Technology Initiative, California University Chancellor's Office
  • Leon McNaught, ATI Program Manager, CalStateLA
  • Sue Cullen, Directorof Universal Design & IT Accessibility, Tech for All

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 3-hr
  • Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: laptop or tablet
  • Expertise Level: Intermediate
  • Type of session: Pre-conference

Summary

Explore policy and how the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) supports the California State University Accessible Technology Initiative implementation. The CMM provides a framework to build capacity as a system or campus and reveals when to leverage outside expertise. Come discuss the progress, challenges and plans for an inclusive culture.

Abstract

The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) provides continuity to address challenging institutional capacity; staffing, technology, priorities, WCAG standards, and policies. The CMM is a constant over time on which to build your plan, and has a set of goals and success indicators. These were developed to incorporate business process reengineering to integrate accessibility into campus day to day operations. Systemwide and campus specific business process examples will be provided with opportunities for applying the principles and best practices to your campus. In addition, explore when it is beneficial to leverage a consultant while building campus capacity.

The success indicators articulate the business processes that need to be implemented in support of the goals. Progress towards the goals and success indicators is measured by a set of status levels. Status levels are described by a set of criteria that must be met in order to move from one status level to the next. Evidence, such as process and procedure documentation and resource allocation are required for each status level. Overtime campus business processes mature from not started to optimized.

Active discussions are occurring nationally regarding strategic planning and implementation methods in support of accessibility policies. This model provides for an organized framework for accessibility policy implementation and operationalization. This session will provide a hands-on opportunity to apply the CMM to campus planning, reporting and assessment processes. Learn how to apply these principles for a successful accessible technology implementation.

Keypoints

  1. Explore campus prioritization of strategies within accessibility compliance framework.
  2. The role of continual assessment data with supporting evidence to guide campus strategic planning.
  3. Successful business reengineering for accessibility compliance creating an inclusive campus culture

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Administrative/Campus Policy, Procurement, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Cheryl Pruitt

Cheryl is the Director of the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) for the California State University (CSU) System. She oversees the ATI implementation across the CSU 23 campus system. Cheryl has been involved with the ATI since the beginning in 2007, first at the campus level, then at the systemwide level. Under her leadership the system has made significant progress towards implementing ATI process improvement in the areas of web accessibility, accessible procurement, and accessible instructional materials. She is currently managing several projects that are moving the initiative forward they include implementation of an ATI reporting process to measure the systemwide progress towards the ATI goals; creation of synergy projects resulting in systemwide shared services that are delivering cost savings; and a high level of cross-campus collaboration through the ATI Communities of Practice.

Leon McNaught

Leon McNaught began working in the assistive technology field at Glendale Community College’s Hi-Tech Center in the mid-1990s. He earned his BS in Psychology and BA in Human Development and MS in Educational Counseling at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). During his tenure at CSUSB, Leon acquired professional certifications as an assistive technology practitioner and accessibility professional. He ran an assistive technology service center for the campus and community members affiliated with the California Department of Rehabilitation and Veteran’s Affairs.

Now Cal State LA’s inaugural Accessibility Manager, Leon, continues his work to improve campus accessibility in the three Accessible Technology Initiative priority areas of web, instructional materials, and procurement accessibility. Additionally, Leon is a member of the CSU Office of the Chancellor’s Accessible Technology Network, whose work positively affects system-wide accessibility procedures. Leon continues his work in assistive technology as a consultant to the California Department of Rehabilitation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sue Cullen

Sue has over 20 years of experience in digital accessibility compliance. She has shared her expertise with industry, government and higher education entities to help them devise strategies for access to information communication technology.

Handout(s)