Scheduled at 9:00 am in Colorado I-J on Wednesday, November 19.
#42046Speaker(s)
- Katie Grennell, Product Engagement Manager, Anthology
- Chris Aldin, Director of Product, Ally, Anthology
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping accessibility practices in education, but its impact isn’t always positive. Many AI-driven tools offer quick fixes that claim to make content accessible with minimal effort. This presentation challenges the notion of an “easy button” for accessibility and emphasizes the importance of keeping humans—especially instructors and students—at the core of the process. It highlights how Anthology Ally serves as a supportive co-pilot rather than a replacement.
Abstract
AI is transforming accessibility work, but not always for the better. Too often, tools promise to “fix” content on autopilot —producing one-click solutions that may look compliant but leave behind errors, bias, and a false sense of security. In this session, we’ll go beyond the hype to explore why accessibility can’t be addressed with an easy-button, and how a human-centered approach makes all the difference.
We’ll showcase how Anthology Ally acts as a co-pilot to support faculty—suggesting alt text, remediating PDFs, and surfacing data—while keeping instructors in control and students at the center. You’ll leave with strategies to advocate for responsible AI adoption that strengthens, rather than shortcuts, your institution’s accessibility efforts.
Keypoints
- AI tools often oversimplify accessibility by offering automated fixes that can introduce errors or bias.
- Human-centered approaches are key to ensuring accessibility efforts are meaningful, accurate, and inclusive.
- Anthology Ally supports faculty with AI tools that assist—not replace—accessibility work.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Artificial Intelligence, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Katie Grennell
Dr. Katie Grennell is an accessibility strategist, where she supports clients in their adoption and deployment of Anthology Ally (digital accessibility tool). She completed her PhD in American Studies from the University at Buffalo in 2016. Her dissertation, entitled The Making of the ‘Fame Monster’: Disability Aesthetics, Bodily Deviance and Celebrity Culture troubled the distinctions between deviance and normativity by analyzing representations of disability, bodily difference, and deviance in American popular music and popular culture of the late 20th and early 21st century. She has worked as an adjunct in the disciplines of history, American Studies, American popular music, and disability studies for over 15 years at multiple institutions throughout Western New York. Her first book, Disability and Accessibility in the Music Classroom: An Instructor’s Guide (Routledge) was published September 1, 2022.
Chris Aldin
Chris Aldin is currently Director of Product for Anthology Ally where he works with institutions all around the world to create better, more inclusive content for all learners. With an extensive background working in digital education and content after an early consulting career, he is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to and benefits from the best possible content available. In addition to his experience with Ally, Chris has spent time in the online cybersecurity training industry focused on building more inclusive online training experiences. Before joining the Ally team, he spent almost 7 years in higher education publishing focused on building and designing custom and inclusive digital educational products while managing the production and distribution of some of the largest digital content libraries in North America. This experience, coupled with his passion for inclusive learning, continues to drive Chris forward to deliver impactful products and experiences that increase student success both inside and outside of the classroom.