Presented at 9:00 am in Independence on Friday, November 21, 2025.
#41367Speaker(s)
- Abigail Bradshaw, Assistant Director, Westmont College
- Julianna Goldring, , Concept3D
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
By offering interactive maps that are screen reader friendly, contain accessible routes and spotlight key ADA locations, your institution can create a culture of belonging from someone’s first contact. We’ll explore how Westmont College, a small liberal arts college located in Santa Barbara, California, utilizes Concept3D to make their campus map accessible. In this session, we’ll cover why accessible maps matter to your entire community and how to begin accessible mapmaking on your campus.
Abstract
Historically inaccessible, interactive maps are now an essential channel of accessible technology. Traditional PDF maps, as an inherently visual tool, are not often created with Blind/Low Vision individuals in mind, and are often not screen reader compatible. They also may not hold all of the access information one might need when navigating a college campus. By embracing the principles of universal design, accessible maps provide benefits far beyond compliance through offering a greater depth of information on the map. A map is often an individual’s first encounter with an institution, so it has the power to set the tone for their interaction. Centering accessibility through a map creates a culture of belonging and supports independence for individuals with disabilities who may come to campus, whether students, family members, employees, donors, or community visitors. This session will explore how Westmont College, a small liberal arts institution in Southern California, is developing an accessible campus map in partnership with Concept3D. We’ll walk through the practical steps of bringing an accessible map to life—from identifying stakeholders and securing cross-campus buy-in to evaluating vendors and understanding legal responsibilities. Special attention will be given to fostering interdepartmental collaboration and ensuring the project supports broader goals of accessibility, equity, and community engagement. Attendees will leave with a framework for championing accessible mapping technology on their own campuses and a better understanding of how inclusive design can be a strategic driver, not just a compliance checkbox.
Keypoints
- Traditional PDF maps are often inaccessible, unable to provide essential information to disabled users.
- Digital accessible maps promote independence and foster a culture of belonging for disabled users.
- Institutions can acquire and create accessible maps through interdepartmental partnerships.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Legal, Procurement, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Abigail Bradshaw
As a disability rights advocate and accessibility consultant, Abigail Bradshaw helps individuals and institutions move from a culture of inclusion to belonging. Abigail is currently the Assistant Director of the Accessibility Resource Office at Westmont College, overseeing accommodation plans for students and increasing accessibility for the college including through spearheading access to assistive technology. She also founded and now facilitates Westmont’s Accessibility Advisory Board. Abigail is a JD candidate at Loyola Law School, pursuing a career in disability rights law.
Julianna Goldring
Julianna Goldring currently serves as the Director of Marketing at Concept3D. She joined the Ed Tech field back in 2021 following the completion of her graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania where she earned an M.S Ed in Education Entrepreneurship. In addition to being a dynamic marketing professional with a knack for B2B, Julianna identifies as a creative storyteller at heart who is best at driving growth through innovation. She is dedicated to championing accessibility in partnership with colleges and universities across the country who utilize Concept3D’s digital solutions.