From Silo to Standard: Making Accessibility Foundational in Higher Ed

Presented at 9:00 am in Colorado F on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Speaker(s)

• Angela Young, Dr., Navy Federal Credit Union
• Mi Ong Vang, Sr. Accessibility Program Coordinator, Navy Federal Credit Union

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Intermediate
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Accessibility shouldn’t be limited to disability studies. This session explores how to embed accessibility as a standard, not a siloed topic, across higher ed programs in tech, business, writing, and beyond. Learn strategies to partner with faculty, integrate accessibility into existing courses, and prepare graduates to build inclusive, compliant, and people-centered systems from day one.

Abstract

Despite growing demand for digital inclusion, many college graduates leave school with little to no exposure to accessibility. It’s often relegated to electives, optional assignments, or isolated topics in disability studies, leaving a critical skills gap in fields like tech, communications, design, and business.

In this lecture-style session, we present a framework for shifting accessibility from a siloed topic to a standard expectation across higher education programs. Drawing from real-world examples and our direct experience supporting faculty and curriculum teams, we demonstrate how accessibility can be embedded into core coursework without creating entirely new classes or overwhelming instructors.

We'll walk through case studies showing how accessibility fits naturally into assignments in software engineering, user experience, marketing, data science, and professional writing. We’ll also discuss how to align with recognized standards (like WCAG and Section 508), gain buy-in from academic departments, and ensure students graduate with essential accessibility knowledge-whether they’re building code, writing policy, or leading teams.

Topics covered include:

• Framing accessibility as a workforce competency, not an accommodation
• Auditing existing syllabi for integration opportunities
• Collaborating with faculty using shared values (e.g., ethics, usability, equity)
• Practical resources for teaching accessibility without reinventing the wheel
• Strategies to track learning outcomes and student impact

Attendees will leave with tools to bridge academic and industry expectations, ensuring graduates are not just technically competent, but also capable of building accessible and inclusive products and services—no matter their major.

Keypoints

1. Embedding accessibility into required courses prepares students for real-world inclusive design needs.
2. Cross-disciplinary integration ensures accessibility isn't isolated to tech or disability studies programs.
3. Factual can teach accessibility without overhauling curricula by using existing course structures.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Faculty Development & Support, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Angela Young

Dr. Angela Young, CPACC, is a renowned Manager of Digital Accessibility Solutions, and advocate for workplace wellbeing, specializing in empowering queer, neurodiverse, and disabled professionals. Based in the Washington DC-Baltimore area, they have dedicated nearly two decades to promoting diversity and inclusion. Dr. Young holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Maryland and has worked extensively in education, learning & development, and digital accessibility. As an international speaker, they have addressed audiences globally, advocating for accessibility and inclusion in various sectors. Dr. young is also known for their work in personal branding and has founded "A11y with Angela," a platform focused on accessibility and inclusion.

Mi Ong Vang

Mi Ong Vang, CPACC, is a digital accessibility leader with a proven track record of driving strategic, organization-wide change. With deep expertise in accessibility engineering, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration, she helps organizations move beyond compliance to build inclusive, sustainable digital ecosystems. She specializes in transforming complex accessibility data into clear, actionable insights, that shape executive decision-making and drive continuous improvement. Mi Ong helps organizations move beyond compliance to embed accessibility into their culture, systems, and decision-making. She is passionate about creating meaningful change through practical solution that work for both users and teams.