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You are here: Home » Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Campus & System-wide initiatives, Faculty Development & Support, Other, Uncategorized » From Vision to Action: Institutional Communities of Practice

From Vision to Action: Institutional Communities of Practice

Scheduled at 2:30 PM in Penrose II on Thursday, November 19.

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Speaker(s)

  • Mark Nichols, Senior Manager, Technology Accessibility Program, State of Colorado
  • Mark Nichols, Senior Director of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies, Virginia Tech
  • Catherine Sherry, Director, Growth & Advocacy, Virginia Tech

Session Details

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

Summary

Sustainable accessibility requires shared responsibility across an organization. This session explores how Communities of Practice can build networks of accessibility champions across departments and roles. Learn practical strategies for fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and equipping champions with the tools and support to advance accessibility in their areas of influence. We’ll also discuss lessons learned and approaches for maintaining momentum as communities grow.

Abstract

Many colleges and universities have established accessibility goals and policies but struggle to translate requirements into consistent practice and sustainable institutional change. While employees with dedicated accessibility responsibilities provide essential expertise, lasting progress requires accessibility knowledge, capacity, and ownership across departments, roles, and levels of influence.

This session explores how Communities of Practice can help institutions build networks of accessibility champions among faculty, instructional designers, IT professionals, student services staff, communications teams, administrators, and other stakeholders. By creating opportunities for peer learning, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective problem-solving, these communities can break down organizational silos and expand access to accessibility expertise.

Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying and engaging champions, establishing effective community structures, and equipping members with the tools, resources, training, guidance, and support needed to advance accessibility within their areas of influence. Presenters will share real-world experiences and lessons learned from developing cross-functional accessibility networks, including approaches for sustaining participation, connecting grassroots efforts with leadership and institutional priorities, and maintaining momentum as communities grow.

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for developing or strengthening a Community of Practice that reflects their institution’s culture, size, and governance structure. By empowering local champions and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and learning, institutions can move accessibility from strategic vision to everyday practice and build a stronger foundation for sustainable change.

Keypoints

  1. Identify strategies for building a Community of Practice with accessibility champions.
  2. Apply tools and resources that equip accessibility champions to advance accessibility.
  3. Develop strategies to sustain engagement and align efforts with institutional goals.

Disability Areas

All Areas, Cognitive/Learning

Topic Areas

Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Campus & System-wide initiatives, Faculty Development & Support, Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Mark Nichols

Karen Pellegrin is Senior Program Manager for the State of Colorado’s Technology Accessibility Program, where she leads a collaborative team of accessibility consultants, engineers, and architects helping government entities operationalize accessibility. She brings more than 15 years of experience in web design and administration, accessibility training, graphic design, marketing, and digital accessibility coordination across more than 55 city agencies and departments. Karen’s earlier career in architecture included 2D and 3D design, universal design, human factors, and historic restoration. She also provides digital accessibility consulting, training, and content remediation services to organizations ranging from small design firms to Fortune 500 companies.

Mark Nichols

Catherine Sherry

Catherine Sherry, CPACC, is the Director of Growth & Advocacy at Onward Accessibility, where she leads strategic growth initiatives and champions digital accessibility, inclusion, and inclusive hiring. She began her career with Onward Search as a Senior Technology Recruiter and played a key role in launching and growing the company’s digital accessibility practice into Onward Accessibility. A longtime IAAP member and active advocate within the accessibility community, Catherine builds partnerships, develops industry resources, and represents Onward Accessibility at conferences and events. In 2026, she was named to Staffing Industry Analysts’ 40 Under 40 list in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the staffing industry.