Scheduled at 9:00am in Matchless on Tuesday, November 18.
#41217Speaker(s)
- RaLynn McGuire, Lead Accessibility / UDL Specialist , University of Texas at San Antonio
- Vanessa Garza, Leaning Experience Accessibility Specialist, University of Texas at San Antonio
Session Details
- Length of Session: 3-hr
- Format: Interactive/Discussion
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: Pre-conference
Summary
Join this guided community conversation for accessibility professionals who feel the weight of doing it all. Through shared stories, reflection, and connection, participants will explore common challenges, celebrate small wins, and leave with renewed energy and a sense of solidarity.
Abstract
Accessibility professionals are often stretched thin expected to be legal experts, instructional designers, technologists, and advocates while also navigating institutional resistance, under-resourcing, and emotional fatigue. Holding the Weight of Accessibility, Together is a guided community conversation designed to acknowledge and address the often-overlooked emotional and relational challenges of accessibility work.
This session offers an alternative to traditional technical or compliance-focused presentations. Through a structured, facilitator-led format that includes reflective prompts, small group dialogue, and large group debriefs, participants will explore the human side of digital accessibility: the frustration of slow change, the joy of small wins, and the weight of caring deeply in an environment that may not always be supportive.
This session is ideal for professionals across roles, whether they work in faculty development, IT, disability services, procurement, or content design and welcomes both seasoned leaders and those newer to the field. It is especially relevant at a time when the urgency of accessibility compliance is increasing, yet many teams remain small and under-resourced.
This session contributes to the professional development of attendees by offering a rare space for reflection, connection, and mutual support—critical components of sustainability in accessibility work. Participants are invited to come as they are and leave with renewed energy and community.
Keypoints
- Emotional and institutional barriers to accessibility work are shared across roles and institutions.
- Peer connection and reflection are essential tools for sustaining long-term accessibility efforts.
- Small wins and boundary-setting contribute to realistic, resilient accessibility practice.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
RaLynn McGuire
RaLynn McGuire is a lecturer and the Lead Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning Specialist at her institution, where she partners with faculty to create accessible and engaging learning environments. With a foundation in K-12 teaching and deep experience in higher education, RaLynn is dedicated to advancing campus-wide accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiatives. She is currently completing her PhD, and her expertise is further informed by her active service on local and national boards and committees focused on accessibility in education. RaLynn is passionate about empowering educators, fostering inclusive practices, and sharing her lifelong love of learning.
Vanessa Garza
Vanessa worked as an educator, developer, and instructional designer before developing a passion for creating accessible content in higher education. Vanessa currently focuses on training and supporting faculty to create accessible content and promote a culture of inclusive education.