Presented at 11:15am in Westminster III on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
#29567Speaker(s)
- Christopher Phillips, Associate Director, WebAIM
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
While most instructors agree with the general concept of accessibility, how can help them move from understanding to actually creating accessible content? Join this session to consider strategies that emphasize usability over accessibility, examine our motivations and help others create more inclusive experiences.
Abstract
While most people agree in concept with the general idea of accessibility, it can be difficult to convince someone that it is important enough to do something about it. Increased usability is sometimes shared as a valuable byproduct of making content more accessible. What happens when we flip that script and advocate for usability first as a way to help people create more inclusive experiences?
In this session I will share strategies and tools that came from conversations with overburdened instructors who cared about accessibility but struggled to find time to do anything about. While a focus on legal risk of accessibility and compliance can instill fear and provide temporary motivation, lasting change can only happen when the accessibility work aligns with an individuals core priorities and values. Come learn about successes, challenges and lessons learned from our efforts to increase accessibility using unconventional methods that may challenge your status quo.
Keypoints
- Accessibility advocacy is most effective when it understand and aligns with the goals of the audience.
- Balancing usability efforts that impact all students vs specific accommodations that impact a few.
- Examples of efforts to increase accessibility by focusing on usability with instructors.
Disability Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Accessible Educational Materials, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Christopher Phillips
Christopher Phillips brings a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to digital accessibility, combining years of experience in special education, product management, and leading enterprise-level disability inclusion initiatives. Christopher works with organizations to embed accessibility into their culture and infrastructure through policy development, capacity building, and hands-on technical assistance. His commitment to accessibility is shaped by two brothers with Down syndrome who provide a regular reminder that the world is a better place when it is accessible for everyone. He brings his previous worked in special education, instructional design, web development and product management to accessibility work.