Lessons Learned During a System-wide Collaboration in Developing, Designing and Launching an Accessibility Course

Presented at 9:15am in Mattie Silks on Friday, November 18, 2022.

Speaker(s)

• Lydia Harkey, Accessibility Management Officer, Texas A&M University System
• Debra Dandridge, PhD – EIR Accessibility Coordinator, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and College of Engineering
• Cynthia Kauder, Assistant Director and EIR Accessibility Coordinator, Texas A&M University
• René Quiroz, Director of IT Training and Development within the Office of Information Technology, Texas A&M University

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Panel
• Expertise Level: Beginner
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This panel discuss how collaborators across The Texas A&M University System leveraged experience and talents to create a consistent system-wide accessibility training experience for faculty, staff, and student workers. Participants leave with practical examples of course development from the idea stage to launch, with the primary goals of reducing risk across the system and ensuring access for all.

Abstract

Gain knowledge on how collaborators across The Texas A&M University System leveraged experience and talents to create a consistent system-wide accessibility training experience for faculty, staff, and student workers. Take a look at course development from the idea stage to launch, with the primary goals of reducing risk across the system and ensuring access for all.

Keypoints

1. Identify reasons for creating the Electronic Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Awareness course for faculty, staff and student workers
2. Recognize the topics included in the training and the benefits of each.
3. Examine the creative, development and editing processes involved in course creation.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Accessible Educational Materials, Administrative/Campus Policy, Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Lydia Harkey

Lydia Harkey currently serves as Texas A&M University System Electronic Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Director. One of her primary role is to help drive the accessibility standards into Texas A&M University system policy and provide guidance for all A&M members to meet current and upcoming accessibility standards. Lydia can relate to many of the challenges and apprehension faced by users who are new to accessibility. She enjoys working with users of all levels of experience to strengthen their skills and understanding of accessibility.

Lydia has spent over 20 years working on digital accessibility. She has chaired Texas A&M University System EIR Accessibility Committee and chaired several A&M member EIR Accessibility Committee. She is also an EIR Accessibility representative for the CIO IT Governance Council.

Lydia has presented ‘Implementing Accessibility Strategically at your organization’ at Accessing Higher Ground, CSUN Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference on ‘Framing Your Organization into Accessible Operations’, and several other organizations.

Debra Dandridge

Dr. Dandridge is responsible for the development of a digital accessibility program for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station agency. She has been practicing in the digital accessibility field for 15 years providing guidance and advice to enable an inclusive digital environment for all. She has also initiated and revised information technology policies including digital accessibility for the Texas A&M University System as well at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. She has presented on all aspects of digital accessibility at numerous local and regional conferences.

Cynthia Kauder

Cynthia Kauder leads the Texas A&M University accessibility compliance program, utilizing risk-based methodologies to enable access for more than 10 years. In addition to creating policies, processes, and training, her recent Texas A&M affiliations include the IT Security and Policies Committee and its EIR Accessibility Subcommittee. She serves as the organizer of the campuswide Accessibility Innovator Network and is an appointee to both The Texas A&M University System EIR Accessibility Council and the Council on Academic Technology and Innovative Education. As a member of the EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility Community Group steering committee, she plays a role in impacting accessibility in higher education nationwide.

René Quiroz

Dr. René Quiroz is the Director of IT Training and Development within the Office of Information Technology at the Texas A&M University System. She has been an educator for 25 years and is an expert in online instructional strategies, assessment, accessibility and copyright.