Presented at 4:15 pm in Matchless on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
#41197Speaker(s)
- Katie Grennell, Product Engagement Manager, Anthology
- Chris Aldin, Director of Product, Anthology
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
This session outlines a scalable administrative strategy to empower faculty in proactively addressing the accessibility of their course materials in preparation for Title II updates.
Abstract
As updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act place increased emphasis on the accessibility of digital content, institutions must be prepared to support faculty in addressing existing accessibility barriers in their content and implementing accessible best practices when creating new materials. This session outlines a scalable administrative strategy to empower faculty in proactively addressing the accessibility of their course materials. Attendees will explore approaches for equipping faculty with the knowledge and tools to evaluate and improve the accessibility of their digital content, while also fostering the adoption of inclusive design and pedagogical best practices. Learn how to support faculty in meeting legal requirements without sacrificing instructional quality—and create a culture where accessibility is built in, not bolted on.
Keypoints
- Supporting faculty in making digital content more accessible and inclusive.
- Strategic guide for helping administrators support faculty meeting Title II updates.
- Incorporating accessible course design and best practices.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Faculty Development & Support, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Katie Grennell
Dr. Katie Grennell is an accessibility strategist, where she supports clients in their adoption and deployment of Anthology Ally (digital accessibility tool). She completed her PhD in American Studies from the University at Buffalo in 2016. Her dissertation, entitled The Making of the ‘Fame Monster’: Disability Aesthetics, Bodily Deviance and Celebrity Culture troubled the distinctions between deviance and normativity by analyzing representations of disability, bodily difference, and deviance in American popular music and popular culture of the late 20th and early 21st century. She has worked as an adjunct in the disciplines of history, American Studies, American popular music, and disability studies for over 15 years at multiple institutions throughout Western New York. Her first book, Disability and Accessibility in the Music Classroom: An Instructor’s Guide (Routledge) was published September 1, 2022.
Chris Aldin
Chris Aldin is currently Director of Product for Anthology Ally where he works with institutions all around the world to create better, more inclusive content for all learners. With an extensive background working in digital education and content after an early consulting career, he is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to and benefits from the best possible content available. In addition to his experience with Ally, Chris has spent time in the online cybersecurity training industry focused on building more inclusive online training experiences. Before joining the Ally team, he spent almost 7 years in higher education publishing focused on building and designing custom and inclusive digital educational products while managing the production and distribution of some of the largest digital content libraries in North America. This experience, coupled with his passion for inclusive learning, continues to drive Chris forward to deliver impactful products and experiences that increase student success both inside and outside of the classroom.