Scaling Web Accessibility – University of Phoenix Accessibility SMEs

Handouts Media

Presented at 8:00am in Virtual Room 1 on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

#34444

Speaker(s)

  • Janet Fukuda, Digital Accessibility Specialist, University of Phoenix
  • Robert Becker, Sr. Accessibility Manager, University of Phoenix

Session Details

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

Summary

Web accessibility is a shared responsibility. Learn how the University of Phoenix was able to scale accessibility with the support of administration and how you can too.

Abstract

In late 2020 the University of Phoenix began a new initiative to scale accessibility knowledge. With support from college administration, the Accessibility and Usability team began looking for volunteers who would like to learn more about accessibility and become a resource for their team. In January 2021 we began training 24 volunteers from 18 different teams to become Accessibility SMEs (subject matter experts). These individuals range from product owners and copywriters to engineers. Training consisted of online, self-directed courses and monthly meetings with the accessibility team. Follow us on our journey to expand responsibility for accessibility throughout the University. We will share what worked and what didn’t. Together we will discover how you can find Accessibility SMEs within your own organization.

Keypoints

  1. Participants will gain an understanding of basic web accessibility
  2. Participants will gain an understanding of how different roles support accessibility across the institution
  3. Participants can begin to develop a vision on how to scale accessibility at their institution

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Other, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Janet Fukuda

Janet Fukuda is a Digital Accessibility Specialist for the University of Phoenix, collaborating with in-house design teams, developers, and faculty to encourage an accessible ecosystem and inclusive learning environment. Janet ran an assistive technology program in higher education before becoming an AT Specialist for the State of Arizona Department of Education and joined UOPX’s accessibility team in January 2020. Janet is CPACC certified through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals and is a Safe Agile Safe Practitioner. In addition, Janet holds a Master’s in Education-Special Education and an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology.

Robert Becker

Robert Becker is a Sr. Accessibility Manager at the University of Phoenix. He is married and has two boys, and a dog whom his son named "Toast." When not learning about accessibility, he likes to do adventure sports like open water swimming, biking, and trail running (aka walking fast).

Handout(s)