#43461
Speaker(s)
- Eva Nautiyal, Senior Web Developer/Accessibility Specialist, Georgetown University
Session Details
- Length of Session: 2-hr
- Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: Laptop
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
This presentation will address why most of us in higher education keep trying to train our colleagues on accessibility and fail every time. We will look at learning and cognitive science research and break it down into plain language and action steps we can take right away to redesign and supercharge our accessibility training programs. With a high turnover in staff at higher education institutes, knowing how people learn and designing effective training programs based on research is crucial.
Abstract
Our accessibility trainings are often designed as a one-and-done training program for employees, with the expectation that they will learn everything there is to know about accessibility and follow through proactively. Let's instead look at how our brain consumes and retains new information and apply those methods to an effective training framework.
Organizations invest significant time and resources in accessibility training, yet many teams continue to repeat the same accessibility errors across web content and digital products. This persistence is rarely a motivation problem; it is more often a training design problem.
This presentation introduces the Sustainable Accessibility Training (SAT) Framework, which focuses on sustainability from the learner’s perspective—designing accessibility training that builds lasting skills through reinforcement and practice. The framework integrates established learning models—including spaced reinforcement, retrieval practice, and cognitive load management—directly into accessibility training workflows across digital teams.
Participants will examine their current training structure and then apply the framework to redesign it based on how humans learn and retain information. Rather than focusing on one-time onboarding or role-limited instruction, the workshop emphasizes reinforcement strategies at specific time intervals. Attendees will leave with a practical, adaptable framework for improving their accessibility training programs.
Keypoints
- Common accessibility training approaches fail to produce lasting behavior change and increase frustration.
- Trainers can benefit greatly from knowing what learning science research says and the implications on our work
- A structured framework that supports long-term retention can benefit both the learners and the trainers.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Psychological
Topic Areas
Campus & System-wide initiatives, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Eva Nautiyal
Eva Nautiyal is a senior web developer and accessibility specialist at Georgetown Law. In her role as the accessibility specialist, she trains all incoming web editors on digital accessibility. She enjoys her fast-paced work during the week and likes exploring the outdoors at a slower pace over the weekends. Eva holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a minor in creative writing from Illinois Wesleyan University and currently lives in the beautiful state of Idaho.