Presented at 2:15pm in Penrose 2 on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
#36247Speaker(s)
- Rachel Kruzel, Higher Education Specialist, Texthelp
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Each year, the AT and accessibility fields are evolving. With the centrality of technology in our society and with it being a cornerstone of education, this evolution is rapid and ongoing. Staying on top of these changes and updates is essential for professionals. The 2022 edition of the Trending Tech Tools session will focus on the latest tools, updates, software programs, and key topics that have happened over the last year as well as focus on what is to come in the months and year ahead.
Abstract
Development and evolution within the assistive technology and accessibility fields have continued over the last year as it does each year. Many argue, this evolution and the development timelines of tools and these fields have accelerated as of recently given advances in technology and as a result of the centrality of technology in our society. Updates, new tools which have reached our market, pressing topics, and trends to keep on our radar are as important as ever to be knowledgeable about when it comes to assistive technology and accessibility. Given the exponential changes in our world and society due to the last few years, we are transitioning into the next era of educational technology, assistive technology, and accessibility. Both assistive technology and accessibility are becoming more mainstream and embraced in the education field and in our world. How will this awareness impact these fields and our institutions in the next year? How will this impact the development and evolution of these tools central to the support we provide to our learners?
This session will provide the annual overview and digest of the updates and changes that have occurred over the last year in the assistive and accessibility fields. Similar to past sessions, new tools reaching the market, key updates to flagship tools, trends, topics to be aware of, and other important information will be featured. Those in attendance will walk away with information to both support their work with students one-on-one or within their offices, as well as more globally across campus through systemic initiatives. This session will support the work of professionals today as well as as they plan for the months ahead including the rest of this academic year.
Keypoints
- Tools, software, trends, and topics central to the AT and accessibility fields develop and update rapidly.
- AT and digital accessibility are being embraced and addressed at increased rates in recent years.
- By being informed of updates and changes, professionals can better support students and their campus.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning
Topic Areas
Accessible Educational Materials, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, Captioning/Transcription, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Rachel Kruzel
Rachel Kruzel, ATP, is the Higher Education Specialist for Texthelp where she supports higher education institutions across the United States and Canada as they explore, adopt, and implement technology based literacy, STEM, and accessibility based solutions to help create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible campuses and learning spaces for all students and campus members. She is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and spent over ten years working as an Assistive Technology and Accommodations Specialist in Disability Resource Offices prior to coming to Texthelp. During her time in higher ed, she built and developed assistive technology programs at both schools she worked at, as well as coordinated the provision of accommodations. Rachel is a national expert in the areas of assistive technology, digital accessibility, accessible course materials, and accommodation provision around testing and notetaking. Rachel presents both regionally and nationally on these topics and others, as well as consults with students, parents, schools, and organizations.