#43175
Speaker(s)
- RaLynn McGuire, Associate Director of Digital Accessibility, University of Texas at San Antonio
- Vanessa Garza, Lead Accessibility / UDL Specialist, University of Texas at San Antonio
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Many institutions have accessibility data but struggle to turn metrics into meaningful action. This session explores how change management strategies, targeted communication, and shared ownership models can transform accessibility progress efforts. Attendees will learn practical approaches for using data to build buy-in, reduce resistance, celebrate wins, and sustain momentum across campus accessibility initiatives.
Abstract
Many institutions now have accessibility dashboards, course reports, and ADA Title II compliance expectations, yet data alone rarely produces sustained change. Metrics without context can feel punitive, overwhelming, or easy to ignore. During a recent institutional accessibility initiative, our team found that progress accelerated when accessibility efforts were approached as a change management challenge rather than a reporting exercise.
This session explores how change management principles helped transform accessibility data into campus action. Strategies included creating urgency around compliance milestones, communicating a clear and realistic vision for progress, empowering local points of contact, leveraging faculty champions for peer support, celebrating short-term wins, and reinforcing continued momentum.
Participants will hear practical examples of how messaging evolved over time, how resistance was reduced through supportive framing, and how distributed ownership models helped move responsibility beyond a central accessibility office. The session will also address lessons learned when strategies were less effective, including overreliance on dashboards, unclear expectations, and data fatigue. Attendees will leave with practical approaches for using accessibility metrics to build buy-in, guide behavior change, and sustain progress across their own institutions.
Keypoints
- Accessibility progress improves when metrics are paired with change management strategies.
- Distributed leadership models reduce bottlenecks and increase campus ownership of accessibility practices.
- Celebrating wins and clear messaging help sustain long-term accessibility change.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessibility and Accommodation in the Current Political/Legal Environment, Accessible Course Design, Campus & System-wide initiatives, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
RaLynn McGuire
RaLynn McGuire is a lecturer and the Lead Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning Specialist at her institution, where she partners with faculty to create accessible and engaging learning environments. With a foundation in K-12 teaching and deep experience in higher education, RaLynn is dedicated to advancing campus-wide accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) initiatives. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and her expertise is further informed by her active service on local and national boards and committees focused on accessibility in education. RaLynn is passionate about empowering educators, fostering inclusive practices, and sharing her lifelong love of learning.
Vanessa Garza
Vanessa worked as an educator, developer, and instructional designer before developing a passion for creating accessible content in higher education. Vanessa currently focuses on training and supporting faculty to create accessible content and promote a culture of inclusive education.