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When Access Needs Collide: An Interactive Discussion on Navigating Inclusive Classroom Practices

Handouts

Scheduled at 9:00 am in Independence on Wednesday, November 19.

#41084

Speaker(s)

  • Deanna Ferrante, Executive Accessibility Project Manager, Macmillan Learning

Session Details

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

Summary

Conflicting access needs can challenge even the most inclusive classroom practices. This interactive session explores how to navigate those conflicts with care, flexibility, and creativity. Through real-world scenarios, group discussions, and shared strategies, attendees will learn how to balance divergent needs within the classroom.

Abstract

Accessibility is rarely one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, meeting one person’s access needs can unintentionally create barriers for another. Conflicting access needs can arise in any classroom context: a participant may require verbal engagement, while another needs silence; one may rely on screen magnification, while another depends on a consistent visual layout.

This session invites attendees to approach conflicting access needs with creativity, flexibility, and care. Attendees will engage in an interactive discussion exploring real-world examples of conflicting access needs that arise in higher education classrooms.

Together, we will explore questions such as: 1. How do you make thoughtful, inclusive decisions when no option works for everyone? 2. What strategies support transparency and student agency? 3. How can instructors proactively plan for conflicting access needs?

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for balancing conflicting needs within the classroom. The session will encourage collective problem-solving, recognizing that navigating conflicting needs is an ongoing, evolving practice. Access is a collaborative process, not a checklist.

Keypoints

  1. Learn strategies to identify and navigate conflicting access needs in the classroom.
  2. Collaborate with attendees to brainstorm solutions for conflicting access needs.
  3. Shift from a compliance mindset to a collaborative access approach.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Accessible Course Design, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Deanna Ferrante

Deanna Ferrante is a CPACC-certified Executive Accessibility Project Manager at Macmillan Learning. She delivers outstanding support to students, instructors, and disability/accessibility services and leads UX research sessions that inform the design of inclusive digital courseware. Deanna also co-leads the company’s disability-focused employee resource group. Her background in disability inclusion spans higher education, nonprofit, and financial services sectors. Outside of work, Deanna facilitates a community group for neurodivergent individuals and teaches group exercise classes.

Handout(s)