Heidi Scher, Associate Director, University of Arkansas
Disability Area: Topic Area:
Length of Session (in hours): 0
Format: Lecture
Expertise Level: Beginner
Type of session: Not provided
Summary of Session
This full-day workshop is intended for those who may be just starting to implement accessibility services and policies on their campuses or for those seeking to improve existing policies and services. The session will be divided into segments that include the following topics:
508 & Alternate Format Requirements and Implementation Strategies
AIM (Accessible Instructional Materials) Production and Management
Implementing a Campus Web and IT Accessibility Policy
Outreach and Education to Faculty about Accessibility
Abstract
Students with disabilities face many challenges in higher education, including challenges related to the accessibility of print, web, multimedia, information technology, and STEM resources. Access technology professionals are often called upon to develop and implement services and policies that address these barriers and equal the playing field. In this full-day workshop participants will explore strategies and best practices for implementing accessibility services and policies on their campuses.
Kepoints
Participants will have examined different alternate media formats and have gained an understanding of the resources and strategies available to provid
Participants will have gained an understanding of Section 508 and how it applies at the state level, as well as learned about current implementation strategies at a number of colleges.
Participants will have developed an understanding of the complexities of accessible STEM materials and gained an understanding of resources, techniques and strategies.
Speaker Bio(s)
Ron Stewart
Ron Stewart is an internationally recognized expert in the field of Accessible Educational Materials. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he is Managing Consultant for AltFormat Solutions LLC, a consulting group composed of many of the leaders in the field of curricular accessibility.
Heidi Scher
Working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff at UofA, Heidi can be found discussing a variety of topics such as diversity and inclusion, assistive technology, and alternate media. A self-proclaimed ‘geek’ who enjoys playing with/learning about “neat” software and/or hardware, she shares such information in a fairly animated fashion with anyone who is willing to listen.
A long-time member and board member of Ark-AHEAD, she has served the organization in numerous roles. Heidi is also an active member of ATHEN (Access Technology in Higher Education Network) through activities such as serving on assorted committees including executive, advisory for the annual Accessing Higher Ground conference, business plan development, and scholarship. Having presented at a wide-range of local, state, and national venues, she also has a numerous publications to her name. Since earning a bachelor’s degree (BA 94) from East Central University in Ada, OK and a master’s degree (MS 96) in rehabilitation counseling from the UofA, Heidi has worked at both two-year and four-year Arkansas post-secondary institutions including UALR, ASU-Beebe, and UofA and federal-grant projects such as Project PACE and PEPNet.