Steven Salter, Director, Student Access and Wellness, Ashford University
Beth Lund, Technology Accessibility Specialist, Ashford University
Disability Area: Topic Area:
Length of Session (in hours): 1-hr
Format: Lecture
Expertise Level: Beginner
Type of session: Not provided
Summary of Session
Amid changing regulatory landscape and emerging trends in technology, New and Newer AT professionals are often overwhelmed with managing technology and accessibility in the post secondary setting. Join Ashford University as they discuss the tools and resources utilized to address these challenges.
Abstract
New professionals in the field of assistive technology often feel overwhelmed, trying to balance rapidly changing technology, classroom innovation, and campus culture, all while aiming to ensure accessibility.
These elements should not be seen as barriers to accessibility, but rather opportunities for change, with the application of a strong accessibility policy. Understanding how to create a solid base of knowledge and resources to support a culture of accessibility can feel like a daunting task. However, robust resources and understanding of accessibility standards are pivotal elements in creating a culture that embraces accessibility. This interactive session will examine how Ashford University has developed a culture of awareness to serve as the catalyst to implement their accessibility policy. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own experiences navigating their campus climates and will leave with a number of helpful resources including a framework to build a culture of awareness around accessibility.
Kepoints
Understanding the standards and resources available to support a New Professional
Creating a culture of awareness
Leveraging the culture of awareness to implement an accessibility policy
Speaker Bio(s)
Steven Salter
Steven Salter is the Director for Student Access and Wellness at Ashford University. He holds a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Steven has close to 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in various settings. For the past six years, Steven has worked in the Office of Student Access and Wellness, as a direct service provider, Assistive Technology Specialist, and now in his role as Director. The majority of Ashford University’s programs are offered in a format that is 100% online and one of Steven’s primary responsibilities is to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.
Beth Lund
Beth Lund is Ashford University’s Technology Accessibility Specialist. Although relatively new to the field of Assistive Technology, she entered her current position with a solid understanding of the benefits AT can provide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Her grandparents and aunt are deaf but have hearing children and technology helps bridge the communication gap between them.
Beth has over five years experience working in Higher Education, most recently specializing in Business Process Management. Her expertise in this area has since proven valuable in her role as an Assistive Technology professional as she is able to apply process improvement mythologies to the field of assistive technology. In her free time, Beth enjoys traveling to countries, such as Russia, where she does not speak the language so she has no idea what people are saying about her.