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 the 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 resources to build a culture of awareness around accessibility.
Keypoints
Understanding the standards and resources available to support a New Professional
Steps you can take to build a culture of awareness around accessibility
How to leverage culture of awareness and key allies 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. Prior to joining the Office of Student Access and Wellness, Beth acquired a wide array of experiences in the field of Information Technology, including business process analytics, and business requirement development. Her strong orientation toward process development and requirements gathering have played an integral role in creating an environment that understands the shared responsibilities of ensuring accessibility of the online learning environment. Beth co-chairs the Ashford University Accessibility Roundtable and blogs regularly to share best practices for creating accessible course materials to be utilized in the online setting at Ashford University.
