Planning for the relaunch of our website, it really made me think about how inaccessible our previous site was. It was creating limitations in the people that interacted with our site and our office. By creating a more inclusive and accessible website and digital content, we are able to reach a wider and more diverse audience. By placing accessibility first, it does not just benefit us in the present, but it benefits future generations and society as whole. Aesthetics do not have to be at the expense of accessible digital design. Great accessible content is beautiful in its own way. It is without challenges and finds a way to connect everyone. That is beautiful!

A common thread of my work and life goals has been the shaping and tailoring of information and experiences to target learners, users, and audiences. Incorporating universal design goals and accommodation for people with disabilities into that work is a way to actively empathize and respect the dignity of my fellow humankind across the spectrum of abilities.

As a learning and development specialist, creating an accessible learning experience is a critical element that extends across all facets of my role. The certification and content that I have learned will enable me to develop and deliver learning programs that serve all learners.

“The web is a resource to all and must be made available to all. As contributors and developers, it is our responsibility to be sure that the sites we develop and review are accessible. As someone who has worked with individuals with disabilities and has a technical background, I feel it is my duty to use the certification I have attained to ensure accessibility to all who use our sites.”

Our department deals with multiple things that involve accessibility  and would like to be better educated to deal with them. We  need to think of physical access as we are the building access coordinators. My group deals with different populations of students, faculty and staff and in multiple ways. We are responsible for classroom technology and event support. We also manage office spaces for the school across different buildings. Having an understanding of the needs and best practices for providing access to people with different disabilities will make for a better, more inclusive environment for all.