With accessibility in mind, we can make the world an easier place for us all to live.

"Obtaining this certification was a terrific opportunity to be a part of an undertaking that I think is of great importance. It is only through real understanding of limitations of disabilities that one can truly unlock a person’s world.  As the administrator of a system that’s used by everyone at the university, I am committed to breaking down the barriers that may otherwise prevent someone from having the best possible experience."

As a web developer, I have always strived to create sites that are easy to understand and navigate.  The CPACC certification allows me to take that one step further by incorporating accessible design.  The Web has become an essential resource in education, employment, health, social interaction, etc.  Therefore, it is essential that websites are accessible to everyone. I am grateful that Princeton University provided the opportunity and encouragement to pursue this certification.

As someone whose entry point into DEI stemmed from my own lived experiences with disability, I embarked on a comprehensive self-education journey, delving into the history, academic frameworks, policies, and practices through the Disability Arts NYC Task Force (DANT) boot camp. I also gained significant cultural and social insights from my peers within the welcoming and inclusive NYC Disability artistic community.

The CPACC course further broadened my understanding of the intricate intersections between disability and an individual’s multifaceted identities. The course introduced me to nuanced models of thinking about disability, facilitated the sharing of knowledge regarding access tools and inventions, and identified a cohort of accessibility champions I am excited to partner with and cheer on at Princeton.

Armed with this enriched understanding and renewed vigor, I am committed to being an advocate for accessibility and also to empowering my colleagues, stakeholders, and friends at Princeton University to incorporate accessibility into their respective roles’ impact and increase the access for all.

 I sought CPACC certification to learn about software enhancements designed for people with disabilities. I wanted to learn about devices and products that could be used on the email client side so I could better support our students, faculty and staff.  Like many others my age, I have an elderly parent, and I want to ensure they have the best quality of life and access to relevant tools. This course sheds light on the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities, and I hope to contribute to removing some of these barriers when I encounter them.

Discussions of equity and inclusion happen often at the Lewis Center, and my work in the communications office often explores how we are communicating inclusively and effectively. After taking an Intro to Digital Accessibility workshop at Princeton, I realized how much more we could be doing — how much more I could learn — to create equitable digital and physical experiences for our students and public audiences. Taking several more workshops fed my interest in learning more and increased my skill set, but when I learned about the CPACC, I knew that was a foundational benchmark for me to become an accessibility professional. The knowledge and experience I gained in the CPACC program has extended beyond my work at Princeton to affect how I interact with others and how I approach a multitude of situations in my daily life with a bend towards access and inclusion.