At this one-day CBI, participants shared and learned about how accessibility topics can be integrated into computing/IT courses and how faculty in these fields can be encouraged to include accessibility topics in their courses. Promising practices and resources were shared by multiple presenters with diverse backgrounds. Teaching about accessibility in postsecondary computing education will result in a high tech workforce able to design and develop technology usable for a wide audience, including individuals with disabilities.
This CBI was hosted at Accessing Higher Ground (AHG), an annual conference that focuses on the implementation and benefits of
- accessible media, universal design, and assistive technology in the university, business, and public setting;
- legal policy issues, including ADA and 508 compliance; and
- the creation of accessible media and information resources, including web pages and library resources.
For higher education institutions, AHG focuses on campus accommodation, curriculum accessibility, and universal design. For industry, AHG hosts sessions on best practices for web design, reaching untapped audiences through accessible design, and compliance with existing and anticipated legal policies and laws. Many faculty members and other professionals interested in incorporating universal design and accessibility content into their curriculum, as well as those who wish to ensure their own content and curriculum was accessible, attended the conference and the CBI.