WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.100 align:middle line:84% (upbeat music) 00:00:08.100 --> 00:00:10.410 align:middle line:90% - Welcome to the Accessible Learning Experience, 00:00:10.410 --> 00:00:12.270 align:middle line:84% where we help you turn learning barriers 00:00:12.270 --> 00:00:14.310 align:middle line:84% into learning opportunities. 00:00:14.310 --> 00:00:17.285 align:middle line:90% We're so excited to welcome Mark Nichols to the podcast. 00:00:17.285 --> 00:00:19.020 align:middle line:84% Mark is the Senior Director 00:00:19.020 --> 00:00:21.420 align:middle line:90% of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:22.710 align:middle line:84% at Virginia Tech, 00:00:22.710 --> 00:00:26.220 align:middle line:90% and a longtime friend of the AEM Center and CAST. 00:00:26.220 --> 00:00:27.660 align:middle line:84% Our conversation starts with Mark 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:30.150 align:middle line:90% sharing the personal experience with accessibility 00:00:30.150 --> 00:00:31.890 align:middle line:84% that drives everything he does 00:00:31.890 --> 00:00:33.690 align:middle line:84% as an accessibility professional 00:00:33.690 --> 00:00:35.850 align:middle line:90% to create more inclusive learning environments 00:00:35.850 --> 00:00:37.290 align:middle line:84% for all learners. 00:00:37.290 --> 00:00:38.880 align:middle line:84% We then discuss the exciting 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:42.480 align:middle line:90% Choose Accessible Learning Materials, or CALM initiative, 00:00:42.480 --> 00:00:43.560 align:middle line:84% and how Mark is working 00:00:43.560 --> 00:00:46.200 align:middle line:84% to franchise accessibility on his campus 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:49.560 align:middle line:90% and across Virginia's higher education system. 00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:52.830 align:middle line:90% Mark also touches on how the AEM Quality Indicators 00:00:52.830 --> 00:00:55.860 align:middle line:90% inform the work that he does at Virginia Tech. 00:00:55.860 --> 00:00:57.990 align:middle line:90% And stay tuned until the end for information 00:00:57.990 --> 00:01:00.450 align:middle line:90% on how you can get access to the design files 00:01:00.450 --> 00:01:01.980 align:middle line:84% so that you too can implement 00:01:01.980 --> 00:01:04.560 align:middle line:84% the CALM initiative on your campus. 00:01:04.560 --> 00:01:07.830 align:middle line:90% Here then is our conversation with Mark Nichols. 00:01:07.830 --> 00:01:09.300 align:middle line:84% Welcome to the podcast, Mark. 00:01:09.300 --> 00:01:11.520 align:middle line:84% It's so great to have you with us here 00:01:11.520 --> 00:01:13.620 align:middle line:84% on the Accessible Learning Experience, 00:01:13.620 --> 00:01:16.200 align:middle line:90% and we've really enjoyed working with you over the years, 00:01:16.200 --> 00:01:18.840 align:middle line:90% so I'm really excited to share what you've been working on 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:19.920 align:middle line:84% with our audience. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:21.690 align:middle line:90% So let's go ahead and get started by sharing 00:01:21.690 --> 00:01:24.480 align:middle line:90% what inspires your work as an accessibility professional? 00:01:24.480 --> 00:01:27.180 align:middle line:90% And I know you've been in the field for a while, 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:28.290 align:middle line:84% so I'm interested in knowing 00:01:28.290 --> 00:01:29.880 align:middle line:84% what is your accessibility story? 00:01:29.880 --> 00:01:31.830 align:middle line:84% What drives your work in this field? 00:01:31.830 --> 00:01:33.330 align:middle line:84% - Yes, a great question, 00:01:33.330 --> 00:01:35.460 align:middle line:90% and thanks again for the opportunity to be here. 00:01:35.460 --> 00:01:39.090 align:middle line:84% So I think probably my biggest inspiration 00:01:39.090 --> 00:01:40.860 align:middle line:84% was my sister Alison. 00:01:40.860 --> 00:01:43.260 align:middle line:84% She was born in 1981, 00:01:43.260 --> 00:01:46.440 align:middle line:84% and she was born with severe and profound 00:01:46.440 --> 00:01:49.470 align:middle line:90% physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities 00:01:49.470 --> 00:01:52.050 align:middle line:84% due to a lack of oxygen at birth. 00:01:52.050 --> 00:01:54.840 align:middle line:84% And she was truly a medical marvel. 00:01:54.840 --> 00:01:57.720 align:middle line:90% Doctors had said she wouldn't live past a couple of years, 00:01:57.720 --> 00:01:59.460 align:middle line:90% and, you know, she proved all of them wrong. 00:01:59.460 --> 00:02:01.620 align:middle line:84% She lived into her early twenties. 00:02:01.620 --> 00:02:03.480 align:middle line:84% She was extremely tiny. 00:02:03.480 --> 00:02:05.010 align:middle line:84% Even as like a middle school student, 00:02:05.010 --> 00:02:07.110 align:middle line:84% she weighed I think 19 pounds, 00:02:07.110 --> 00:02:10.080 align:middle line:90% and her highest weight was around 30 pounds. 00:02:10.080 --> 00:02:12.660 align:middle line:84% And she required, you know, 100% care 00:02:12.660 --> 00:02:16.890 align:middle line:84% with all self-help and life tasks. 00:02:16.890 --> 00:02:19.650 align:middle line:84% And she could not make any verbalization, 00:02:19.650 --> 00:02:20.790 align:middle line:84% she did not have speech, 00:02:20.790 --> 00:02:23.640 align:middle line:90% so she made a variety of different types of vocalizations 00:02:23.640 --> 00:02:26.100 align:middle line:84% to indicate happiness and disapproval 00:02:26.100 --> 00:02:28.590 align:middle line:84% or pain and things like that. 00:02:28.590 --> 00:02:33.000 align:middle line:90% And so at a very young age, my family, you know, 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:34.620 align:middle line:84% was a very tight unit. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:36.840 align:middle line:90% You know, growing up in the early eighties, 00:02:36.840 --> 00:02:39.681 align:middle line:90% there was a lot of different unsolicited thoughts 00:02:39.681 --> 00:02:43.830 align:middle line:90% about life with an individual with severe disabilities, 00:02:43.830 --> 00:02:48.121 align:middle line:90% and unsolicited suggestions around institutionalization 00:02:48.121 --> 00:02:49.530 align:middle line:84% and things like that. 00:02:49.530 --> 00:02:52.950 align:middle line:90% And, you know, that was never considered by my family. 00:02:52.950 --> 00:02:55.201 align:middle line:84% Alison was a part of our family. 00:02:55.201 --> 00:02:57.960 align:middle line:84% She attended my sporting events, 00:02:57.960 --> 00:03:00.300 align:middle line:84% she attended my Scout ceremonies. 00:03:00.300 --> 00:03:03.900 align:middle line:90% You know, she was an active part of our family, 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:06.900 align:middle line:84% and we never viewed it otherwise. 00:03:06.900 --> 00:03:08.910 align:middle line:84% And so from a very young age, 00:03:08.910 --> 00:03:13.500 align:middle line:90% I was very intrigued by having tools and resources 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:17.190 align:middle line:90% that Alison could utilize specifically for a long time 00:03:17.190 --> 00:03:19.350 align:middle line:90% just to learn cause and effect relationships. 00:03:19.350 --> 00:03:22.020 align:middle line:90% And so, you know, it really opened up my eyes, 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:24.540 align:middle line:90% I would probably say, when I was five or six, even, 00:03:24.540 --> 00:03:27.870 align:middle line:90% in helping my parents in creating assistive technologies 00:03:27.870 --> 00:03:30.060 align:middle line:84% to help Alison engage at home 00:03:30.060 --> 00:03:35.280 align:middle line:90% and be active in the community and in school. 00:03:35.280 --> 00:03:38.700 align:middle line:90% You know, everything from homemade switches from Radio Shack 00:03:38.700 --> 00:03:41.580 align:middle line:84% where we'd get a spatula and an ice bucket 00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:44.520 align:middle line:90% and a switch module purchased from Radio Shack 00:03:44.520 --> 00:03:46.512 align:middle line:84% and hot glue and voila, you know. 00:03:46.512 --> 00:03:50.400 align:middle line:90% Don't forget the eighth inch mono plug and the stereo wire, 00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:53.370 align:middle line:84% but we would create battery adapted toys, 00:03:53.370 --> 00:03:54.780 align:middle line:84% we'd create switches, 00:03:54.780 --> 00:03:57.630 align:middle line:90% and it really kind of opened up my eye to the maker world, 00:03:57.630 --> 00:04:00.431 align:middle line:90% even really before it was a thing in the eighties. 00:04:00.431 --> 00:04:03.930 align:middle line:90% And my first exposure to communication devices 00:04:03.930 --> 00:04:06.330 align:middle line:84% was with a device called the Whisper Wolf. 00:04:06.330 --> 00:04:08.160 align:middle line:84% I never forget that day 00:04:08.160 --> 00:04:10.770 align:middle line:90% when that device came home with my sister on her wheelchair. 00:04:10.770 --> 00:04:14.820 align:middle line:90% And I was like, "Whoa, this is like a giant Speak & Spell," 00:04:14.820 --> 00:04:19.271 align:middle line:90% and overlays and that voice from that device 00:04:19.271 --> 00:04:22.380 align:middle line:84% will always remain with me 00:04:22.380 --> 00:04:24.840 align:middle line:90% because I was just completely fascinated by that. 00:04:24.840 --> 00:04:27.690 align:middle line:90% And so, you know, Alison really inspired me 00:04:27.690 --> 00:04:31.050 align:middle line:84% to continue to find ways 00:04:31.050 --> 00:04:33.270 align:middle line:90% of supporting individuals with disabilities 00:04:33.270 --> 00:04:36.390 align:middle line:90% that led to my career going into special education 00:04:36.390 --> 00:04:40.200 align:middle line:90% and then a postgraduate career in assistive technology. 00:04:40.200 --> 00:04:43.748 align:middle line:90% And really, you know, just my continued motivation 00:04:43.748 --> 00:04:46.410 align:middle line:84% that, you know, as a society, 00:04:46.410 --> 00:04:48.030 align:middle line:84% we still have a lot of work to do 00:04:48.030 --> 00:04:50.040 align:middle line:84% around improving digital accessibility 00:04:50.040 --> 00:04:52.470 align:middle line:90% and access for individuals with disabilities. 00:04:52.470 --> 00:04:57.000 align:middle line:84% And so her needs combined with my passion, 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:58.590 align:middle line:84% continued passion for this, 00:04:58.590 --> 00:05:01.950 align:middle line:90% have really, you know, led me to the career 00:05:01.950 --> 00:05:03.948 align:middle line:84% that I'm currently in in higher ed, 00:05:03.948 --> 00:05:07.508 align:middle line:84% but really got me to the K-12 world 00:05:07.508 --> 00:05:08.668 align:middle line:84% where I had an opportunity 00:05:08.668 --> 00:05:13.320 align:middle line:90% to help with assistive technology needs in the K-12 space 00:05:13.320 --> 00:05:16.680 align:middle line:90% and work with a fantastic group of colleagues. 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:18.508 align:middle line:84% And then now at the higher ed space 00:05:18.508 --> 00:05:21.960 align:middle line:84% on the later half of that transition side 00:05:21.960 --> 00:05:24.330 align:middle line:90% and working with access to course materials 00:05:24.330 --> 00:05:26.130 align:middle line:84% and creating accessible environments. 00:05:26.130 --> 00:05:27.810 align:middle line:84% She was definitely my motivation 00:05:27.810 --> 00:05:30.060 align:middle line:84% from a very, very early age. 00:05:30.060 --> 00:05:32.100 align:middle line:84% - What a motivation she was. 00:05:32.100 --> 00:05:35.520 align:middle line:90% I could just hear the passion coming through your voice 00:05:35.520 --> 00:05:36.810 align:middle line:84% as I'm listening to you. 00:05:36.810 --> 00:05:39.810 align:middle line:90% And really what you're describing is full inclusion. 00:05:39.810 --> 00:05:41.820 align:middle line:84% And you started that in your family, 00:05:41.820 --> 00:05:44.430 align:middle line:90% where she was part of all of the activities 00:05:44.430 --> 00:05:45.380 align:middle line:84% that you did as a family. 00:05:45.380 --> 00:05:48.300 align:middle line:84% And I love how that has inspired you 00:05:48.300 --> 00:05:51.570 align:middle line:90% to continue to work for that full inclusion, 00:05:51.570 --> 00:05:54.660 align:middle line:90% whether you've been working in K-12 or in higher education, 00:05:54.660 --> 00:05:58.170 align:middle line:90% because it doesn't stop when our students leave K-12, right? 00:05:58.170 --> 00:06:01.890 align:middle line:90% We need to continue to include them in higher ed 00:06:01.890 --> 00:06:03.930 align:middle line:90% as they make the transition to the workforce, 00:06:03.930 --> 00:06:05.970 align:middle line:84% so I'm so glad that Alison 00:06:05.970 --> 00:06:08.100 align:middle line:84% was such a great inspiration for you 00:06:08.100 --> 00:06:11.250 align:middle line:90% and that she continues to drive your work today. 00:06:11.250 --> 00:06:13.770 align:middle line:90% So tell us a little bit about what you do at Virginia Tech, 00:06:13.770 --> 00:06:15.960 align:middle line:84% bringing it to the current day, 00:06:15.960 --> 00:06:17.220 align:middle line:84% starting with your inspiration, 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:19.350 align:middle line:84% and then what continues to drive your work 00:06:19.350 --> 00:06:20.520 align:middle line:84% today at Virginia Tech? 00:06:20.520 --> 00:06:23.340 align:middle line:90% - Well, I have the pleasure to work at Virginia Tech 00:06:23.340 --> 00:06:26.160 align:middle line:84% with the Accessible Technologies team. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:28.560 align:middle line:84% So I oversee the team, 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:30.420 align:middle line:84% and it's a small team, 00:06:30.420 --> 00:06:33.960 align:middle line:84% but we are a team who is very passionate 00:06:33.960 --> 00:06:38.430 align:middle line:90% and very vested in expanding digital accessibility 00:06:38.430 --> 00:06:42.600 align:middle line:90% across the multiple campuses of the university. 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:45.780 align:middle line:84% I arrived at Virginia Tech in 2017, 00:06:45.780 --> 00:06:50.580 align:middle line:90% and during some of my early conversations with my boss, 00:06:50.580 --> 00:06:53.100 align:middle line:90% one of the things that really stood out to me 00:06:53.100 --> 00:06:54.270 align:middle line:84% in one of those conversations 00:06:54.270 --> 00:06:57.420 align:middle line:90% was that he used the words franchising accessibility, 00:06:57.420 --> 00:07:00.247 align:middle line:84% and that really stuck with me, like, 00:07:00.247 --> 00:07:03.450 align:middle line:84% "Okay, yes, I understand and I agree 00:07:03.450 --> 00:07:07.020 align:middle line:90% that accessibility needs to be a shared commitment. 00:07:07.020 --> 00:07:10.950 align:middle line:84% And how do we go about building a culture 00:07:10.950 --> 00:07:13.679 align:middle line:84% where that is the norm?" 00:07:13.679 --> 00:07:16.620 align:middle line:84% And so that really led my team and I, 00:07:16.620 --> 00:07:20.190 align:middle line:84% we were in 2018, I remember very vividly, 00:07:20.190 --> 00:07:22.590 align:middle line:84% we were sitting in our office space 00:07:22.590 --> 00:07:24.597 align:middle line:84% with a giant whiteboard in front of us, 00:07:24.597 --> 00:07:29.040 align:middle line:90% and we had the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 00:07:29.040 --> 00:07:32.070 align:middle line:90% pulled up, and we were talking about, you know, 00:07:32.070 --> 00:07:35.370 align:middle line:84% what were some of the topic areas 00:07:35.370 --> 00:07:39.240 align:middle line:90% that faculty were reaching out to us most frequently 00:07:39.240 --> 00:07:44.430 align:middle line:90% to get support on, and how can we tie that into WCAG, 00:07:44.430 --> 00:07:48.840 align:middle line:90% but on a level that's relatable to faculty? 00:07:48.840 --> 00:07:50.850 align:middle line:84% And so that's really where 00:07:50.850 --> 00:07:53.940 align:middle line:90% one of our most successful initiatives came about, 00:07:53.940 --> 00:07:56.640 align:middle line:84% was from that brainstorm, and that's where 00:07:56.640 --> 00:07:58.530 align:middle line:84% the Choose Accessible Learning Materials 00:07:58.530 --> 00:08:01.710 align:middle line:84% or the CALM campaigns were developed. 00:08:01.710 --> 00:08:07.020 align:middle line:90% So these were ways of mapping some of the work 00:08:07.020 --> 00:08:09.239 align:middle line:84% specifically to WCAG 00:08:09.239 --> 00:08:12.660 align:middle line:84% to the needs of our faculty and staff 00:08:12.660 --> 00:08:14.940 align:middle line:90% that had been reaching out for consultative support 00:08:14.940 --> 00:08:16.380 align:middle line:84% or asking questions. 00:08:16.380 --> 00:08:18.210 align:middle line:84% And these campaigns were a way, 00:08:18.210 --> 00:08:20.520 align:middle line:84% they were the bite sized ways, 00:08:20.520 --> 00:08:22.920 align:middle line:84% that faculty could join, 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:27.780 align:middle line:90% faculty and staff could join and learn about why and how 00:08:27.780 --> 00:08:32.100 align:middle line:90% are those specific topics important and crucial, 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:34.500 align:middle line:90% and understanding that shared responsibility. 00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:35.610 align:middle line:84% And our first two campaigns 00:08:35.610 --> 00:08:37.500 align:middle line:84% were Keep CALM and Caption On 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:39.300 align:middle line:84% and Keep CALM and Check Contrast. 00:08:39.300 --> 00:08:42.750 align:middle line:84% So captioning and contrast were two areas 00:08:42.750 --> 00:08:45.960 align:middle line:90% we frequently were providing professional development on, 00:08:45.960 --> 00:08:48.510 align:middle line:90% or outreach on, or consultative support on. 00:08:48.510 --> 00:08:50.640 align:middle line:84% Or we were seeing some really bad examples 00:08:50.640 --> 00:08:52.627 align:middle line:90% across the university in these areas, so we said, 00:08:52.627 --> 00:08:53.670 align:middle line:84% "You know what? 00:08:53.670 --> 00:08:57.990 align:middle line:90% These campaigns are a way for us to deliver this message 00:08:57.990 --> 00:09:00.510 align:middle line:84% in a way that doesn't seem overwhelming, 00:09:00.510 --> 00:09:02.730 align:middle line:84% that helps to kind of build that capacity 00:09:02.730 --> 00:09:05.670 align:middle line:90% underlying that franchising accessibility, right, 00:09:05.670 --> 00:09:08.790 align:middle line:84% to build awareness, understanding." 00:09:08.790 --> 00:09:11.970 align:middle line:84% But these campaigns had to provide 00:09:11.970 --> 00:09:13.410 align:middle line:84% the professional development, 00:09:13.410 --> 00:09:16.590 align:middle line:90% they had to provide the tools and the resources necessary 00:09:16.590 --> 00:09:21.330 align:middle line:90% for scaled improvement in these respective topic areas. 00:09:21.330 --> 00:09:23.769 align:middle line:90% And so, you know, it really was the foundation 00:09:23.769 --> 00:09:26.250 align:middle line:84% of helping to establish community 00:09:26.250 --> 00:09:29.787 align:middle line:90% and inspire others here at all levels of the university. 00:09:29.787 --> 00:09:30.930 align:middle line:84% And that was key, 00:09:30.930 --> 00:09:33.180 align:middle line:90% that we were looking at it from a bottom-up 00:09:33.180 --> 00:09:34.710 align:middle line:84% and a top-down approach. 00:09:34.710 --> 00:09:37.530 align:middle line:90% And so this campaign model has been, I would say, 00:09:37.530 --> 00:09:40.380 align:middle line:90% tremendously successful here at Virginia Tech. 00:09:40.380 --> 00:09:42.810 align:middle line:90% And we have poster files that have been developed, 00:09:42.810 --> 00:09:45.480 align:middle line:84% and we have sticker files that we made, 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:46.678 align:middle line:84% and honestly, I mean, 00:09:46.678 --> 00:09:50.070 align:middle line:90% we never really utilized stickers in the K-12 space, 00:09:50.070 --> 00:09:52.080 align:middle line:84% so this was a new concept to me, 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:56.130 align:middle line:90% but oh my gosh, like, the power of a sticker. 00:09:56.130 --> 00:09:58.110 align:middle line:84% I mean, the Keep CALM stickers, 00:09:58.110 --> 00:10:00.300 align:middle line:84% we had stickers that we passed out 00:10:00.300 --> 00:10:02.400 align:middle line:84% to students and faculty and staff, 00:10:02.400 --> 00:10:05.550 align:middle line:84% and, you know, I will never forget our CIO 00:10:05.550 --> 00:10:06.487 align:middle line:84% coming to me and going, 00:10:06.487 --> 00:10:08.400 align:middle line:90% "Yeah, I put one of those stickers on my laptop 00:10:08.400 --> 00:10:10.110 align:middle line:84% and I was in a high level meeting, 00:10:10.110 --> 00:10:11.580 align:middle line:84% I don't even remember what meeting it was, 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:13.171 align:middle line:84% but people were asking me, 00:10:13.171 --> 00:10:16.470 align:middle line:90% 'Hey, what's this Keep CALM that's on your laptop?'" 00:10:16.470 --> 00:10:20.610 align:middle line:90% And so what a perfect promotional marketing opportunity to, 00:10:20.610 --> 00:10:23.101 align:middle line:90% you know, like I said, at all levels of the university, 00:10:23.101 --> 00:10:26.490 align:middle line:90% to be able to build capacity in these areas. 00:10:26.490 --> 00:10:30.480 align:middle line:90% And so, you know, those campaigns, you know, 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:34.007 align:middle line:90% really kind of set the stage for us as a unit 00:10:34.007 --> 00:10:36.840 align:middle line:84% to be able to, on a yearly basis, 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:40.200 align:middle line:84% add new campaigns on specific topics 00:10:40.200 --> 00:10:42.570 align:middle line:90% that align with the needs of the university, 00:10:42.570 --> 00:10:44.970 align:middle line:90% whether or not they're strategic needs based on, you know, 00:10:44.970 --> 00:10:48.660 align:middle line:90% our IT strategic plan or university strategic plan, 00:10:48.660 --> 00:10:50.850 align:middle line:84% or if they're just needs that we recognize 00:10:50.850 --> 00:10:52.800 align:middle line:84% as we're working with faculty and staff 00:10:52.800 --> 00:10:55.020 align:middle line:84% that these are areas of needed support. 00:10:55.020 --> 00:10:58.470 align:middle line:90% And so I think we're now on our sixth campaign. 00:10:58.470 --> 00:11:02.280 align:middle line:90% This year's campaign was Keep CALM and Simplify Slides, 00:11:02.280 --> 00:11:06.630 align:middle line:90% 'cause we were seeing an increase right after COVID 00:11:06.630 --> 00:11:10.170 align:middle line:84% of slide decks that were slide-uments 00:11:10.170 --> 00:11:12.030 align:middle line:84% that had a ton of text on them, 00:11:12.030 --> 00:11:14.250 align:middle line:84% or that had text that was really small, 00:11:14.250 --> 00:11:17.250 align:middle line:90% or that had, you know, color contrast was off. 00:11:17.250 --> 00:11:18.540 align:middle line:84% A variety of different things. 00:11:18.540 --> 00:11:20.640 align:middle line:90% So we worked with our accessibility network 00:11:20.640 --> 00:11:21.750 align:middle line:84% here at Virginia Tech, 00:11:21.750 --> 00:11:23.610 align:middle line:84% and we got their feedback and opinions, 00:11:23.610 --> 00:11:26.850 align:middle line:90% and we decided this year that simplifying slides 00:11:26.850 --> 00:11:29.160 align:middle line:84% and using the master template 00:11:29.160 --> 00:11:30.780 align:middle line:84% and updating the master template, 00:11:30.780 --> 00:11:33.810 align:middle line:90% slide template for the university to be more accessible 00:11:33.810 --> 00:11:36.660 align:middle line:90% was the way that we could provide the tools and resources 00:11:36.660 --> 00:11:38.820 align:middle line:84% for folks to continue to scale 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:41.040 align:middle line:84% in their respective circles of influence. 00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:44.640 align:middle line:90% And so it's been a really fun way of, like I said, 00:11:44.640 --> 00:11:49.290 align:middle line:90% keeping the work around digital accessibility manageable. 00:11:49.290 --> 00:11:50.801 align:middle line:84% Because if we approach faculty and we say, 00:11:50.801 --> 00:11:53.850 align:middle line:90% "Okay, here's the 25 things you need to do," 00:11:53.850 --> 00:11:56.100 align:middle line:84% that approach would not go well. 00:11:56.100 --> 00:11:58.200 align:middle line:90% That would've not worked here at Virginia Tech. 00:11:58.200 --> 00:12:00.900 align:middle line:84% So keeping it as a, "Here's one way. 00:12:00.900 --> 00:12:03.330 align:middle line:84% Do this, here's the resources, 00:12:03.330 --> 00:12:06.660 align:middle line:84% here's the information, build success. 00:12:06.660 --> 00:12:08.310 align:middle line:84% And now when you're done with that, 00:12:08.310 --> 00:12:09.660 align:middle line:84% hop into this other campaign. 00:12:09.660 --> 00:12:11.310 align:middle line:84% We're here to help you on this journey." 00:12:11.310 --> 00:12:13.170 align:middle line:84% You know, it's not the destination, 00:12:13.170 --> 00:12:15.480 align:middle line:84% it's small incremental improvements 00:12:15.480 --> 00:12:17.190 align:middle line:84% in digital accessibility. 00:12:17.190 --> 00:12:21.000 align:middle line:90% Yes, legally we have to meet all of these conditions, 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:24.990 align:middle line:90% but we're building in small increments the capacity 00:12:24.990 --> 00:12:26.730 align:middle line:84% so that we as a university 00:12:26.730 --> 00:12:31.200 align:middle line:90% have that franchised approach to digital accessibility. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:33.330 align:middle line:84% - Wow, I heard so much that I just love. 00:12:33.330 --> 00:12:36.300 align:middle line:90% I love that idea of franchising accessibility, right? 00:12:36.300 --> 00:12:39.330 align:middle line:84% That too often, it is centralized 00:12:39.330 --> 00:12:41.910 align:middle line:90% and there's one person who's responsible for it, 00:12:41.910 --> 00:12:44.490 align:middle line:90% and then that person leaves, that champion leaves, 00:12:44.490 --> 00:12:47.070 align:middle line:90% and we haven't created the infrastructure behind it. 00:12:47.070 --> 00:12:49.680 align:middle line:84% So you've really thought strategically 00:12:49.680 --> 00:12:51.630 align:middle line:84% about building it from the ground up 00:12:51.630 --> 00:12:52.980 align:middle line:84% and then from the top down, 00:12:52.980 --> 00:12:55.950 align:middle line:84% so I love that idea of franchising. 00:12:55.950 --> 00:12:58.020 align:middle line:84% I love the branding. 00:12:58.020 --> 00:12:59.340 align:middle line:84% Accessibility sometimes 00:12:59.340 --> 00:13:01.200 align:middle line:84% doesn't have the best brand on campus. 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.480 align:middle line:90% It's all about the legal mandates and so on. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:05.850 align:middle line:84% So you found a way to really brand it 00:13:05.850 --> 00:13:08.910 align:middle line:90% as something that is fun and, you know, that has stickers. 00:13:08.910 --> 00:13:11.880 align:middle line:90% Hopefully you'll get t-shirts as well at some point. 00:13:11.880 --> 00:13:15.150 align:middle line:90% - Yes, we got t-shirts as well too, yep, uh-uh. 00:13:15.150 --> 00:13:17.400 align:middle line:84% - So just thinking about how we brand it, 00:13:17.400 --> 00:13:19.380 align:middle line:84% and I also love the incremental approach. 00:13:19.380 --> 00:13:21.780 align:middle line:84% Let's take one year at a time 00:13:21.780 --> 00:13:24.480 align:middle line:84% and it's really about being strategic, 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:26.520 align:middle line:84% being careful in how you roll things out 00:13:26.520 --> 00:13:27.810 align:middle line:84% so that you don't overwhelm people. 00:13:27.810 --> 00:13:31.800 align:middle line:90% So there's so much great tips in what you just said, Mark. 00:13:31.800 --> 00:13:33.780 align:middle line:84% Anything else you recommend 00:13:33.780 --> 00:13:36.930 align:middle line:90% when it comes to rolling this out with faculty 00:13:36.930 --> 00:13:39.540 align:middle line:90% or with department heads in terms of, you know, 00:13:39.540 --> 00:13:42.360 align:middle line:90% if there's some resistance there, what would you recommend? 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:43.193 align:middle line:84% - Good question. 00:13:43.193 --> 00:13:45.630 align:middle line:84% You know, I think it's, 00:13:45.630 --> 00:13:48.478 align:middle line:84% going back to the focus of starting small, 00:13:48.478 --> 00:13:51.718 align:middle line:84% where are the pain points in the course? 00:13:51.718 --> 00:13:57.638 align:middle line:90% You know, we are in inside of a teaching and learning unit 00:13:57.638 --> 00:14:01.230 align:middle line:90% that provides instructional design assistance, 00:14:01.230 --> 00:14:05.040 align:middle line:90% that provides, you know, technical support with the LMS, 00:14:05.040 --> 00:14:07.440 align:middle line:84% with integrations into the LMS, 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:11.820 align:middle line:90% with full campus-wide faculty professional development. 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:14.310 align:middle line:84% And so this unit that we are in, 00:14:14.310 --> 00:14:16.650 align:middle line:90% I would say the way to connect with faculty 00:14:16.650 --> 00:14:18.690 align:middle line:84% who may have some resistance, 00:14:18.690 --> 00:14:20.460 align:middle line:84% and understandably, I mean, 00:14:20.460 --> 00:14:23.520 align:middle line:90% faculty have so many demands placed on them. 00:14:23.520 --> 00:14:25.290 align:middle line:84% I don't care if it's K-12 or higher ed, 00:14:25.290 --> 00:14:30.180 align:middle line:90% there are so many different demands on teachers and faculty. 00:14:30.180 --> 00:14:34.170 align:middle line:90% And so when we do consultations with faculty, 00:14:34.170 --> 00:14:37.200 align:middle line:84% and I had the fortunate opportunity 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:39.958 align:middle line:90% to hire a Director of Universal Design for Learning 00:14:39.958 --> 00:14:41.370 align:middle line:84% this last year, 00:14:41.370 --> 00:14:43.710 align:middle line:84% and so she has really been helping us 00:14:43.710 --> 00:14:47.190 align:middle line:90% to have some of these strategic conversations with faculty 00:14:47.190 --> 00:14:52.230 align:middle line:90% to identify where are the pain points in the courses, 00:14:52.230 --> 00:14:53.370 align:middle line:84% where are the barriers 00:14:53.370 --> 00:14:55.800 align:middle line:90% that students generally have common issues with? 00:14:55.800 --> 00:15:01.260 align:middle line:90% And then how can we look at supporting those, 00:15:01.260 --> 00:15:03.690 align:middle line:84% reducing, I should say, those barriers. 00:15:03.690 --> 00:15:06.240 align:middle line:84% Are there ways that the UDL framework 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:09.660 align:middle line:90% or accessible technologies and accessible materials 00:15:09.660 --> 00:15:10.680 align:middle line:84% can help with that? 00:15:10.680 --> 00:15:14.318 align:middle line:90% And so back to your question, it's starting small. 00:15:14.318 --> 00:15:17.940 align:middle line:90% I think too often people perceive accessibility, 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:20.760 align:middle line:84% digital accessibility as this monstrous, 00:15:20.760 --> 00:15:24.690 align:middle line:90% like it's the Mount Everest of the mountain ranges, right? 00:15:24.690 --> 00:15:26.010 align:middle line:84% And it doesn't have to be. 00:15:26.010 --> 00:15:27.300 align:middle line:84% It can be a rolling hill. 00:15:27.300 --> 00:15:31.950 align:middle line:90% You can build success in incremental stages 00:15:31.950 --> 00:15:35.430 align:middle line:90% and celebrate those successes and share those successes. 00:15:35.430 --> 00:15:37.470 align:middle line:90% And I think that's a really important part. 00:15:37.470 --> 00:15:40.980 align:middle line:90% And I think that's an area here even at Virginia Tech 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:43.350 align:middle line:90% that we're constantly trying to improve upon, 00:15:43.350 --> 00:15:46.410 align:middle line:84% that we need to recognize these efforts, 00:15:46.410 --> 00:15:49.590 align:middle line:84% however small or large that they are. 00:15:49.590 --> 00:15:52.620 align:middle line:90% And that, you know, based on the many demands for time, 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:55.080 align:middle line:90% that a faculty member taking the time and effort 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:58.020 align:middle line:84% to improve, let's say, a caption track 00:15:58.020 --> 00:16:01.980 align:middle line:90% for recorded content of a Zoom recording of a class video, 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:04.500 align:middle line:84% you know, that should be recognized 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:07.440 align:middle line:90% whether or not it's in their yearly annual assessment, 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:09.360 align:middle line:90% or whether or not it's part of a bigger story 00:16:09.360 --> 00:16:11.370 align:middle line:84% that talks about scaled improvement 00:16:11.370 --> 00:16:13.620 align:middle line:84% of inclusive media across the campus. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:17.580 align:middle line:90% And I think, you know, my team and my parent organization 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:21.810 align:middle line:90% has that responsibility to be able to understand 00:16:21.810 --> 00:16:26.250 align:middle line:90% and bring awareness to the work that's happening 00:16:26.250 --> 00:16:27.990 align:middle line:84% and all across the university. 00:16:27.990 --> 00:16:29.220 align:middle line:84% And that's what's so exciting 00:16:29.220 --> 00:16:30.450 align:middle line:84% is that we've got work happening 00:16:30.450 --> 00:16:32.550 align:middle line:84% not just in the instructional space, 00:16:32.550 --> 00:16:35.220 align:middle line:90% but in all of the units that are responsible 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:37.260 align:middle line:84% for the operations of the university, 00:16:37.260 --> 00:16:40.380 align:middle line:84% from HR to university libraries, 00:16:40.380 --> 00:16:42.960 align:middle line:84% to comms and marketing teams. 00:16:42.960 --> 00:16:45.330 align:middle line:84% I mean, it's really neat to see that. 00:16:45.330 --> 00:16:49.320 align:middle line:84% And folks are adopting best practices 00:16:49.320 --> 00:16:50.370 align:middle line:84% in digital accessibility, 00:16:50.370 --> 00:16:53.550 align:middle line:90% and hopping on board in incremental stages. 00:16:53.550 --> 00:16:55.477 align:middle line:84% And I think that's the approach. 00:16:55.477 --> 00:17:00.930 align:middle line:90% And I think, you know, I'm not reinventing anything here. 00:17:00.930 --> 00:17:04.470 align:middle line:90% I think Thomas Tobin and Kirsten Behling have, you know, 00:17:04.470 --> 00:17:07.050 align:middle line:90% the Plus-One strategy identified in their book, 00:17:07.050 --> 00:17:08.430 align:middle line:84% and I love that approach. 00:17:08.430 --> 00:17:10.710 align:middle line:84% Like, that was like a 'Amen!' 00:17:10.710 --> 00:17:13.590 align:middle line:90% When I saw that, I'm like, "Yes, I 100% agree to that." 00:17:13.590 --> 00:17:17.580 align:middle line:90% You know, that strategy has really been a way 00:17:17.580 --> 00:17:21.060 align:middle line:90% that our faculty and staff have really connected with. 00:17:21.060 --> 00:17:22.800 align:middle line:84% And so taking that approach, 00:17:22.800 --> 00:17:25.562 align:middle line:90% even with faculty that are hesitant, managing a lot, 00:17:25.562 --> 00:17:27.060 align:middle line:84% start small. 00:17:27.060 --> 00:17:29.767 align:middle line:90% And we have that conversation in our consultations, like, 00:17:29.767 --> 00:17:32.850 align:middle line:90% "Okay, well maybe it's just adding alt text to your images 00:17:32.850 --> 00:17:33.930 align:middle line:84% for this course semester. 00:17:33.930 --> 00:17:35.970 align:middle line:90% You're gonna do that. That's your first thing. 00:17:35.970 --> 00:17:37.620 align:middle line:90% And we're gonna provide you with the training 00:17:37.620 --> 00:17:40.290 align:middle line:90% and resources and tools that you need to do that. 00:17:40.290 --> 00:17:42.960 align:middle line:84% And then from there you reassess 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:44.580 align:middle line:84% and you look at where those barriers are 00:17:44.580 --> 00:17:45.900 align:middle line:84% and you look at the student feedback 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:47.760 align:middle line:90% and you figure out where you're gonna prioritize 00:17:47.760 --> 00:17:50.370 align:middle line:84% some accessibility efforts next." 00:17:50.370 --> 00:17:51.203 align:middle line:84% - I love it. 00:17:51.203 --> 00:17:54.060 align:middle line:90% And shout out to all of those professionals you mentioned, 00:17:54.060 --> 00:17:55.140 align:middle line:84% like Thomas Tobin. 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:57.570 align:middle line:90% I've definitely been inspired by that approach as well, 00:17:57.570 --> 00:17:58.950 align:middle line:84% the Plus-One thinking. 00:17:58.950 --> 00:18:02.580 align:middle line:90% And I love that you're giving faculty time to, you know, 00:18:02.580 --> 00:18:05.430 align:middle line:90% this is not, "You need to master it in a week. 00:18:05.430 --> 00:18:06.801 align:middle line:84% We have a whole year, right? 00:18:06.801 --> 00:18:09.300 align:middle line:84% So you get to learn about it, 00:18:09.300 --> 00:18:11.070 align:middle line:84% you get to go out and implement it 00:18:11.070 --> 00:18:14.070 align:middle line:90% over the course of a whole semester or a whole year, 00:18:14.070 --> 00:18:15.570 align:middle line:84% and then you get to reflect on it". 00:18:15.570 --> 00:18:18.300 align:middle line:90% So I really think you're modeling not just accessibility, 00:18:18.300 --> 00:18:20.550 align:middle line:90% but you're modeling universal design for learning, right? 00:18:20.550 --> 00:18:23.760 align:middle line:84% Because UDL, it's an iterative process 00:18:23.760 --> 00:18:26.850 align:middle line:90% and you just continue to reflect and improve over time. 00:18:26.850 --> 00:18:31.380 align:middle line:90% So I love how you are going about rolling this out 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:33.270 align:middle line:84% and really bringing more people 00:18:33.270 --> 00:18:34.950 align:middle line:84% into the conversation, as you said, 00:18:34.950 --> 00:18:38.670 align:middle line:90% addressing those pain points and celebrating their victories 00:18:38.670 --> 00:18:40.260 align:middle line:84% and building on those victories, 00:18:40.260 --> 00:18:42.480 align:middle line:90% and then we bring them into the conversation. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:45.300 align:middle line:90% So speaking of sort of coordinating things, right, 00:18:45.300 --> 00:18:47.010 align:middle line:90% because you mentioned the number of departments 00:18:47.010 --> 00:18:48.570 align:middle line:84% that are involved, 00:18:48.570 --> 00:18:49.920 align:middle line:84% I know that you've looked 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:52.410 align:middle line:84% to the AEM Center's Quality Indicators 00:18:52.410 --> 00:18:54.690 align:middle line:90% for some guidance in the work that you're doing. 00:18:54.690 --> 00:18:55.920 align:middle line:84% Can you tell our audience 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:58.260 align:middle line:90% how you've incorporated the Quality Indicators 00:18:58.260 --> 00:19:00.780 align:middle line:90% for the provision of AEM in accessible technologies 00:19:00.780 --> 00:19:01.770 align:middle line:84% at Virginia Tech? 00:19:01.770 --> 00:19:02.640 align:middle line:84% - Yeah, absolutely. 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:06.090 align:middle line:84% The Indicators have been, I would say, 00:19:06.090 --> 00:19:07.590 align:middle line:84% a foundation element 00:19:07.590 --> 00:19:09.960 align:middle line:90% into a lot of our work that we've done here 00:19:09.960 --> 00:19:11.580 align:middle line:84% with accessible technologies. 00:19:11.580 --> 00:19:15.630 align:middle line:90% I think we first looked at the Indicators back in 2018. 00:19:15.630 --> 00:19:17.040 align:middle line:84% It was kind of around the same time 00:19:17.040 --> 00:19:20.790 align:middle line:84% that CALM was conceptualized. 00:19:20.790 --> 00:19:24.510 align:middle line:84% So my team, recently, 00:19:24.510 --> 00:19:26.430 align:middle line:84% my team and my parent organization 00:19:26.430 --> 00:19:28.650 align:middle line:90% were relocated underneath of the provost office, 00:19:28.650 --> 00:19:31.470 align:middle line:90% but we had at the time been under the division of IT. 00:19:31.470 --> 00:19:34.620 align:middle line:84% And so our focus with my team 00:19:34.620 --> 00:19:39.570 align:middle line:90% is more on universal access and universal accessibility. 00:19:39.570 --> 00:19:41.520 align:middle line:84% We have two other teams on campus 00:19:41.520 --> 00:19:43.200 align:middle line:84% that we work very closely with. 00:19:43.200 --> 00:19:46.260 align:middle line:90% One is the Services for Students with Disabilities team, 00:19:46.260 --> 00:19:49.350 align:middle line:90% which provides accommodation level support to students. 00:19:49.350 --> 00:19:51.480 align:middle line:84% And then we have an ADA team 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:53.370 align:middle line:90% that provides accommodation level assistance 00:19:53.370 --> 00:19:55.170 align:middle line:84% to faculty and staff. 00:19:55.170 --> 00:19:56.520 align:middle line:84% So we connected with 00:19:56.520 --> 00:19:59.130 align:middle line:90% the Services for Students with Disabilities team. 00:19:59.130 --> 00:20:01.770 align:middle line:84% We sat down collectively together, 00:20:01.770 --> 00:20:04.710 align:middle line:84% and we actually reviewed the indicators 00:20:04.710 --> 00:20:10.050 align:middle line:90% and we looked to identify areas of opportunity for us 00:20:10.050 --> 00:20:13.980 align:middle line:84% that we could both, as a combined effort, 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:16.590 align:middle line:90% look at helping to improve digital accessibility. 00:20:16.590 --> 00:20:21.180 align:middle line:90% And those discussions really led us to identifying 00:20:21.180 --> 00:20:24.180 align:middle line:84% where we had some gaps 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:27.120 align:middle line:90% as far as being able to provide timely access 00:20:27.120 --> 00:20:29.400 align:middle line:84% to accessible educational materials, 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:32.040 align:middle line:84% or robust professional development, 00:20:32.040 --> 00:20:34.770 align:middle line:90% more robust professional development structures. 00:20:34.770 --> 00:20:40.410 align:middle line:90% And many of our current projects/initiatives 00:20:40.410 --> 00:20:44.610 align:middle line:90% have all sort of stemmed from that initial review 00:20:44.610 --> 00:20:47.700 align:middle line:90% of the Indicators and looking at areas of improvement. 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:50.910 align:middle line:90% And I would probably say one of our biggest areas 00:20:50.910 --> 00:20:56.160 align:middle line:90% that we've significantly enhanced since 2018 would be, 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:58.440 align:middle line:84% we're looking at Indicator 4 00:20:58.440 --> 00:21:01.500 align:middle line:90% in providing comprehensive learning opportunities. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:05.520 align:middle line:90% And so not only the CALM campaign helps support that, 00:21:05.520 --> 00:21:10.530 align:middle line:84% but we also developed a grant program, 00:21:10.530 --> 00:21:14.340 align:middle line:90% an accessibility professional certification grant program, 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:18.390 align:middle line:90% again, all under the premise of franchising accessibility, 00:21:18.390 --> 00:21:21.660 align:middle line:84% to build capacity across the university, 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:25.470 align:middle line:90% both instructional and non-instructional faculty and staff, 00:21:25.470 --> 00:21:27.360 align:middle line:84% and we leveraged 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:29.610 align:middle line:90% the International Association of Accessibility 00:21:29.610 --> 00:21:31.530 align:middle line:84% certification programs, 00:21:31.530 --> 00:21:33.360 align:middle line:84% both the CPACC, 00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:36.270 align:middle line:90% the Certified Professional Accessibility Core Competency, 00:21:36.270 --> 00:21:37.140 align:middle line:84% which is a mouthful, 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:39.960 align:middle line:90% and the WAS, the Web Accessibility Specialist, 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:44.040 align:middle line:90% and we used these certifications as the foundation 00:21:44.040 --> 00:21:49.200 align:middle line:90% to develop a cohort that folks from Virginia Tech, 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:50.790 align:middle line:84% and we've actually extended this cohort 00:21:50.790 --> 00:21:51.918 align:middle line:84% to other universities 00:21:51.918 --> 00:21:55.290 align:middle line:90% and colleges across the Commonwealth of Virginia, 00:21:55.290 --> 00:21:59.940 align:middle line:84% that would participate in a 11 to 15 week, 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:00.930 align:middle line:84% depending on the cohort, 00:22:00.930 --> 00:22:03.150 align:middle line:84% cohort that meets on a weekly basis. 00:22:03.150 --> 00:22:08.580 align:middle line:90% And it's not only providing support to participate, 00:22:08.580 --> 00:22:11.550 align:middle line:90% the end result, participating in the certification exam, 00:22:11.550 --> 00:22:14.820 align:middle line:84% but we integrate all of the best practices 00:22:14.820 --> 00:22:18.570 align:middle line:84% and resources and tools 00:22:18.570 --> 00:22:20.298 align:middle line:84% that are available here at Virginia Tech 00:22:20.298 --> 00:22:23.130 align:middle line:90% as these individuals go through the cohort. 00:22:23.130 --> 00:22:25.440 align:middle line:84% So they're getting kind of a snapshot 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:28.380 align:middle line:90% of what does digital accessibility look like 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:29.550 align:middle line:84% here at Virginia Tech? 00:22:29.550 --> 00:22:31.440 align:middle line:84% What are the tools, the best practices? 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.660 align:middle line:90% Who are the people that are doing this well, 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:35.760 align:middle line:90% that I can connect with if I've got questions? 00:22:35.760 --> 00:22:38.100 align:middle line:90% Not just the digital accessibility, you know, 00:22:38.100 --> 00:22:40.200 align:middle line:90% the Accessible Technologies team here at Tech, 00:22:40.200 --> 00:22:42.660 align:middle line:90% but who are people in all the respective units 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:44.010 align:middle line:84% that are doing this type of work? 00:22:44.010 --> 00:22:46.800 align:middle line:90% And then the icing on the cake, if folks want, 00:22:46.800 --> 00:22:48.570 align:middle line:84% then they can take the certification exam 00:22:48.570 --> 00:22:51.000 align:middle line:84% and have that international certification 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.410 align:middle line:84% for both CPACC or WAS. 00:22:52.410 --> 00:22:56.970 align:middle line:90% But that's really helped us scale some awareness around UDL, 00:22:56.970 --> 00:22:58.378 align:middle line:84% around models of disability, 00:22:58.378 --> 00:23:00.720 align:middle line:84% around, you know, aria-labeling 00:23:00.720 --> 00:23:04.218 align:middle line:84% for the more intensive developers 00:23:04.218 --> 00:23:07.140 align:middle line:84% and designers here on campus. 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:10.458 align:middle line:84% And it's really been a fantastic journey 00:23:10.458 --> 00:23:11.970 align:middle line:84% with these programs. 00:23:11.970 --> 00:23:15.240 align:middle line:84% I think we've had over 125 folks 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:17.160 align:middle line:84% participate in our CPACC program, 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:20.190 align:middle line:84% and the WAS program is, I think, north of, 00:23:20.190 --> 00:23:24.180 align:middle line:90% I wanna say around 25 folks that have participated in that. 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:28.320 align:middle line:90% But it's been a really great way of, again, 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:30.120 align:middle line:84% working to build that community, 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:33.000 align:middle line:90% that shared understanding and responsibility. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:34.350 align:middle line:84% And now, you know, we've got folks 00:23:34.350 --> 00:23:37.170 align:middle line:90% that reach out to these individuals across the university. 00:23:37.170 --> 00:23:39.600 align:middle line:90% They're not just coming to us, which is great. 00:23:39.600 --> 00:23:41.940 align:middle line:90% They come to us when they get the really difficult ones, 00:23:41.940 --> 00:23:47.670 align:middle line:90% and we of course provide assistance with those, but again, 00:23:47.670 --> 00:23:50.370 align:middle line:84% digital accessibility is becoming common 00:23:50.370 --> 00:23:55.080 align:middle line:90% in the daily work of many individuals across campus. 00:23:55.080 --> 00:23:56.271 align:middle line:84% - I love what I'm hearing 00:23:56.271 --> 00:23:59.370 align:middle line:90% and how you've used the Quality Indicators, right? 00:23:59.370 --> 00:24:01.500 align:middle line:84% So there's seven Quality Indicators, 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:04.440 align:middle line:90% and I'm sure you've reviewed them all and then focused on, 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:07.770 align:middle line:90% this is the one that's gonna have the biggest impact 00:24:07.770 --> 00:24:10.890 align:middle line:90% at our university or our university system. 00:24:10.890 --> 00:24:14.370 align:middle line:90% And I love how you're using that fourth Quality Indicator 00:24:14.370 --> 00:24:16.255 align:middle line:84% to really build capacity and scale, 00:24:16.255 --> 00:24:18.000 align:middle line:84% because that's the name of the game 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:20.430 align:middle line:90% is it can't stay in your department, right? 00:24:20.430 --> 00:24:23.550 align:middle line:90% You have to bring additional people into the fold. 00:24:23.550 --> 00:24:26.270 align:middle line:90% And I love that those exams that you mentioned, 00:24:26.270 --> 00:24:27.930 align:middle line:84% I've taken them, 00:24:27.930 --> 00:24:30.090 align:middle line:90% and I know that even if you don't take the exam, 00:24:30.090 --> 00:24:31.590 align:middle line:84% just preparing for it 00:24:31.590 --> 00:24:33.540 align:middle line:84% it gonna make you a better professional. 00:24:33.540 --> 00:24:35.970 align:middle line:90% You're gonna learn things that you may not see 00:24:35.970 --> 00:24:37.290 align:middle line:84% on an everyday basis, 00:24:37.290 --> 00:24:41.490 align:middle line:90% but in preparing for that, you'll be better able to answer, 00:24:41.490 --> 00:24:43.530 align:middle line:90% you know, all kinds of questions that come your way. 00:24:43.530 --> 00:24:47.130 align:middle line:90% So now people can look not just to you or your department, 00:24:47.130 --> 00:24:48.679 align:middle line:84% but they have other people in the system 00:24:48.679 --> 00:24:50.719 align:middle line:84% that are able to provide support. 00:24:50.719 --> 00:24:53.679 align:middle line:90% And that's a great story because that's the goal. 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:55.350 align:middle line:84% I think you're reaching your goal 00:24:55.350 --> 00:24:56.940 align:middle line:84% of franchising accessibility 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:59.070 align:middle line:84% with the help of the Quality Indicators, 00:24:59.070 --> 00:25:01.830 align:middle line:84% and specifically Quality Indicator 4. 00:25:01.830 --> 00:25:02.880 align:middle line:84% So I encourage everybody 00:25:02.880 --> 00:25:04.620 align:middle line:84% to check out those Quality Indicators. 00:25:04.620 --> 00:25:08.490 align:middle line:90% They're on the AEM Center website under the Coordinate tab, 00:25:08.490 --> 00:25:10.590 align:middle line:84% and there are also critical components 00:25:10.590 --> 00:25:13.470 align:middle line:90% that take the Quality Indicators and translate them 00:25:13.470 --> 00:25:17.278 align:middle line:90% into the specific language of higher education. 00:25:17.278 --> 00:25:19.140 align:middle line:84% So definitely encourage everyone, 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:21.600 align:middle line:90% and we'll post a link to the Quality Indicators 00:25:21.600 --> 00:25:24.720 align:middle line:90% and the critical components in our show notes. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:26.640 align:middle line:84% So speaking of all this great work 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:28.020 align:middle line:84% that you're doing at Virginia Tech, 00:25:28.020 --> 00:25:30.210 align:middle line:84% which I love to hear about, 00:25:30.210 --> 00:25:31.650 align:middle line:84% I'm sure there's some resources 00:25:31.650 --> 00:25:33.600 align:middle line:84% that you're really proud about. 00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:35.850 align:middle line:90% Are there any that you'd be able to share with our audience 00:25:35.850 --> 00:25:37.590 align:middle line:84% that we could post to the show notes 00:25:37.590 --> 00:25:40.830 align:middle line:90% that would help them as well learn more about accessibility 00:25:40.830 --> 00:25:43.530 align:middle line:84% and how to implement it on their campuses? 00:25:43.530 --> 00:25:44.550 align:middle line:84% - Yeah, absolutely. 00:25:44.550 --> 00:25:48.330 align:middle line:90% I mean, that's, you know, as an educator, lifelong educator, 00:25:48.330 --> 00:25:49.290 align:middle line:84% that's one of the things I love 00:25:49.290 --> 00:25:51.420 align:middle line:84% about the assistive technology 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:54.750 align:middle line:90% or accessibility fields of colleagues is that, you know, 00:25:54.750 --> 00:25:57.480 align:middle line:84% we're very open and open to sharing, 00:25:57.480 --> 00:26:01.470 align:middle line:90% and I 100% model that philosophy with our work here. 00:26:01.470 --> 00:26:04.110 align:middle line:84% I'd probably say that specific files, 00:26:04.110 --> 00:26:07.680 align:middle line:90% like we have design files for our CALM campaigns 00:26:07.680 --> 00:26:10.410 align:middle line:84% that we've developed for the sticker files 00:26:10.410 --> 00:26:13.440 align:middle line:90% and the Photoshop poster files and things like that. 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:15.000 align:middle line:84% Those are files that we've offered 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:18.030 align:middle line:84% to other universities and institutions 00:26:18.030 --> 00:26:20.670 align:middle line:90% that are looking to establish a similar campaign, 00:26:20.670 --> 00:26:22.890 align:middle line:84% maybe with a different color scheme. 00:26:22.890 --> 00:26:24.300 align:middle line:84% I know here in Virginia, 00:26:24.300 --> 00:26:27.180 align:middle line:84% my colleagues at James Madison University, 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:28.177 align:middle line:84% they reached out and they were like, 00:26:28.177 --> 00:26:30.510 align:middle line:90% "Hey, Mark, hey, we really wanna use your campaign, 00:26:30.510 --> 00:26:32.070 align:middle line:84% but we wanna use Keep CALM," 00:26:32.070 --> 00:26:34.950 align:middle line:84% or the campaign was gonna be Keep CALM, 00:26:34.950 --> 00:26:37.440 align:middle line:84% and it was either Use or Do UDL. 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:39.690 align:middle line:90% I can't remember exactly what their campaign was. 00:26:39.690 --> 00:26:41.813 align:middle line:84% But they took our files 00:26:41.813 --> 00:26:44.580 align:middle line:84% and they rebranded with their color scheme 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:46.453 align:middle line:84% and were passing out stickers and posters, 00:26:46.453 --> 00:26:47.813 align:middle line:84% and that's fantastic, right? 00:26:47.813 --> 00:26:51.510 align:middle line:90% We wanna help improve the environment for all students, 00:26:51.510 --> 00:26:53.893 align:middle line:84% so that's probably one tangible resource 00:26:53.893 --> 00:26:57.697 align:middle line:90% that I'd be happy to share with folks looking to, 00:26:57.697 --> 00:27:01.560 align:middle line:90% you know, have something that can spark conversations 00:27:01.560 --> 00:27:02.670 align:middle line:84% with those design files. 00:27:02.670 --> 00:27:05.550 align:middle line:90% We have all of the content for these campaigns 00:27:05.550 --> 00:27:06.442 align:middle line:84% on our website, 00:27:06.442 --> 00:27:10.440 align:middle line:90% and I'd be happy to share that website with you, Luis, 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:12.750 align:middle line:84% so that everybody can access 00:27:12.750 --> 00:27:16.650 align:middle line:90% the content that we have with those campaigns. 00:27:16.650 --> 00:27:20.580 align:middle line:90% You're welcome to reuse that content, the language, 00:27:20.580 --> 00:27:23.940 align:middle line:90% you know, however it can help in your circles of influence, 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:26.790 align:middle line:90% you know, we wanna make sure to share those 00:27:26.790 --> 00:27:31.260 align:middle line:90% for the betterment of the greater educational community. 00:27:31.260 --> 00:27:33.210 align:middle line:84% And then I'd say anything regarding like, 00:27:33.210 --> 00:27:35.160 align:middle line:84% the grant program has been one 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:37.890 align:middle line:90% that we have spent a tremendous amount of time and effort, 00:27:37.890 --> 00:27:40.740 align:middle line:90% and we're continuously refining these programs. 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:45.510 align:middle line:90% So I don't have a document per se to share, 00:27:45.510 --> 00:27:47.220 align:middle line:84% but if anybody is looking at 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:50.130 align:middle line:90% establishing professional development structures 00:27:50.130 --> 00:27:52.350 align:middle line:84% or wanting to pursue like a grant program, 00:27:52.350 --> 00:27:54.360 align:middle line:84% a cohort like we've developed here, 00:27:54.360 --> 00:27:56.007 align:middle line:84% I'm more than willing to chat with anybody 00:27:56.007 --> 00:27:58.110 align:middle line:84% on what worked for us, 00:27:58.110 --> 00:28:01.230 align:middle line:84% where we had some bumps along the way, 00:28:01.230 --> 00:28:05.730 align:middle line:90% how we've, you know, been able to improve our program 00:28:05.730 --> 00:28:08.520 align:middle line:90% based on some of those barriers that we encountered, 00:28:08.520 --> 00:28:10.770 align:middle line:84% and it's a continuous work in process, 00:28:10.770 --> 00:28:15.210 align:middle line:90% but I'd be happy to converse and offer any advice to folks 00:28:15.210 --> 00:28:16.371 align:middle line:84% looking to establish some sort 00:28:16.371 --> 00:28:20.040 align:middle line:90% of professional development or grant program. 00:28:20.040 --> 00:28:21.870 align:middle line:84% - I definitely agree with you, Mark. 00:28:21.870 --> 00:28:23.400 align:middle line:84% That's the beauty of our community 00:28:23.400 --> 00:28:27.090 align:middle line:84% is that it's so generous and so welcoming. 00:28:27.090 --> 00:28:28.597 align:middle line:84% You can be someone who doesn't know, 00:28:28.597 --> 00:28:31.230 align:middle line:90% you know, just knows the words accessibility, 00:28:31.230 --> 00:28:33.480 align:middle line:84% and you come into a conversation 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:35.940 align:middle line:90% and people will welcome you with open arms. 00:28:35.940 --> 00:28:38.850 align:middle line:90% You know, we all wanna do good in the world. 00:28:38.850 --> 00:28:41.430 align:middle line:90% So I really appreciate you being so generous 00:28:41.430 --> 00:28:42.840 align:middle line:84% and sharing those resources, 00:28:42.840 --> 00:28:46.080 align:middle line:90% and we'll make sure that we'll post them in the show notes, 00:28:46.080 --> 00:28:47.520 align:middle line:84% or post some links. 00:28:47.520 --> 00:28:49.650 align:middle line:84% So to wrap up our conversation, 00:28:49.650 --> 00:28:51.780 align:middle line:84% you mentioned that you are open to people 00:28:51.780 --> 00:28:52.800 align:middle line:84% reaching out to you, 00:28:52.800 --> 00:28:55.230 align:middle line:84% and, you know, sharing your knowledge 00:28:55.230 --> 00:28:56.640 align:middle line:84% about all the wonderful work 00:28:56.640 --> 00:28:57.840 align:middle line:84% that you're doing at Virginia Tech, 00:28:57.840 --> 00:29:00.930 align:middle line:90% so what's the best way to connect with you? 00:29:00.930 --> 00:29:04.200 align:middle line:90% - I'm gonna show my age here, but I love email. 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:05.700 align:middle line:84% Maybe love is not the right word, 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:08.812 align:middle line:84% but I am very responsive in email. 00:29:08.812 --> 00:29:12.540 align:middle line:90% Sometimes I organize my activities via email 00:29:12.540 --> 00:29:13.890 align:middle line:84% and using my calendar. 00:29:13.890 --> 00:29:16.644 align:middle line:90% So email is definitely one way to reach out. 00:29:16.644 --> 00:29:20.718 align:middle line:84% I'm very responsive through email. 00:29:20.718 --> 00:29:23.790 align:middle line:90% I know we'll post my email address here at the end. 00:29:23.790 --> 00:29:25.080 align:middle line:84% I'm also on Twitter. 00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:28.260 align:middle line:90% I'm not a tremendously active participant on Twitter, 00:29:28.260 --> 00:29:30.360 align:middle line:84% but if you do contact me through Twitter, 00:29:30.360 --> 00:29:32.250 align:middle line:84% I will certainly respond through Twitter 00:29:32.250 --> 00:29:36.540 align:middle line:90% and we'll list my handle on Twitter here in the show notes. 00:29:36.540 --> 00:29:40.170 align:middle line:90% And then our main website for Accessible Technologies, 00:29:40.170 --> 00:29:42.780 align:middle line:84% it does offer a variety of information 00:29:42.780 --> 00:29:44.676 align:middle line:90% around some of the other projects and initiatives 00:29:44.676 --> 00:29:47.790 align:middle line:90% that we have currently here at Virginia Tech. 00:29:47.790 --> 00:29:50.160 align:middle line:84% So, you know, you could contact me 00:29:50.160 --> 00:29:51.934 align:middle line:84% through the contact section 00:29:51.934 --> 00:29:55.110 align:middle line:84% of our Accessible Technologies website, 00:29:55.110 --> 00:29:57.510 align:middle line:84% and we can connect there. 00:29:57.510 --> 00:29:59.580 align:middle line:84% - Awesome, well, you heard it here. 00:29:59.580 --> 00:30:01.170 align:middle line:84% You're able to connect with Mark 00:30:01.170 --> 00:30:04.612 align:middle line:90% and kind of follow their work at Virginia Tech, 00:30:04.612 --> 00:30:06.810 align:middle line:84% learn from it, 00:30:06.810 --> 00:30:09.330 align:middle line:90% take some of their generously shared resources, 00:30:09.330 --> 00:30:12.630 align:middle line:84% and then create similar initiatives 00:30:12.630 --> 00:30:14.100 align:middle line:84% that have that ripple effect. 00:30:14.100 --> 00:30:16.230 align:middle line:90% And I think that's what you've been talking about 00:30:16.230 --> 00:30:17.370 align:middle line:84% with us on this episode, 00:30:17.370 --> 00:30:18.960 align:middle line:84% is you started small 00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:21.120 align:middle line:90% and then you started having these ripple effects 00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:24.660 align:middle line:84% across campus and then across the system. 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:27.270 align:middle line:90% And we started this conversation with the passion 00:30:27.270 --> 00:30:29.610 align:middle line:84% that brought you into this work, right? 00:30:29.610 --> 00:30:31.080 align:middle line:84% The personal connection. 00:30:31.080 --> 00:30:35.010 align:middle line:90% And that passion has really driven systemic change 00:30:35.010 --> 00:30:38.340 align:middle line:90% at Virginia Tech through your work and through, 00:30:38.340 --> 00:30:40.650 align:middle line:84% we're just happy to be able to support it 00:30:40.650 --> 00:30:42.300 align:middle line:84% through the use of the quality indicator. 00:30:42.300 --> 00:30:44.250 align:middle line:84% So we appreciate the opportunity 00:30:44.250 --> 00:30:45.757 align:middle line:84% to work with you in that sense. 00:30:45.757 --> 00:30:47.490 align:middle line:84% So thank you so much, Mark. 00:30:47.490 --> 00:30:49.410 align:middle line:84% I really appreciated having you here, 00:30:49.410 --> 00:30:52.680 align:middle line:90% and I know I'm inspired by the work that you're doing, 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:54.870 align:middle line:84% and I'm sure our audience is as well 00:30:54.870 --> 00:30:57.510 align:middle line:84% once they learn more about it. 00:30:57.510 --> 00:30:59.270 align:middle line:90% - Well, thank you very much for the opportunity to be here. 00:30:59.270 --> 00:31:00.900 align:middle line:84% It was absolutely my pleasure, 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:05.370 align:middle line:90% and I look forward to connecting with your audience 00:31:05.370 --> 00:31:07.110 align:middle line:84% if they have questions or comments. 00:31:07.110 --> 00:31:09.450 align:middle line:84% Or if you do take these ideas, 00:31:09.450 --> 00:31:11.610 align:middle line:90% I love to hear about ways that other people 00:31:11.610 --> 00:31:14.130 align:middle line:84% are improving digital accessibility. 00:31:14.130 --> 00:31:15.870 align:middle line:84% So, you know, let's connect 00:31:15.870 --> 00:31:18.810 align:middle line:90% in one of the ways that we've shared for connecting with me, 00:31:18.810 --> 00:31:19.740 align:middle line:84% 'cause I'd love to learn more 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:23.730 align:middle line:90% about the work that you're doing in your areas of influence. 00:31:23.730 --> 00:31:25.560 align:middle line:84% - Thanks for tuning in to this episode 00:31:25.560 --> 00:31:27.570 align:middle line:84% of the Accessible Learning Experience, 00:31:27.570 --> 00:31:29.070 align:middle line:84% brought to you by the National Center 00:31:29.070 --> 00:31:31.920 align:middle line:90% on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST. 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:35.550 align:middle line:90% You can find us on the web at aem.cast.org. 00:31:35.550 --> 00:31:36.810 align:middle line:84% There you'll find show notes with links 00:31:36.810 --> 00:31:40.440 align:middle line:90% to all of the resources mentioned on each episode. 00:31:40.440 --> 00:31:42.000 align:middle line:84% Thanks again for listening, 00:31:42.000 --> 00:31:45.572 align:middle line:90% and remember, accessibility is everyone's responsibility. 00:31:45.572 --> 00:31:59.100 align:middle line:84% (upbeat music) 00:31:59.100 --> 00:32:01.170 align:middle line:90% The contents of this podcast were developed 00:32:01.170 --> 00:32:02.580 align:middle line:84% under a cooperative agreement 00:32:02.580 --> 00:32:04.770 align:middle line:84% with the U.S. Department of Education. 00:32:04.770 --> 00:32:07.290 align:middle line:90% However, those contents do not necessarily represent 00:32:07.290 --> 00:32:09.570 align:middle line:90% the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, 00:32:09.570 --> 00:32:11.100 align:middle line:84% and you should not assume endorsement 00:32:11.100 --> 00:32:16.100 align:middle line:84% by the federal government.