Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference Workshops will be offered on Monday, March 18, 2024 for Full-Day and Half-Day workshops. These workshops are designed to give in-depth training on specific topics.

Introduction to Assistive Technology Workshop Bundle

Participants can register for the Introduction to Assistive Technology Workshop Bundle at the full-day workshop fee (a savings of $145 or more) or register for either portion at the half-day workshop fee. The Introduction to Assistive Technology Workshop Bundle includes:

• Assistive Technology Basics
• Maximize AT User Outcomes Using AT Assessments

March 18, 2024

9:00 AM PST

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Beyond the Checker: Mastering PDF Accessibility Evaluation

Full-Day Workshop

Summary

This workshop requires participants Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

The workshop will be led by Dax Castro and Chad Chelius, both of whom are experts in document accessibility. A hands-on workshop, covering a wide range of topics and provide ample time for practical exercises and discussions, where participants are expected to BYOD. The workshop starts with the basics and progressively delves into more complex topics. This approach ensures that participants of all skill levels can benefit from the class.

Topics Covered

• Tags Tree: Understanding the document structure and how to use tags effectively for accessibility.
• Usability vs. Compliance: Discussing the balance between creating documents that are both usable and compliant with accessibility standards.
• Screen Reader Testing: Learning how to test documents with screen reader software to ensure accessibility.
• Manual Evaluation: Techniques for manually evaluating document accessibility.
• Automated Tools: Introduction to tools that can automate accessibility checks.
• Alt-Text: Evaluating and writing effective alternative text (alt-text) for images and other non-text elements.
• Enhanced User Experiences: Techniques for improving the accessibility of complex elements like flow charts and infographics.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the difference between compliance and usability
• Learn step-by-step evaluation techniques
• Utilize a proven accessibility checklist
• Gain a deeper knowledge of appropriate tag structure

Biography

Dax Castro

Dax Castro is an award-winning, Adobe Certified PDF Accessibility Trainer and certified Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) with more than two decades of experience in the marketing and communications industry. Not only is Dax an accessibility expert with more than 200 hours of training, he is an online influencer, trainer, speaker, and accessibility advocate that pushes the envelope of technology to produce more robust accessible documents. Be sure to catch Dax and Chad on their accessibility podcast Chax Chat.

Chad Chelius

Chad Chelius is a trainer, author, consultant, speaker and Director of Training Solutions and Principal at Chax Training and Consulting. He resides in the Philadelphia area and has been using Adobe products for over 25 years. As an Adobe Certified Instructor, Accessible Document Specialist, and consultant he teaches and advises on all Adobe print and web products, specializing in InDesign and InCopy workflows, Illustrator, automation, and PDF accessibility using InDesign, Word, and Adobe Acrobat. He works with clients both large and small in and outside of the United States, helping them to solve design, workflow, and accessibility challenges using Adobe products. Chad is a Lynda.com / LinkedIn Learning author, and you can connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Using Generative AI as Your Accessibility Testing Assistant

Full-Day Workshop

Summary

 We have seen the media focus on the impact, both positive and negative, of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools. At ETS, our accessibility team has embraced AI as our assistant and apprentice. Learn from our accessibility experts about AI, and what it can, and cannot, do to help you do your job as an accessibility specialist.  During this workshop, you will learn how to use ChatGPT to create your own, custom, accessibility tools, specifically Bookmarklets, a simple way to add accessibility tooling to your web browser. You will leave this workshop with functional tools, tailored to your specific needs. This workshop is hands on so please bring your own laptop.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the limits and capabilities of ChatGPT for accessibility
• Understand accessibility bookmarklets and how they work
• Learn to author ChatGPT prompts to create bookmarklets
• Learn how to test and evaluate ChatGPT Bookmarklets in your work.

Biography

Markku Hakkinen

Markku (Mark) Hakkinen, PhD, is Director of Accessibility Standards and Inclusive Technology at Educational Testing Service.  He leads of team of accessibility specialists, engineers, and scientists focused on the design and development of accessible assessment and learning technologies.   Prior to ETS, Dr. Hakkinen, he has held positions at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), the Paciello Group, the DAISY Consortium, and was CTO and founder of his own assistive technology company.

Shrirang Saharasbudhe

Shrirang Saharasbudhe, PhD, is a Senior Accessibility Engineer  in the Accessibility Standards and Inclusive Technology Group at Educational Testing Service.  Dr. Saharasbudhe focuses on the creation of innovative, accessible interactive educational assessments and on the design and implementation of accessibility engineering processes.  He received his PhD in Information Systems from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro.  Prior to his PhD studies, Dr Saharasbudhe was a Senior User Interface Architect at Infosys, Lts. and a software developer for the DAISY Consortium.

Brionna Johnson

Briona Johnson, MS, is an Accessibility Specialist in the Accessibility Standards and Inclusive Technology Group at Educational Testing Service. In her role at ETS, Bri is engaged in the accessibility design, review, and testing of educational assessment and learning technologies. Prior to joining ETS, she was teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in Texas. She received her Master's Degree in Deaf Education from Vanderbilt University.

Evaluating Accessibility with Browser Developer Tools

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

A browser inspector is an essential tool for any web accessibility tester, but it can be intimidating for people who do not consider themselves Developers or for those who are new to the accessibility features in DevTools. During this workshop, we will practice using Chrome Developer tools to quickly find accessibility information like contrast, role, name, and keyboard accessibility (we will explain all these terms). We will also use Chrome to dig deeper into advanced contrast testing (including different element "states") and will used the "Accessibility" tab to see what information is being conveyed to screen readers, ARIA that is being used, and more.

While you do not need to be familiar with DevTools, familiarity with HTML and web accessibility principles is recommended. Developers already familiar with DevTools are also welcome. Bring your Windows or Mac laptop to take full advantage of the workshop.

Learning Objectives

• Use the "Select an element" feature in Chrome DevTools to find important accessibility information at a glance.
• Become comfortable using the "Accessibility" tab DevTools to identify important accessibility information
• Understand how to use Developer Tools to test contrast, change browser states, and modify the webpage

Biography

Jonathan Whiting

Jonathan is the director of training at WebAIM. His main passion is helping others learn to make the web more accessible to people with disabilities. With a master's degree in Instructional Technology and 20 years of experience in the field of web accessibility, Jonathan has published dozens of articles, tutorials, and other instructional resources. He has traveled extensively to train thousands of web developers and other professionals who develop or maintain web content.

Rob Carr

Accessibility Coordinator at WebAIM. Rob has been in the digital accessibility space since 2010. He has spent loads of time training, consulting, and learning about digital accessibility topics large and small. Rob has worked with thousands of individuals and dozens of organizations on everything from accessibility in a single PDF to integrating accessibility into organizations’
digital strategies. Rob presents at national conferences, organizes the occasional conference, and tries to be more active and less snarky on LinkedIn.

Assistive Technology Basics

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

Assistive Technology Basics includes a wide discussion of the variety of assistive technology, including the vast array seen here at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. This workshop is especially useful to newcomers to the fields of assistive technology and disabilities.

Learning Objectives

• To have a general understanding of AT and be able to describe technologies that support participation, communication, and learning.
• To be able to describe the process for implementation and the conditions that promotes growth or challenges the implementation process.
• To have a general understanding of how to match appropriate AT features to individuals who need support in the areas of participation, communication, and learning.
• To be able to describe how to modify the environment or devices to include AT solutions that support individual functionality in society or in the individual’s environment.
• Understand how to use a variety of F2F & online resources and training opportunities: expand and support your AT knowledge, skills and abilities.

Biography

Rebecca Cagle

Cagle has worked in the assistive technology field for more than 20 years. She has served in many roles related to AT assessment and outcome measures. As a graduate of the CSUN M.S. Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services program Cagle has taught for the CSUN ATHS Master's program since 2016 and brings real-world experience to the classroom. She is credentialed as a job skills trainer, job placement specialist, and supported employment specialist in Texas and teaches courses to employment specialists in these areas in Texas. Cagle is deeply involved in the AT world nationally and internationally. She is an IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, a member of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe, a National Rehabilitation Association member, and a member of the International Association of Workforce Professionals. She has served on advisory committees such as Vispero, Elsevier publishing, and the American Airlines Arena accessibility committee.

Kaiqi Zhou

Kaiqi Zhou is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services at the University of North Texas. Kaiqi earned his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability, career development of transition-age youths with autism spectrum disorder, assistive technology, and the application of psychoanalysis in rehabilitation counseling. Dr. Zhou has conducted research on AT for autistic individuals in employment and lectured on AT in graduate-level Rehabilitation Counseling courses.

1:30 PM PST

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Vision-Specific AT Solutions in Educational Contexts

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

In this half day workshop, participants will develop a better understanding of how common assistive technology solutions for individuals who are blind and visually impaired are typically used by school-aged students to provide accessibility in assessment as well as instruction. Presenters will introduce recommendations for accessibility in assessments for this population through hands-on application of instruments, devices and tools structured and based on the Recommendations for Improving the Provision and Use of Braille for State Mandated Assessment by the Center for Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). Participants will be given the opportunity to see, use, and better understand various Assistive Technologies for these populations and the application of those accessibility tools to any assessment situation. Presenters will also share frequently identified challenges for students and educators, and how educators can work together to rethink accessibility and what it really means today for learners of all abilities.

Learning Objectives

• Obtain a clear understanding of the assistive technology needs of blind and visually impaired students in the assessment arena.
• Receive direct and hands-on experience of various assistive and accessibility technologies available for blind and low vision students.
• Gain information as educators and/or administrators regarding decision-making and  choices of appropriate tools and materials in assessment for blind and low vision students.

Biography

Allen Huang

Dr. Huang is the Director of Accessible Instructional Materials and Outreach Services at the TN School for the Blind. He oversees the procurement and dissemination of accessible materials and books for students across TN through the TN Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, and he also coordinates outreach vision and mobility services provided to school districts across the state. Dr. Huang has previously worked as a TVI and CATIS (AT specialist) with both the TSB Outreach department and on campus at the TN School for the Blind. He is passionate about ensuring that students with visual impairments across the state are being served with the most appropriate tools and materials possible, as well as that TVI's are educated about the tools, processes, and services available to them so they can make the most well-informed decisions possible for their students.

Tracey Hall

Dr. Tracey Hall is a Senior Research Scientist and Instructional designer at CAST. She conducts research on instructional interventions in reading, writing, science, literacy in the content areas, and assessment with a focus on students in the margins. Her work includes the design and evaluation of instructional approaches and assessment tools. These experiences are applied to the development and implementation of UDL projects, collaborative partnerships, and professional presentations.

Maximize AT User Outcomes Using AT Assessments

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

Participants will be provided an in-depth look and in-workshop use of several Assistive Technology (AT) assessment tools appropriate for employment and pre-employment considerations. The purpose of the workshop is to provide AT professionals with an overview and experience with several AT assessments. AT services and provision should provide an interdisciplinary approach. Assessments offer a platform for service delivery that provides consistent, usable data, justification, and accountability for the employer, employee, and service provider. Thereby effectively matching the users’ needs, characteristics, and preferences.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the concepts of AT services and AT assessments based on AT laws
• Identify obstacles to adoption or factors that might lead to abandonment
• Develop outcome measures to determine user satisfaction and utilization as well as the efficacy of the device
• Understand factors which make up an AT assessment

Biography

Rebecca Cagle

Cagle has worked in the assistive technology field for more than 20 years. She has served in many roles related to AT assessment and outcome measures. As a graduate of the CSUN M.S. Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services program Cagle has taught for the CSUN ATHS Master's program since 2016 and brings real-world experience to the classroom. She is credentialed as a job skills trainer, job placement specialist, and supported employment specialist in Texas and teaches courses to employment specialists in these areas in Texas. Cagle is deeply involved in the AT world nationally and internationally. She is an IAAP (International Association of Accessibility Professionals) Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, a member of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe, a National Rehabilitation Association member, and a member of the International Association of Workforce Professionals. She has served on advisory committees such as Vispero, Elsevier publishing, and the American Airlines Arena accessibility committee.

Kaiqi Zhou

Kaiqi Zhou is an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services at the University of North Texas. Kaiqi earned his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research interests include psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness and disability, career development of transition-age youths with autism spectrum disorder, assistive technology, and the application of psychoanalysis in rehabilitation counseling. Dr. Zhou has conducted research on AT for autistic individuals in employment and lectured on AT in graduate-level Rehabilitation Counseling courses.