Pre-Conference Workshops

Pre-Conference Workshops will be offered on Monday, March 14 for Full-Day and Half-Day sessions. These workshops are designed to give in-depth training on specific topics

March 14, 2022

9:00 AM PST

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Accessibility for Some & UDL for All

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

Level: Beginning

Participants will engage in learning about assistive technology tools and system. Presenters will discuss and connect using virtual demonstrations of assistive technologies in the areas to support literacy and accessible educational materials. The presenters will provide an overview of AT devices in the context of real-world examples that will build your knowledge of the features of a wide variety of AT. The presentation will concentrate on an overview of these tools to prepare participants to compare and contrast tools in the included areas.

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least 2 assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning tools to education for diverse learners
• Describe at least two common barriers for learning in a classroom.
• Explain at least two classroom interventions that could be accommodations or Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Biography

Nathan Swett

Nathan has taught in special education and supported students that required assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). He has worked with a wide range of students with disabilities, especially those with autism. For most of his career, he has provided specialized AT services and technology training for school districts. Nathan has a Masters degree in Special Education in Mild/Moderate from USD and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from SDSU.  His research focus is on teacher preservice and in-service training for EdTech and AT/AAC.  Currently, Nathan is an adjunct professor at University of San Diego (USD) and an instructor at California State University Northridge (CSUN) for the Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP).

Location

Elite 1-3

Evaluating Accessibility with Browser Developer Tools and Screen Readers

Full-Day Workshop

Summary

Level: Beginning

Browser developer tools and screen readers are two essential tools for any web accessibility tester, but both tools can be intimidating. During this workshop, we will practice using both of these tools effectively. We will use Chrome Developer Tools (DevTools) to test contrast, see what information is being passed on to a screen reader, ARIA pitfalls, and practice making basic changes to a web page (don't worry, you do not need to be a developer). Screen reader activities will be conducted on VoiceOver for Mac and NVDA for Windows, but we will also discuss testing with JAWS.

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

Learning Objectives

• Master the "Accessibility" tab in Chrome Developer Tools
• Understand how to use Developer Tools to test contrast, change browser states, and modify the webpage
• Develop proficiency in screen reader testing
• Understand the differences in, and importance of testing with, Windows and Mac screen readers

Biographies

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. Jonathan was also involved in the GOALS Project, a program to assist institutions of higher education in improving their accessibility system-wide. With a master's degree in instructional technology and over seventeen 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.

Jared Smith

Jared is the Associate Director of WebAIM. He is a highly demanded presenter and trainer and has provided web accessibility training to tens of thousands of web professionals throughout the world. With over 20 years of experience working in the web design, development, and accessibility field, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is used to help others create and maintain highly accessible web content. Much of his written work, including a broad range of tutorials, articles, and other materials, is featured on the WebAIM site.

Location

Orange County

Introduction to Assistive Technology

Full-Day Workshop

Summary

Level: Beginning

Welcome to an introduction to the many types of assistive technology available today. This workshop is especially useful for newcomers to the fields of AT and disabilities and those who are first-timers at the CSUN Conference. Participants will gain a general understanding of assistive technology and be able to describe technologies that support participation, communication and learning.

Learning Objectives

• Gain a general understanding of the AT used for a variety of disability types
• Be able to describe the process for AT assessment, acquisition, implementation, and follow-up
• Describe how the AT can support participation, communication, and learning
• Understanding how to use a variety of online resources and training opportunities to expand and support AT knowledge

Biography

Michael Williamson

Mike has worked in the fields of accessibility, assistive technology (AT), and disability services for over 15 years.  Mike has a Master of Science degree in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University, Northridge.  Throughout his career, Mike has worked as a certified assistive technology trainer, accessibility consultant, and director of a low vision and blindness support center.  Currently, Mike manages the Accessibility and Usability Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he oversees accessibility assessment, procurement, and consulting efforts.  Mike also works as adjunct faculty at California State University, teaching in the Assistive Technology and Human Services program and the CSUN Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program.

Location

Grand GHJK

1:30 PM PST

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The What, How, & Why of Creating Accessible Content

Half-Day Workshop

Summary

Level: Beginning

Assistive technology devices, software, apps, etc., help mitigate barriers of a person’s disability – blindness, low vision, mobility limitations, etc. - and can provide greater access and independence for the end user. Where most people with disabilities encounter issues is with the content they are accessing. The content is the real barrier and not the disability. How can content creators ensure content is usable to all users, including users of assistive technology? This workshop will explore the functionality of assistive technology and the relationship between the content and the end user. We will explore different file formats (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and the standards to ensure accessibility.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the purpose of assistive technology
• Understand barriers assistive technology can help mitigate
• Understand how people with disabilities use assistive technology
• Understand barriers poorly designed websites, documents, etc., can create for assistive technology users
• Understand accessibility requirements for websites, documents, etc.

 Biography

Shirley Ruiz

Shirley Ruiz is the Alternate Media Specialist for Ventura College. Shirley is passionate about accessibility and committed to promoting access for all. For the past 14 years, Shirley has worked with students who have a print disability in ensuring they have access to textbooks and other course content in a format that is accessible to the devices and software they are accustom to using. Shirley has presented multiple workshops at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and is the Accessibility Editor for the Journal on Technology & Persons with Disabilities. Prior experience includes various positions within the print industry ensuring print accuracy and overseeing print production.

Location

Elite 1-3