The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
The Original Canadian AT Conference Returns
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe
February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026 - 9am-3pm (EST)
Embedded Files
It Takes a Village: Teaming Up to Ensure Inclusive Learning
It Takes a Village: Teaming Up to Ensure Inclusive Learning
Presenter: Emily Baker, Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist, University of Chicago Center for Digital Accessibility
Presenter: Emily Baker, Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist, University of Chicago Center for Digital Accessibility
Presenter: Morgan Severeid, Access Coordinator, University of Chicago Student Disability Services
Presenter: Morgan Severeid, Access Coordinator, University of Chicago Student Disability Services
Presenter: Thomas Keith, Instructional Designer, University of Chicago Academic Technology Solutions
Presenter: Thomas Keith, Instructional Designer, University of Chicago Academic Technology Solutions
Scheduled: Day Two - Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 10:00am to 10:45am Eastern
Scheduled: Day Two - Thursday, February 5, 2026 - 10:00am to 10:45am Eastern
When a screen reader user enrolls in a course, time is short and the inaccessible reading list is long. At UChicago, experts get a one-shot meeting to assure instructors that accessibility can fit seamlessly into their course design. AT professionals get just 45 minutes with an instructor to understand their teaching objectives, educate them on a student’s access needs, and ensure that assistive technology users can participate fully and equitably.
Come learn about our all-hands-on-deck approach that provides instructors with an action plan to make all course components screen-reader ready in time to meet course deadlines.
Faculty, Student Disability Services, the Center for Digital Accessibility, and Learning Design experts form a customized support system for both the student and the instructor. Together, we strategize how to remove access barriers from all course components, including placement exams, assignments, assessments, lectures, field trips, and study abroad programs.
In this session, we will share how this collaboration started, unique faculty success stories, and how this process continues to evolve. Together, we will also brainstorm strategies you can use to establish common ground with instructors and fortify a collaboration that prioritizes both accessibility and pedagogy.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Participants will:
Learn how to identify accessibility partners and develop an action plan with instructors to make all course components screen-reader ready before course deadlines.
Outline strategies for effective consultations with instructors to establish buy-in, understand pedagogical goals and communicate access needs.
Learn from other participants how to address common AT questions and concerns from instructors
Emily brings over thirty years of experience in academic technologies at the University of Chicago. She was excited to step into her new role when the Center for Digital Accessibility was established six years ago. Her primary focus is on improving the accessibility of the university’s non-web digital content, as well as assistive technologies. Emily holds a CPACC certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and an ATACP certification from California State University, Northridge.
Morgan coordinates alternative format accommodations and assistive technology programs for students at the University of Chicago. She works closely with faculty, campus accessibility partners, and a team of Document Conversion Specialists to provide students with accessible course materials. Morgan enjoys working one-on-one with students to understand how they use assistive technology to access information and create unique solutions for converting their course materials into accessible formats. Morgan is currently working towards her CPACC certification through the IAAP.
Thomas Keith is an instructional designer within the Academic Technology Solutions group at the University of Chicago. He and his ID colleagues manage the University’s portfolio of educational technology tools, including the Canvas LMS, Panopto, and Zoom. Thomas has a keen professional interest in accessibility and provides technical support to faculty and instructors implementing disability accommodations. He is currently working toward his CPACC certification through the IAAP.
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