Moving the Needle: Advancing Digital Accessibility for All Users - Online Workshop

Where: Online/Virtual

When: Tuesday, February 8, and Tuesday, February 22, 2022
10:30am - 12:00pm
Note: This registration will cover both sessions

Workshop Organizer:  Anaya Jones and Trisha Prevett of Southern New Hamshire University

Registration Fee:
NERCOMP Member: FREE
Non Member:  $100

Event Overview
In a world where accessibility is so important to all in our community, why do we often miss the opportunities to build relationships and have the necessary conversations to move things forward? Join us for this two-part workshop (February 8 and 22) and explore a relationship-based and human-centered approach to improving accessibility and library experiences for our users. 

The following data support the need for focus on this area:

Providing equal access to all learners is nothing new for the library. Access and helping our patrons is ingrained in every service we offer and our professional code of ethics. 
Digital content has increased access to available resources for many users, but not all. 
According to the 2018 American Community Survey, over 12% of Americans are estimated to have a disability. Barriers to access for these users exist in many digital resources that libraries provide including systems, programs, interfaces, and file types. 

We hold the responsibility for equitable access for our users, but true accessibility can only be achieved in collaboration with the third-party vendors libraries rely on to supply information resources and our internal stakeholders.  Planning for and checking the accessibility and usability of platforms and resources needs to become routine. Building relationships across your organization, with vendors, publishing, and learning communities help move these conversations and issues forward. While always important, accessibility should be at the forefront of planning as our scholarship and work are increasingly online.

Trisha and Anaya invite professionals with all levels of accessibility knowledge to join them in this interactive workshop. This workshop will include a contextual overview, an exploration of contemporary accessibility procedure models, and an interactive space to build your own plan to increase accessibility in your library. 

Session Outcomes:
Attendees will:
 - Recognize the basic proponents of cultural, ethical, and technical reasons for pursuing accessibility best practices in libraries
 - Identify areas and begin to plan for conversation and action when working with contracted vendors and internal/external stakeholders

Registration Cancellation Policy:
By clicking on the "Order Now" button, you are indicating a commitment to attend and will be held responsible for the registration fee. Your fee can be refunded if you notify us of a cancellation at least 4 days prior to the event via email to nercomp@nercomp.org.,

Accessibility
NERCOMP strives to make its online offerings and In-person workshops accessible for all registrants.  Please contact us should you have an accessibility need. We've worked to provide resources that are accessible to as many people as possible, and if you encounter any issues while attending our events, please contact us at accessibility@nercomp.org or at 860-345-2081 to request assistance.

Event Disclaimer:
NERCOMP reserves the right to use any photographs or other mechanical recordings taken at NERCOMP events in promotional materials. No mechanical recordings of any kind may be used at NERCOMP events without the prior written consent of NERCOMP organizers and presenters. The views and opinions expressed at NERCOMP events do not necessarily reflect those of NERCOMP, nor does NERCOMP make any representation regarding the information presented at NERCOMP events.