UC accessibility program reveals new name

Meet the Accessibility Network at UC, the university's home for accessible education

"“I didn’t know about this program at UC until this contest!”" exclaimed Charity Curry, financial administrator in the University of Cincinnati's McMicken College of Arts and Sciences business office, after finding out she won the naming contest hosted by the Accessibility Network.

The contest, a series of submissions and votes involving UC students, staff and faculty, was aimed at re-naming the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility program to a shorter, more descriptive name.

Curry suggested the winning name: The Accessibility Network at UC. She greeted the news of her win with excitement.

“"I thought this would be a fun chance to take part in something important. Individuals with disabilities deserve all the same things afforded to those without disabilities. Electronic accessibility is key to providing the same opportunities to each student,"” she said.  

In celebration and to reveal the new name, the program hosted a naming contest reception in the Tangeman University Center for UC students, faculty and staff.

The keynote speaker was Luis Pérez, an expert in disability studies, universal design for learning and assistive technology. His messages echoed the importance of designing learning materials so education is accessible for all types of learners. In one particularly touching moment, Luis revealed that assistive technology helped him obtain his doctorate. 

"What is essential for some almost always helps us all," Perez said. "“[E-accessibility] makes sure that everyone who walks through the door at UC can walk out a success.”"

The Accessibility Network at UC was created in alignment with an agreement that UC entered into with U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights around the university's website and online offerings. It is designed to move UC beyond eAccessibility compliance toward a universally designed web and eLearning experience that is accessible for all.

We are pleased to announce that our optional course eAccessibility: An Introduction is now available in Blackboard. This voluntary course is aimed at providing a general understanding of what electronic accessibility looks like at UC. If it does not already appear in your Blackboard course list and you would like to enroll, please visit the Blackboard Self Enrollment Guide article. 

For more information about the program, please email Linda Sabatelli. If you would like a representative to come speak with you or your colleagues, please email Heidi Pettyjohn.

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