AHEAD 2007 - Symposia

AHEAD’s Symposia Program is designed to address important topics from a variety of perspectives through multiple presentations and opportunities for discussion, group interaction and hands-on training. Note that in some cases, presenters listed below are a partial list.

There is no additional fee for participation in the Symposia Program. Pre-selection/registration is required. Please indicate your Symposia choices in the applicable area of the Conference Registration Form.

Symposia Session One
Wednesday, July 18th 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

#SYM 1.1 Implementing Universal Design in Online Teaching and Learning
Geoff Brown, San Francisco State University
Maureen Hewlett, University of Northern British Columbia
Kevin Kelly, San Francisco State University
Chris Leischner, University of Northern British Columbia
Clare Ramsaran, San Francisco State University
Stacey Schiller, University of Northern British Columbia
Lynda Williams, University of Northern British Columbia

In this symposium, the presenters will share best practices for ensuring access to learning management systems (LMSs). Find out how to undertake a project to improve course accessibility within existing resources. Participants will observe a model-course demonstration.

Also find out how to work with disabled students to conduct accessibility/usability testing of LMSs. Discover how to carry out similar testing at your campus. Learn to advise faculty, LMS administrators and DS providers on how to make your online environments more accessible through the application of universal design principles. Audience: Intermediate

#SYM 1.2 Creating Cross-Cultural and Multicultural Alliances
Vinson Ballard, Jackson State University
Cindy Donahue, University of Colorado, Boulder
Mari Guillermo, San Diego State University
Lee Henson, University of Missouri, Columbia
Romel Mackelprang, Eastern Washington University

In this symposium, presenters will describe approaches to creating alliances and removing barriers to multicultural collaborations. Strategies for developing and nurturing partnerships that promote universal access as a campus-wide responsibility will be shared. Presenters will discuss effective alliances among a wide-array of communities (including: disability, racial/ethnic, women, LGBT, international, and faith). Participants will explore uncommon similarities, and differences, in the experiences of two communities: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender and people with disabilities. Issues of “access profiling” will also be discussed. Tools for conducting disability and diversity training/technical assistance for faculty, staff and students will be demonstrated.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.3 The Cultural Ecology of Disability Identity Development
Joy E Weeber, University of North Carolina Pembroke

This interactive program introduces disability service providers to how our society has socially constructed the disability experience. We will examine how those cultural beliefs influence our laws, local community responses to disability, interpersonal relationships with disabled people and how a disabled person constructs a sense of self. We will also explore how the disability community is reshaping how society understands the disability experience.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.4 E-Text Solutions: Production and Provision
Gaeir Dietrich, California Community Colleges
Christopher Lee, University of Georgia, Athens
Ron Stewart, Dolphin Computer Access

In this symposium, the presenters will provide an overview of DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System), the next generation of talking book production. Participants will have a “hands-on” experience with the creation of DAISY, as well as learn why it is superior to other forms of digital audio.

The presenters will also highlight the development of a statewide solution for the provision of etexts. In july 2006, the UGA Learning Disabilities Center received funding to establish the Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC). This presentation will trace the progress and potential of the AMAC.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.5 Assessment of Campus Climate: Strategies, Outcomes and Opportunities
Joanne Foss, University of Florida, Gainesville
Elizabeth Leake, Northern Illinois University
Steven Sligar, East Carolina University
Dae Vasek, Baylor University
Susan Vogel, Northern Illinois University

This symposium will introduce participants to the Assessment of Campus Climate to Enhance Student Success (ACCESS) questionnaires, as well as other assessment strategies and outcomes. The rationale for developing these online questionnaires was grounded in the barriers to success identified by students with disabilities, campus-wide assessment, and research using prior versions of the faculty questionnaire. They are designed so that faculty, administrators, staff, and students can report knowledge, practices, attitudes, informational needs, and interests. Methods developed to analyze both the quantitative and qualitative data will be briefly described. Presenters who have used the questionnaires will describe the way they used the results to plan activities that addressed identified needs, topics of interest, and preferred methods of acquiring information. Presenters will discuss outcomes that had an impact on a state-wide initiative, as well as implications for students with disabilities in clinical internships.

The five parallel questionnaires were developed in order to gather 360° feedback regarding campus climate (from faculty, administrators/staff, disability services staff, information technology support staff, students with disabilities, and students without disabilities). The five parts of each questionnaire include experience and knowledge, accommodations, career preparation, and topics of interest. The content of items will be presented from each part and samples of the alternative types of items will be provided. (In-depth information on the questionnaires will be available in a pre-publication JPED article which will be sent in advance to those who pre-register for the symposium.) Because the online assessment requires broad-based campus support and utilization of the results involves a global view of campus, colleagues from disability services, student affairs, academic affairs, ADA offices, administrators, and faculty from the same institution are encouraged to attend.

The symposium will end with a description of AHEAD’s initiative to make the online questionnaires available to those who want to administer one or more on their campus. This opportunity is offered in conjunction with participants’ contribution to the AHEAD database that will enable benchmarking of the findings so that institutions/individuals who utilize a questionnaire can eventually compare their campus results to grouped data from similar institutions. Frequent opportunities will be provided to ask questions during the symposium and also to set up a time for one-on-one meetings with the convener following the symposium. Audience: Intermediate

#SYM 1.6 Strengthening Disability Services through Program Evaluation and Assessment
Sam Goodin, University of Michigan
Elaine Manglitz, Clayton State University
David Parker, University of Connecticut
Richard Riccardi, Southern Connecticut State University
Steve Robillard, SR-PS, Inc.

This symposium brings together three disability professionals and two consultants. The panelists will present a framework for conducting a DS program evaluation that can be adapted to a variety of campus settings. Each of the presenters will share literature-based recommendations and/or practical examples that can inform your own program evaluation plans or assessment plans. Topics to be covered include:
• Introduction to program evaluation
• Reasons for conducting program assessment
• CAS and the AHEAD Program Standards – helpful benchmarks of what to evaluate
• Using survey tools from AHEAD’s Guide to Program Evaluation to gather data
• Introduction to Student Voice Assessment tools
• The use of non-survey data
• Tools for analyzing assessment data
These topics will be followed by an exchange between audience members and panelists about how to use and disseminate assessment results.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.7 The Transition of Returning Disabled Veterans: “Easy as apple pie?”
Bob Barrett, American Public University
Scott Bay, Anoka Ramsey Community College
Other presenters TBA

In light of current world events, many DS professionals have been, or will be, working with returning military students experiencing physical disabilities and still many others dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This symposium will focus on the identification and delivery of disability services specific to disabled vets. Participants will learn about national/regional resources and strategies for preparing their campuses to welcome this growing student population.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.8 Students on the Spectrum: To, Through and Beyond College
Ruth Bork, Northeastern University
Jane Thierfeld Brown, University of Connecticut
Lisa King, University of Minnesota
Ann Palmer, Autism Society of North Carolina

Transitions from high school to postsecondary education and on to employment have complexities for all students. For students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) the transitions are exponentially difficult. This symposium begins with a family and professional look at the concepts, skills and strategies necessary to facilitate the transition of ASD students to postsecondary opportunities.

A pilot program to address the experience and needs of college students with Asperger’s will be highlighted. The program model, the pilot year, case studies, successes and failures, lessons learned and next steps will be presented.

The presenters will also share practice-based guidance for DS professionals in helping students with Asperger’s prepare for work experiences such as internships, practicum experiences, part-time work and full-time employment after graduation.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.9 From Theory To Practice: Faculty Implementation of Universal Design
Emiliano Ayala, Sonoma State University
Christopher Lanterman, Northern Arizona University
Martin Patwell, West Chester University
Marla Roll, Colorado State University
Cathy Schelly, Colorado State University
Craig Spooner, Colorado State University

A moderated panel of faculty and DS professionals committed to infusing UD principles into campus environments will explore how faculty can be engaged in instructional innovation.

Grounding the topic in the findings of a federally funded project designed to support faculty in utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies as well as illustrative case histories the panelists will address questions including:

• What are the most effective techniques for disseminating information to, and engaging faculty in, UDL concepts/practices?
• What aspects of UDL most appeal to faculty?
• What are the pitfalls of UDL implementation in higher education?
• How do we know that UDL implementation is having a beneficial effect, and for whom?
• What is the impact of UDL on student achievement?
Included in this symposium are examples of attitudinal and methodological change among faculty as well as resources and strategies for DS professionals to foster such change.
Audience: All

#SYM 1.10 Road Maps for Physical Access: Achieving Campus Accessibility and Avoiding the Detours
L. Irene Bowen, US Department of Justice
Rachel Willis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In this symposium, the presenters will explore issues raised by recent settlement agreements on physical access, including those resulting from compliance reviews or private litigation. Through analysis of agreements with UC Berkeley, the University of Chicago and others, practical ways to ensure access – including the most common problems – and how to avoid or respond to investigation will be suggested. One university’s proactive approach will also be shared.
Audience: Intermediate

Symposia Session Two
Friday, July 20th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

#SYM 2.1 Widening the Lens of Universal Design: Its Application to Learning Support
Lydia Block, Ohio Wesleyan University
Harvey Carlson, University of Minnesota
Donald Opitz, DePaul University

Universal design principles started in architecture and were moved by those in higher education and technology to encompass instruction. This session will describe work that was started at The University of Minnesota PASS-IT Institute in August of 2006, moving Universal Design principles into yet another environment on campus, learning support services. These principles, called Universal Learning Support Design (ULSD) apply to the services that complement instruction.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.2 It’s not anOTHER thing!: Conversations about Race and Dis/Ability Continued
Lezlie Frye, New York University
Kimi Mojica, University of Oregon

Continue this important facilitated conversation begun during Thursday’s plenary session that explores and develops intersectional approaches to cultural competency through cross-cultural conversations about race and dis/ability. Discussion includes the careful task of discussing race and dis/ability without defining communities of color as able-bodied and dis/ability communities as white; identify intersecting struggles through personal experiences, the anti-racist and anti-ableist frameworks that these personal experiences offer; and proactive steps towards cross-cultural investment in anti-racism and anti-ableism as inherently linked frameworks for social change.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.3 Universal Design: How to Move Health Sciences Faculty Beyond the Medical Model
Barbara Blacklock, University of Minnesota
Martha Smith, Oregon Health and Science University

Many faculty members in health sciences programs are also practicing clinicians. This faculty often experiences disability only from the medical model perspective. Come find out about some innovative strategies to reach out to faculty members in health sciences programs, how to gain their attention and interest in learning about universal design and universal learning strategies.
Audience: Intermediate

#SYM 2.4 Multiple Voices and Identities in Higher Education: Writings by Disabled Faculty and Staff
Michael Snitker, University of Wisconsin, Superior
Mary Lee Vance, University of Wisconsin, Superior
Other presenters, TBA

For the past year, AHEAD has been collecting writings by disabled faculty and staff that chronicle their professional and personal experiences in higher education. The writings are for a book that AHEAD plans to publish the summer of 2007. Several of the contributors have agreed to share their works, as well as other reflections in this unique session.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.5 Developing a Culture of Digital Access
Geoff Brown, San Francisco State University
Clare Ramsaran, San Francisco State University
Chris Read, San Francisco State University

Increasingly, information technology (IT) is the “mode of expression” in the academy. How can campuses fully embrace digital access? While most IT can be designed to be barrier-free using Universal Design (UD) principles, most times it is not, leaving students inadvertently dependent on the DS office, and an accommodations model. We know digital access is more than that – it’s a matter of social justice.

This symposium will refine our ability to communicate and lead others to embrace this social justice message and to promote accessible IT environments throughout higher education. The presenters will facilitate conversations to identify specific language and interventions for developing a culture of digital access through the examination of UD principles and the social model of disability. Opportunities to interact with other participants (both on and off site) to produce a dynamic online resource will be facilitated.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.6 Education in a Global Society: Students with Disabilities Crossing Borders
Christie Gilson, University of Illinois
Jeff McBride, Mobility International, USA
Lynnette Van Slyke, University of Pittsburgh

Students with disabilities from the US and abroad are underrepresented on international exchange programs. How can they participate equally in international programs and how can universities best prepare to support students on these programs? A specialist provides cross-cultural strategies and accessibility resources. Colleagues in the international center and disability office at a major university share their experiences and advice.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.7 Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Through Universal Design
Sharon Downs, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Amy Hebert, PEPNet-South

Join us in this interactive session in which we will revisit Deaf Culture as a model for creating a paradigm shift on our campuses, resulting in more inclusive and usable learning environments.

Participants will explore how principles of universal design can be implemented to challenge traditional mindsets by breaking down attitudinal barriers and reframing how deaf and hard of hearing students are viewed.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.8 Spotlight on Student-Athletes with Disabilities
David DelPizzo, Northeastern University
Maria Herbst, Clemson University
Larry Markle, Ball State University
Steven Noles, University of Richmond

Student-athletes present unique challenges for Disability Service providers and pressure to serve the needs of this under-served student group is increasing due to new NCAA guidelines. Presenters will provide evidence of this increased demand, the special circumstances of the student-athlete impacting accommodation decisions, and strategies for proactively interacting with student-athletes and athletic departments.

The experience of student-athletes with learning disabilities will be highlighted during the symposium. Through the sharing of research and practice data the presenters will offer models of service provision and effective interventions.

A panel, consisting of coaches, representatives of athletic departments and student-athletes with disabilities, will summarize and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and strategies to promote the inclusion of student-athletes with disabilities in college sports at all levels.
Audience: All

#SYM 2.9 A Look at Current Legal Issues: Has it Really been 30 Years or Does it Just Feel Like it?
Paul Grossman, Hastings College of Law, US Department of Education
Jo Anne Simon, Law Office of Jo Anne Simon, Fordham University School of Law

Three decades have brought a lot of change in the legal realm as it relates to disability, both in the US and abroad. And yet, some very basic questions remain the same! Who is protected by law? What are the responsibilities of employers and institutions? How do we make our environments accessible? What are ways to champion the spirit of the disability rights movement in our daily work? Join our presenters as they explore the legal landscape, delve into case studies and interpret the applications to our work in DS. Audience: All

#SYM 2.10 Universal Design in Higher Education: Creating an Inclusive Campus Climate from Admissions to Graduation.
Susan Asselin, Virginia Tech
Alberto Guzman, University of Illinois at Chicago
Aura Hirschman, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Sharon Trerise, Cornell University

Is your campus welcoming and inclusive? This session explores overt and subtle messages of climate for students with disabilities by examining how universities and disability services offices promote inclusiveness. Presentations will focus on issues of web access and instruction using principles of universal design to benefit individuals with disabilities.
Audience: All

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AHEAD 2007 - Symposia

Symposia Session One Wednesday, July 18th 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Symposia Session Two Friday, July 20th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Symposia Session One
Wednesday, July 18th 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Symposia Session Two
Friday, July 20th 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm