Conference Agenda

Monday, April 13th Sessions

Concurrent Sessions 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 
 

Belonging Before Bureaucracy: Humanizing Accessibility in Higher Education

Elizabeth Atkinson

Belonging Before Bureaucracy reframes accessibility as a human-centered process rooted in empathy and trust. This session explores how higher education can build belonging into its accessibility infrastructures, transforming compliance-driven procedures into collaborative partnerships that foster connection, dignity, and full participation for students with disabilities.
 

Intro to AgrAbility and agricultural AT/ farm infrastructures 

Laura Akgerman

Abstract TBD
 

The Disability Con: Rethinking Representation and Performance in Modern Disability Film

Kristen Loutensock

While people with disabilities are under-represented onscreen in American film, this gap has not been thoroughly historicized. This paper argues that the Production Code, the Ugly Laws, and the focus on American film as entertainment need to be considered as part of the longer history of disability 

Concurrent Sessions 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
 

Compliance with Title II of the ADA in Math Courses 

Jeffrey Kuan

In this presentation, I will demonstrate tools for math accessibility, which have been developed over the last several years. The tools are designed to be quick to use for the "typical" author using LaTeX. Additionally, I will demonstrate tools for quick typesetting of handwritten mathematics, and creating compliant slides.
 

Accommodating youth (Panel session with 4-H colleagues)  

Laura Akgerman

Abstract Forthcoming
 

Building An Access Team 

Amanda Wheeler, Parker Arledge, Scott Vezdos, Bret Wilson

From idea to implementation, this panel will provide a road map for launching an accessibility team and advisory group. Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) staff and members of CAPA’s Access Advisory Committee will share their experiences and challenges as they work to strengthen accessibility for public events.

Concurrent Sessions 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
 

Title II and UDL: Moving Beyond a Culture of Compliance 

Alyssa Chrisman and Kayla Hennis

Abstract Using the theoretical framework of “academic ableism,” we reflect upon, analyze, and critique the “culture of compliance” associated with Title II and new digital accessibility standards. By incorporating Universal Design for Learning alongside Title II, instructors can shape learning environments that reduce barriers and fully respect and support every learner.
 

Emerging Advocates Through Youth ASAP 

Jessie Green, Erin Harris, Andrew Buck

Self-advocacy predicts post-school success, yet autistic youth often lack these skills. The Youth Autism Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP) addresses this through a 10-week, in-person curriculum for ages 11–18 with IEPs or 504 plans. Co-facilitated by an Autistic adult and social worker, ASAP builds self-awareness, regulation, and advocacy skills for school meetings and beyond. 
 

Improving Access in the Performing Arts through Creative Captions 

Zoey November 

ASL interpretation is often unavailable in the performing arts, resulting in a barrier to access. Creatively designed captions can provide more reliable access, improve overall audience engagement, and elevate artistic possibilities in theatre and dance performance. 

Plenary Session 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Student Perspectives: Compliance and Beyond 

From Getting Around Campus to the Classroom Experience: A Look at Accommodations vs. Infrastructure

Tuesday, April 14th Sessions

Concurrent Sessions 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 
 

Adding AI to the Accessible Technology Toolset

Kayla Hennis  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can reshape how institutions approach digital accessibility compliance and inclusive learning. Customized AI agents can offer scalable solutions to guide instructors through accessibility remediation and best practices. This session will demonstrate how to design, implement, and evaluate AI agents that support accessibility initiatives, while addressing their limitations  
 

The Ethical Meaning of Access  

Christa Mullis  

This presentation examines accessibility through the lens bioethics, exploring the idea of access as an ethical imperative more apparent to disabled individuals. Using disability justice as a foundation, the presentation examines how disabled perspectives broaden our understanding of ethical obligations in various contexts, emphasizing the wider moral significance of access for all communities.  
 

How do we quantify the need for accessible housing and what do we do about it?  

Katie Hunt Thomas  

Disability advocates consistently report the need for additional accessible housing, but there is very little data on what that means. What does accessible mean to advocates and how much accessible housing is needed? This presentation reviews a disability needs survey that The Ability Center worked with Mathematica to produce getting to what accessible housing is needed, how much, and what can we do about it.  

Concurrent Sessions 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
 

AI Equity, Ethics, and Accessibility   

Marc Brenman  

Ai is upon us, like it or not. While it’s largely inaccessible to people with some disabilities, it may have benefits for PWD. It tends to repeat and replicate biases and prejudices in the larger society, since it’s trained on large language models. How can these obstacles be overcome?  
 

The ADA Business Center and Business Accessibility  

Dr. Jules Patalita  

ADA Compliance can be difficult and businesses don't want to make any wrong steps. Our Business Center gives in-depth, digestible information and a step-by-step plan for businesses to become more accessible and disability-friendly, ranging from hiring practices to program accessibility.  
 

All In Dublin: First Affordable Disability Inclusive Housing in Ohio  

Gala Korniyenko, Tiba Alagah, Ella Hancock, and Danielle Crittenden 

Limited housing options for adults with disabilities in Ohio often lead to isolation and poor well-being. Inclusive models like All In Living aim to expand affordable, accessible, and community-integrated housing. These approaches foster social connection, reduce loneliness, and promote equity for individuals frequently marginalized by current housing systems.  

Concurrent Sessions 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
 

Beyond Static Access: The Monarch Tactile Display as a Collaborative Facilitator 

Katie Frederick and  Paul Schroeder 

The Monarch multiline braille and tactile display addresses the critical STEM graphics gap. By providing dynamic, synchronous access to complex data, this infrastructure promotes equity, full participation, and high-fidelity collaboration between sighted and non-sighted users, directly advancing the ADA's purpose. 
 

What Affirmative steps from the disability community want from organizations Pina D'Intino D. Goldstein 

D. Goldstein and Pina D'Intino

IAAP's Business Accessibility Criteria details what disability advocacy organizations desire from businesses for true accessibility and inclusion. Covering 14 different business topics, the BAC is an interactive program that aids organizations to tackle their accessibility plans through guided tasks and recommendations ensuring that accessibility is integrated and sustained long term.  
 

Ensuring Access for Neurodiverse Individuals in Higher Ed Workspaces  

Randi Rayburn Morrison, J.D 

Using an interactive format, this presentation explores challenges individuals with ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, and/or Intellectual Disabilities may experience in graduate and professional roles within higher education and how compliance professionals can help ensure equitable work experiences for neurodiverse individuals. 

Plenary Session 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

From Code to Culture
 

The digital environment has become just as present and influential as the physical environment. This panel explores digital access as a technical standard, as a form of communication, and as a civil right.