AccessISL Agenda
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
9:00 - 9:30am Welcome and Introductions
- Overtoun Jenda, Professor of Math and Assistant Provost, Auburn University
- Sheryl Burgstahler, Accessible Technology Services, University of Washington
- Meena Selvakumar, Museology Graduate Program, University of Washington
- Scott Bellman, DO-IT Center & College of Engineering, University of Washington
9:30 - 10:20am Round Table: Access to ISL Programs and Museums for Everyone
Leaders from across the United States will participate in a round table discussion on making access and equity a priority in terms of securing funding and support, identifying best practices, facilitating community involvement, and developing policies and guidelines.
- Katy Menne (moderator), North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
- Ryan Saglio, Attleboro Enterprises
- Meredith Peruzzi, National Deaf Life Museum, Gallaudet University
- Christine Reich, Museum of Science, Boston
10:20am Accessible Information Technology and Digital Engagement
We will explore accessible digital design, documents, and information technology with thought leaders who are excited to share their experiences. Challenges unique to ISL programs, such as best practices for digitizing collections and archiving materials, will also be discussed.
- Accessible Websites and Online Content: Terrill Thompson, University of Washington
- Tips for Accessible Online Learning: Sheryl Burgstahler, University of Washington
- Accessibility for Cultural Content: Susan Chun, Independent Consultant, Museums and the Web
11:05am Pre-Engagement, Neurodiversity, and Social Narrative
This session will feature 10-minute presentations from programs that have developed best practices for social narrative development, staff training, communicating options for access and accommodation, engaging neurodiverse individuals, and more.
- Serving Neurodiverse Learners: Strategies from a STEM Summer Camp: Eric Chudler, Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners, University of Washington & Tami Tidwell, Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners, University of Washington
- Everyone is Welcome: Social Narratives for all Ages at the Minneapolis Institute of Art: Amanda McMahon, Minneapolis Institute of Art
- When STEM Learning Opportunities Match with How Neurodiverse Students Learn: Perspectives from the Field: Ronda Jenson, Northern Arizona University
11:35am Small Group Discussions and Report Out
What factors promote or inhibit museums and ISL programs’ efforts for making access and equity a high priority? What can be done to address these factors?
12:00pm Adjourn and optional continued discussion
Thursday, March 3, 2022
9:00 - 9:10am Welcome and Overview
- Overtoun Jenda, Professor of Math and Assistant Provost, Auburn University
- Sheryl Burgstahler, Accessible Technology Services, University of Washington
- Meena Selvakumar, Museology Graduate Program, University of Washington
- Scott Bellman, DO-IT Center & College of Engineering, University of Washington
9:10am Informal STEM Learning Access Stories
Through ten-minute flash talks, presenters will share specific activities at their institution that have improved access for everyone.
- Expanding Access at the Riverside Art Museum: Caryn Marsella, Riverside Art Museum & Clara Dawson, University of Washington Museology Program
- Making PacSci’s Tide Pool Exhibit Accessible to Everyone: Diana Johns, Pacific Science Center
- Accessibility Features at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum: Margaret Gambaro; Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum & Ellen Pieser; Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
- Blinded by Science: STEM Programs for Blind and Visually Impaired Students: Isaac Beavers, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
10:00 - 10:40am Small Group Discussions & Report Out
What new (undeveloped) or existing resources might help ISL programs who are interested in increasing accessibility features of on-site programming? What can be done to further develop and promote these resources?
10:40am Direct Engagement of the Disability Community
We’ll explore specific activities undertaken by ISL programs that center the voices of individuals with disabilities and allow for more robust engagement with the disability community.
- Presuming Competence to Build a Community of Supports: Tany Holzworth, Content Designer for Inclusive Classroom Tools at Microsoft
- Engaging Interns to Promote Accessible Informal STEM Learning: Scott Bellman, University of Washington; Anisa Proda, Student at University of Washington; Dawn Dailey, Burke Museum
- Building Relationships with Disability Communities: Elizabeth Ralston, Accessibility Consultant and Founder, Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium
- A Lived Experience of Problem Solving: Anil Lewis, National Federation of the Blind
- Transcending Boundaries and Supporting STEM Futures for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students: Bedarius Bell Jr., Director of Special Programs Alabama Dept. of Rehabilitation Services
11:30am Small Group Discussions & Report Out
What are other ways that disability communities are engaged in ensuring access to informal science education? What do museums, science centers, summer camps, and other informal STEM learning programs need to do and what resources would be helpful?
11:50am Highlighted Resources
We’ll further explore helpful resources recommended by CBI participants.