WCET Webcast: Lessons Learned on the Journey Through a Website Accessibility Audit, Co-hosted by NWHeat

April 12, 2023 10am (PDT)

Description

WCET, a leader in the practice, policy, and advocacy of digital learning in higher education, recently partnered with WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind), to conduct a comprehensive website review for accessibility across the WCET website. For an organization who recently launched a new website and keeps accessibility on the forefront of all content creation, the results of the WebAIM audit were incredibly insightful. During this webcast, panelists will discuss the process of the website audit, results, and strategies for ensuring websites are accessible. They will also highlight major changes implemented to improve accessibility.   

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this session, learners will be able to:

  • Name common issues that make websites inaccessible.
  • Understand strategies to ensure websites are accessible.

Presenters

  • Rosa Calabrese, WCET
  • John Northrup, WebAIM 
  • Russ Poulin, WCET 

Rosa Calabrese, Manager, Digital Design, WCET

Rosa Calabrese has been with WCET since 2014. As the manager of digital design, she is responsible for creating and managing WCET’s digital assets including both web and graphic design of WCET and its initiatives. Before coming to WCET, she worked as a program assistant at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen. She received a bachelor’s degree in 2013 at the University of Denver, where she studied both Electronic Media Arts Design and Sociology. Outside of work, she can be found volunteering with both cats and dogs at a local animal shelter.

John Northup, Director of Evaluations, WebAIM, Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice, Utah State University

John Northup has worked in web development since 2000, in roles including design, coding, usability, and accessibility. He thrives on the challenge of facilitating delightful, engaging experiences for aural and visual users alike. He holds a master’s in information science from the University of Michigan School of Information, an undergraduate degree in mass communications from Goddard College, and a CPACC certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.

Russ Poulin, Executive Director, WCET | Vice President for Technology-Enhanced Education, WICHE

As executive director of WCET, Russ Poulin directs the team’s work in supporting the efforts of postsecondary institutions with a focus on the policy and practice of digital learning. He is a highly sought-after expert and leader regarding policy issues for distance education and on-campus uses of educational technologies. As WICHE vice president for technology-enhanced education, he advises on policy and projects for the regional higher education compact. Russ’s commitment to the field is continually noted, and he was honored to have represented the distance education community on federal negotiated rulemaking committees and subcommittees. Russ has received recognition from the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), the Presidents’ Forum, Excelsior College, and the National University Technology Network (NUTN) for his contributions to postsecondary digital education and educational policy.