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New York State Disability Services Council AGENDA [word] Spring 2025 ConferenceAccess and Empowerment: Revolutionizing Disability Services in Higher Education Preconference Monday, June 2, 20251:00-3:00 pmNew Providers Training
This session will be a “mini boot camp” for new professionals; covering the topics that are most useful and helpful to people new to disability-related work in higher education. 12:00-5:00pmMental Health First Aid for Adults Certification
This will be a five-hour session. After completion, participants will be a certified mental health first aider for adults Day 1: Tuesday June 3, 202508:30 to 09:00 amParadise Bay BallroomGreetings, Registration, and Breakfast 09:00 to 09:10 amParadise Bay BallroomPresident's Address - Tanya Hoistion (she/her), Coordinator - Student Accommodations and Testing Center, Jefferson Community College 09:10 to 10:20 amParadise Bay BallroomBusiness Meeting 10:30 to 12:00 pmParadise Bay BallroomKEYNOTE - Mark Greenfield (he/him) Mark Greenfield is a highly regarded, influential member of the higher education web community. He is an experienced consultant and an award-winning speaker who is known for his thoughtful vision of the future of the web and technology on college campuses. He is a nationally recognized expert in web and digital accessibility with over 25 years of direct accessibility experience. Mark spent 35 years at the University at Buffalo (UB), where he held various web and technology roles, most recently serving as Web Accessibility Officer. In this position, he provided strategic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight to enhance digital accessibility across campus. Beyond his work at UB, Mark has 30 years of experience as a consultant. Since retiring from UB in 2022, he has continued his consulting work helping organizations integrate accessibility into their digital strategies, policies, and long-term initiatives. Mark is also an active member of the Accessibility Committee of the ACM USTPC (Association for Computing Machinery US Technology Committee) which educates and informs Congress, the Administration, and the courts about significant developments in the computing field and how those developments affect public policy in the United States. Mark has presented over 200 keynote speeches, workshops and plenary sessions at regional, national and international conferences and events including Accessing Higher Ground (AHEAD/ATHEN), AMA (American Marketing Association), AECT (Association for Educational Communications and Technology), CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), EDUCAUSE, the Higher Education Web Professionals Association, and the National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing and Retention. Mark has written opinion pieces for several publications including the Boston Globe, CMSWire, EvoLLLution, and the Digital Governance Journal. He has also been interviewed by a number of publications including the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, Times Higher Ed, Information Week, and University Business Magazine. During his distinguished career, Mark has won a number of awards including:
12:00 to 1:00pmLunch in Paradise Bay Ballroom 1:00 to 2:00 pmKeynote Continued Mark Greenfield (he/him) in Paradise Bay Ballroom 2:10-3:00 pm Concurrent Sessions 11.1 Lakeshore AAudio Recording, AI, and the Political Climate: Technology-Assisted Notetaking in 2025
There are better technologies for assisting students with notetaking than ever before. At the same time, the proliferation of generative AI and the chilling of speech in our authoritarian political climate is having an impact on how faculty view our technology-assisted notetaking accommodations. How can we best balance many interests when students have concerns about being able to take notes in class? This session will explore a mid-size university’s assessment of student use of notetaking technology during the implementation of an iPad loaning library. Attendees may learn how to implement a similar program, what the strengths and weaknesses are of current notetaking technologies, and key questions to ask when discussing how to best serve students in a rapidly changing higher education environment. 1.2 Lakeshore BJobs for Juniors: Employment Readiness Program
SUNY New Paltz DRC has completed its 3rd semester of this pilot program and will share information about the "Jobs for Juniors" program which offers paid, on-campus, supportive internships to 3rd year (Junior) students. We will review program structure, lessons learned and answer questions that will help participants create similar programs at their institutions. 1.3 Lakeshore CFrom Policy to Practice: ADA Title II Changes for Campus Communities
Ensuring digital accessibility is a critical component of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II regulations. We will provide an overview of the legal requirements and how institutions can implement policies to foster inclusivity. We will explore strategies for conducting an inventory of software and contracts to assess accessibility compliance, as well as best practices for creating accessible digital content. We will showcase the University at Buffalo’s approach to achieving institutional buy-in through initiatives such as departmental presentations, dedicated website, newsletter, Web Accessibility Liaisons, and the Digital Accessibility Advocate Award. We will also highlight UB’s software review process, which ensures accessibility is a priority in procurement. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance digital accessibility at their own institutions and drive meaningful change toward an inclusive digital environment. 3:10 to 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions 22.1 Lakeshore BCVI in Higher Education: Recognition, Access, and Advocacy
Ensuring digital accessibility is a critical component of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II regulations. We will provide an overview of the legal requirements and how institutions can implement policies to foster inclusivity. We will explore strategies for conducting an inventory of software and contracts to assess accessibility compliance, as well as best practices for creating accessible digital content. We will showcase the University at Buffalo’s approach to achieving institutional buy-in through initiatives such as departmental presentations, dedicated website, newsletter, Web Accessibility Liaisons, and the Digital Accessibility Advocate Award. We will also highlight UB’s software review process, which ensures accessibility is a priority in procurement. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance digital accessibility at their own institutions and drive meaningful change toward an inclusive digital environment. 2.2 Lakeshore CUnderstanding the data in a Psychoeducational evaluation
Many people working in disability services receive psychological or psychoeducational reports without knowing what the information in the report may mean. This training would break down the data provided in the report, allowing the disability personnel to use the data to help guide accommodations, thus allowing for more flexibility in accommodations, possible offering more than what a high school IEP or 504 suggested. 4:10-5:00 pm Sector Meetings
Day 2: Wednesday June 4, 20258:00 to 9 AMParadise Bay Ballroom
9:00 to 9:45Paradise Bay Ballroom
9:45 to 10:15Paradise Bay BallroomMobilizing the masses towards advocacy and Student Empowerment Day
10:30 am to 12:00 pm Concurrent Sessions 33.1 Lakeshore AThe Power of AI: Bridging the Gap Between Accommodations and UDL
Jamworks is leading the transformation of education through AI. Our platform bridges accommodations and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by personalizing and streamlining content for diverse learners, including neurodivergent and disabled students. Jamworks converts lectures, notes, and study materials into engaging, digestible formats that boost retention and reduce anxiety. Embracing UDL, our system offers varied means of representation, engagement, and expression—featuring live captions, multilingual support, and AI-generated summaries. Interactive tools such as tailored class notes, personalized flashcards, quizzes, and AI chatbots create an inclusive, dynamic learning environment. Seamlessly integrating with existing systems, Jamworks paves the way for academic success and lifelong learning. Discover how our innovative approach reshapes education and makes a real difference in students’ lives. 3.2 Lakeshore BGame On! How Academic Coaching Engages and Empowers Students with Disabilities!
This interactive session is designed for disability support professionals eager to launch academic coaching programs for students with disabilities. Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, as many structured supports like resource rooms and guided study halls are no longer available. Led by an experienced presenter with 15 years as a high school special education teacher and now Director of Student Accessibility Services, this session introduces a framework for a college-based academic coaching program focused on executive functioning skills like time management and organization. Participants will navigate an engaging gameboard, where they'll discuss coaching scenarios, explore real-world cases, and win prizes. Interactive questioning and polling will shape the discussion, ensuring it meets participants' interests. Grounded in universal design for learning principles, this session provides a comprehensive approach to fostering student success and creating inclusive campus environments. 12:00 to 1:30 pmLunch and Awards Ceremony (Awards 12:30 to 1:30 pm) 1:30 to 2:00 pmSilver Bay BallroomPlease visit the vendors to learn about their offerings and new technologies. Thank you to all our Platinum vendors, Alpha Sensory, C-Tech, and Vis-Ability, and Silver vendor, Symplicity, for sponsoring the "Wine and Charcuterie" happy hour! 2:00 to 2:50 pm Concurrent Sessions 44.1 Lakeshore ALeveraging Data, Research, and Campus Information to Build Relationships and Get What You Need
In an age of accountability, we are often placed in a position of having to prove the effectiveness of our offices or to justify use of resources that are critical to fulfilling the mission of access on our campuses. But what if we could change the narrative? As offices are asked to do more with less, data becomes an essential tool for understanding the impact of diminishing resources on students. This session will challenge participants to take a critical look at how we are using the resources and data we already have at our disposal to creatively shift perspectives and create greater awareness of our respective offices. We will share and explore innovative approaches to gaining what we need and ways to expand our own professional growth using data, research, assessment, and other information. Participants will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately implement at their institution. 4.2 Lakeshore BAuditing Your Campus for Accessibility
Whether you are facing a NYSED OCR Review or just accessing your campus for accessibility, here is what you should be looking for. From classrooms to bathrooms, to parking lots, or anyplace in between, this is what you should be looking for as you access your campus. 4.3 Lakeshore CUsing SensusAccess Inside Brightspace to optimize accessibility on campus for all
This session will explain how SensusAccess Inside Brightspace works and how it can improve accessibility on campus. SensusAccess is an international award winning service that converts documents, pages, quizzes and other objects inside Brightspace into accessible and alternate formats. It is used by more than 500 colleges and universities globally because it is simple and easy to use. 3:00-3:50 pm Concurrent Sessions 55.1 Lakeshore ABreaking Barriers in Learning: The Role of Human-Sounding Text-to-Speech
Human-sounding text-to-speech (TTS) technology is transforming accessibility in higher education, helping students with learning barriers while easing instructors' concerns about being recorded. Many students struggle to understand lectures due to accents, auditory processing challenges, or language barriers. With realistic TTS, students can personalize their learning by selecting voices that enhance comprehension, represent their backgrounds, and foster a sense of belonging. For example, a student from Georgia attending an out-of-state college may prefer a familiar Southern accent, ensuring they feel represented in their learning experience. Research, such as Gierdowski & Galanek (2019), highlights how flexible learning tools like TTS improve accessibility and retention. Presented by Habitat Learn, this session explores how universities in New York can leverage human-like TTS to break down learning barriers and create a more inclusive academic environment. (Gierdowski & Galanek, 2019) 5.2 Lakeshore BStrategies for working with students who have ADHD
Students who are diagnosed with ADHD have unique needs that may require more assistance or guidance from their disability professionals on campus. This session will cover things like accountability, time management, study skills, etc. The session will also include organizational issues noted by students who have ADHD such as signing up for exams, signing up for accommodations, using library systems, working through college wide policies. 5.3 Lakeshore CA Spoken Word
Join us at the conference for "A Spoken Word." Relax, enjoy and participate in a session where we explore disability, access and accessibility through spoken words. Calling members within the NYSDSC membership who would like to showcase their talent and creativity, whether original or borrowed to recite or read a poem, or a Haiku or two. Please contact Michael J. Johnson if interested at mjohnson@monroecc.edu 3:50 to 4:40 pmParadise Bay BallroomDisability at Bard: Building an inclusive community
We started an initiative this year titled, Disability at Bard, for Disability Awareness Month. This is in response to student's requesting more faculty awareness and training after a larger protest/student-led movement in 2023. Training for faculty already happens in a multitude of ways, so we decided to be creative about how we respond. Our goal is to spread awareness and celebrate our shared humanity, and highlight the talents and contributions. The event will be promoted to faculty, staff, and students, and co-partnered by the Center for Faculty and Curricular Development (CFCD) and the Office of the Dean of Inclusive Excellence (ODIE). We asked students to contribute in many ways, focusing on their disabled experience at Bard, aspirations beyond Bard, and contributions to Bard. Options were, but not limited to:
We will be displaying these works publicly on March 12th at the event in a gallery/exhibit-type environment. We are hoping to use these images, stories, and work for future disability belonging initiatives at Bard. I'd love to share how this came to be and ways we are going to move forward. 5:00 to 7:00 pmSilver Bay BallroomWine/Beer and Charcuterie Reception (Please have your tickets for drinks) Day 3: Thursday June 5, 20258:00 to 9:30 amParadise Bay Ballroom
9:40 to 10:30 am Concurrent Sessions 66.1 Lakeshore AMusic, Clocks, and More: Troubleshooting Common Issues in Testing
Many disability offices handle the administering and proctoring of exams with accommodations. We will look at several case studies that address common issues a disability office faces in their daily testing schedules. Then discuss possible solutions to address these issues. 6.2 Lakeshore BNo Disability Cultural Center? No Problem! How to do Disability Cultural Programming on Your Campus!
With only 19 schools having established Disability Cultural Centers (DCCs) and 12 schools with DCCs pending, many of the schools we come from do not have dedicated spaces for Disability Cultural programming. This shouldn't hinder our ability to provide Disability Cultural programming. Over the past academic year, without a DCC, we have brought a myriad of Disability Cultural programming to our campus utilizing both on campus collaborations and community collaborations. Come to this session and learn about the on and off campus collaborative outreach that brought goalball, wheelchair and blind tennis, adaptive fashion design, a hackathon and more on campus Disability Cultural programming to fruition. This session will include time to work together in pairs or groups to identify not only potential campus partners, but community partners as well. 10:40 to 11:30 Concurrent Sessions 77.1 Lakeshore ATransforming Testing: Enhancing Inclusivity and Student Success
In Fall 2016, Binghamton University revolutionized its approach to academic testing by establishing a centralized, student-centered testing center. This innovative model, designed to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities, has fostered a culture of inclusivity and academic support. Join us to explore how we've created a seamless and equitable testing experience, developed innovative solutions to address evolving student needs, and built strong partnerships between the testing center, faculty, and disability services. Discover how Binghamton University's transformative journey can inspire your own institution to reimagine its testing services, improve student satisfaction and academic performance, and cultivate a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This is a follow-up to our presentation from the NYSDSC Spring 2018 conference. 7.2 Lakeshore BSupporting College Students with ADHD in Online and In-Person Learning EnvironmentsAndrea Piazza (she/her), Assistant Director, The Office of Accessibility Resources & Services, SUNY EmpireThis presentation will explore strategies to support college students with ADHD in online, in-person and hybrid learning environments. With the increasing prevalence of hybrid and online courses, students with ADHD may face unique challenges in focus, time management, and engagement. The session will provide evidence-based approaches to enhance accessibility, improve executive functioning, and foster an inclusive learning environment. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
11:30 am to 12:30 pmParadise Bay BallroomTitle - TBD Kim Hill Ridley, New York State Chief Disability Officer Abstract - TBD 12:30 pmParadise Day BallroomWrap up and Box Lunch Thank you for joining us for our Spring 2025 Conference! |