Project Description:
This training series is focuses on providing basic knowledge of disability to the faculty and staff at Texas A&M University. The series is a collaboration between the Center on Disability and Development and Texas A&M's Disability Resources Office. We also frequently collaborate with the university's Center for Teaching Excellence.
In FY 2026, rather than providing direct training, the team supported the university's focus on Title II compliance. These sessions were led by the university's Technology Services Office, individual colleges and departments, and Marketing and Communications teams. The Disability Awareness Training planning team met in May to plan six sessions for the 2026-27 academic year, including providing student-led sessions addressing their experiences accessing higher education, training on how to implement UDL at the university level, and effective integration of assistive technology on campus. The 2026-27 training series will include a return of Aggie Disability Awareness, a broader introduction to the history of disability rights and legislation, medical vs social models of disability , and universal design. This session will be offered in the fall and again in the spring semester.
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Based upon current campus needs, three sessions were held in FY 2025.
"The How and Why of Disability Accommodations in Higher Education" was presented on January 15, 2025. Speakers included Marcia Montague, Ph.D., and Jennifer Morgan, M.Ed. from the College of Education and Human Development, and Kristie Orr, Ph.D., and Justin Romack, M.S., from Disability Resources.
Session Description:
If you have ever received an accommodation letter from the Disability Resources Office and wondered, "How am I going to implement these accommodations," this presentation is for you. Presenters will share strategies to address accommodation implementation (the How) and rationale for implementing such accommodations (the Why).
Jamie Thompson, Ed.D., Assistant Director of Digital Teaching and Learning at Texas A&M's Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), and Carlos Perez, M.Ed., CTE Educational Consultant, presented "Enhancing Digital Materials: Using Built-in Checkers and Canvas to Create Meaningful Content" on February 19, 2025.
Andrew Barna, Director of Employee Relations, presented an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on March 19, 2025.
Session Description:
This session will provide an overview of ADA and ADAAA, including the law, what constitutes a disability, reasonable accommodations, the process of requesting and approving workplace accommodations, and confidentiality. Disability disclosure, FMLA, and finding ways to support employee's essential job duties will also be discussed.
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology
