Project Description:
The Center on Disability and Development collaborates with Texas A&M's Disability Resources Office and the university's Center for Teaching Excellence two provide two training series addressing basic disability awareness and accessibility for all Texas A&M faculty and staff. Aggie Disability Awareness is an introduction to the history of disability in America, medical and social models of disability, person-first and identity-first language, universal design, and campus resources for disability-related questions. This webinar is presented at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Accessibility in Aggieland is presented four times per school year, with each webinar addressing a different disability-related issues. After a brief hiatus to focus on university-wide Title II accessibility compliance, FY 2026 saw the return of Accessibility in Aggieland and Aggie Disability Awareness.
This year's webinars included:
Aggie Disability Awareness, September 9, 2026 from 1:30-3:00 pm., and _______ADD SPRING DATE_______ presented by Kristie Orr, Robin Miller, Justin Romack, and Jean Layne
This session provided an introduction to the history of disability in America, including key social movements and legislation that have increased educational, professional, and community access for individuals with disabilities. The medical and social models of disability were presented, along with guidance on the use of person-first and identity-first language. Basic, intermediate, and advanced strategies for universal design were provided, along with campus resources for disability-related questions.
Accessibility in Aggieland: Assistive Technology for All Students, October 14, 2026, from 1:30–3:00 p.m., presented by Justin Romack and Katelyn Letbetter
Assistive technologies support how disabled individuals access information, communicate, learn and participate in the classroom and broader campus community. This session will introduce the types of assistive technologies individuals may use, explore how these tools support access in different settings, and highlight campus resources attendees can share with the students and others they support.
Accessibility in Aggieland: Creating Accessible Digital Content with Word and PowerPoint, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 1:30–3:00 p.m., presented by Dr. Jamie Thompson and Carlos Perez, M.Ed.
This session built foundational awareness of digital accessibility, accessibility standards and assistive technologies. Participants learned to use the accessibility checkers built into Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, apply effective formatting strategies, and create documents and presentations that meet accessibility standards.
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Assistive Technology
