How can academic libraries make their services and materials more accessible to everyone? Join Esther Brandon and Sarah Ferguson for a conversation on how to implement best practices for accessibility. The session will begin with a mini-lecture on the policies and practices from Brandeis University followed by a Question and Answer session. Please submit questions in advance about accessibility issues, policies, best practices, or guidelines. The remainder of the session will be an open conversation between presenters and participants, where you can share the successes or challenges you face at your academic library. 

Send in your questions about accessibility via the webinar registration form.

• Webinar Recording
• Webinar Slides

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify concrete accessibility policies and practices to enact in your library  
• Learn about the accessibility concerns faced at other libraries 
• Participate in a conversation around successes and challenges  

Agenda: 

• Presentation on accessibility practices and policies for academic libraries 
• Q&A for submitted questions about library accessibility  
• Participants share successes and challenges in a group conversation via chat 

Bios: 

Esther Brandon is the Digital Literacy Specialist for undergraduate and graduate programs at the Brandeis University Library. She is an enthusiastic seeker of new instructional technologies that is focused on best teaching practices. Esther has a B.A. in Anthropology and International & Global Studies and a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education for English Literature from Brandeis University. Before returning to higher ed, she taught in public schools K-12 focusing on using educational technology for instruction to support English Language Learners and students with moderate disabilities. 

Sarah Elizabeth Ferguson is the Program Director for Digital Accessibility at Brandeis University with almost 20 years of experience in higher education. She completed her undergraduate work at Connecticut College and earned her Masters in education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, with a focus on special education technology. Ferguson is a linguaphile with a passion for painting, dogs, and the color purple.