Accommodations to Accessibility A Conversation on How Faculty Have Changed Their Culture on One CSU Campus Jean Wells Accessibility Whisperer CSUN Conference 2009

Mary Fran Breiling Dr. Hilary Nixon Dr. Cynthia Rostankowski Graphic of San Jose State University

The Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) Vision: To create a CULTURE of access for an inclusive learning and working environment. Mission: To help CSU CAMPUSES in carrying out EO926 by developing guidelines, implementation strategies, tools and resources. Principle: To apply UNIVERSAL DESIGN, an approach to the design of products and services to be usable by the greatest number of people including individuals with disabilities. Strategy: To stimulate COLLABORATION to effect changes that will ultimately benefit all.

The “M” Word September 1, 2010: Implementation of an accessible procurement process for all E&IT acquisitions less than or equal to $15,000 to be determined by this date, following evaluation of campus progress reports. May 15, 2012: All websites at the CSU should fully conform to Section 508. Once again, undue burden plan requirements (as described above) apply. Fall Term, 2012: Instructional materials and instructional websites for all course offerings will be accessible.

From the Campuses Point of View… No Plan No Resources (people, money or time) Thousands to train (faculty & staff) Few trainers Resistance to change Staff and faculty are overworked No incentives No one knows what to train Very few even know what “Accessibility” means

What Do We Have Here? Picture of a cart in front of a horse.

San Jose State How did your campus react to the Mandate? Frog in pan of water with fire making it scream.

Characteristics of the CSU Culture Bipolar Strategy combination of top-down initiatives with bottom-up involvement Multiple Cultures (Faculty, Staff, Students) Magnitude 50,000+ in 24 locations Resistance Must go from “no” to Acting Responsibly and Consciously

San Jose State How do you prepare for a Cultural shift of this magnitude?

Strategy for Agents of Change Gather a Team Create a Plan (Develop Goals, Objectives, & Strategies) Determine a System of Delivery Identify Needed Resources Locate Partners & Knowledge Experts Measure Your Success

San Jose State What was your strategy for implementing change?

Managing Change Sharing the Ownership of Change Raising Consciousness - Facilitating Change & Self-Responsibility Marketing Communicating, Communicating, Communicating Providing Tangible Outcomes at Every Level

San Jose State Who would teach accessibility and be agents of change?

What Works? Produce: Organize educational events Design: Design quality development with learning in mind Cheerlead: Be available to provide support Network: Encourage exchange of ideas and materials Get Involvement/Build Community Find Shareable Resources Survey Aggregate Promote Leaders & Ambassadors Use Motivational Listening

San Jose State How did you decide to teach accessibility to faculty?

If We Build It Will They Come? Incentivizing: Release Time Money Food On Demand Support Tenure Support

San Jose State How Are You Getting People To Show Up to Learn Accessibility?

Elements of a Cultural Shift Ooops! Too Drastic: Resistance Too Slow: No Action We’ve Been Here Before! Elevators & Ramps Captions on TV Accessible Parking Spaces Water Fountains Curb Cuts Doors

CSU Steps to Shifting the Culture Provide Information Conferences Regional Meetings Campus Visits Spotlight our Champions Faculty Spotlight on Dr. Hilary Nixon, SJSU Faculty Spotlight on Dr. Hilary Nixon, SJSU

Shifting the Culture (Cont’d) Communicated Attitudes that Increase the Willingness to take Action Hilary Nixon, San Jose State University Increase Awareness Do Not Disturb Door Hanger Involve the World Outside Maria Shriver Justice Moreno

Keep the Vision Alive! 1.Make Aware 2.Plan 3.Evaluate 4.Develop Best Practices 5.Be Creative With Resources 6.Incentivize 7.Recognize (inside and outside) 8.Communicate 1.Market 2.Support 3.Be The Change 4.Use the Power of Intention 5.Don’t Complain or Condem 6.Stay Conscious 7.Persevere 8.Be Patient… It’s a Long Process

Thank you for coming! Jean Wells ATI Web Site at the Chancellor's Office Professional Development for Accessible Technology Jean Wells ATI Web Site at the Chancellor's Office Professional Development for Accessible Technology