According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people — 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us — currently experience significant disability. Another 1 in 3 people are projected to experience a permanent or temporary disability in the next 10 years.

To make sure we’re upholding UC’s commitment to providing an electronic environment that is accessible to everyone, it’s essential to keep this growing audience in mind. Accessibility isn’t a job for just a few people to work on; access is an important part of UC’s equity and inclusion core values, which we are all expected to celebrate and embody.

Whether you are just starting your journey in understanding digital accessibility or working to stay current on accessibility trends, this year’s UC Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event is for you! On May 16, 2024, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. (PT), join the UC Electronic Accessibility Committee for GAAD 2024: Putting Together the Accessibility Puzzle Pieces. Together, we can help create a more accessible world for all!

Register here

What to expect at this year’s event

UC tech leaders will share highlights of their locations’ accessibility projects during a short panel. Then, UC staff will host lightning talks to share practical accessibility skills, explain the importance of digital accessibility and answer audience questions. Finally, we’ll demonstrate how everyone can have a fun-filled life when technology is accessible.

Event highlights will include:

• Innovative, real-world accessibility projects taking place at UC campuses
• Accessible PowerPoint tips and tricks, featuring Jill Wolters, web standards program manager, UCSF
• Accessibility in the classroom, featuring Rachel Leigh Bellofatto, director of academic and emerging technologies, UC Merced
• Leading laterally, featuring Brian McNeilly, web accessibility specialist, UC Office of the President

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to have a great time while learning about digital accessibility and connecting with peers throughout UC.

Join us

• What: GAAD 2024: Putting Together the Accessibility Puzzle Pieces
• When: May 16, 2024, 10 – 11:30 a.m. (PT)
• Where: Virtual
• Register here to join us

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with webinar information. The event will be recorded and will feature live-captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. If you have another accommodation request, please send it to infohelp@ucop.edu by Monday, May 13, 2024.

About the UC Electronic Accessibility Committee

The UC Electronic Accessibility Committee upholds UC’s commitment to supporting an IT environment that is accessible to all, and in particular to individuals with disabilities, by facilitating systemwide coordination of, and communication about, IT-accessibility-related issues. Members, who include representatives from every UC location, identify and lead systemwide initiatives and projects that support and align the implementation of the UC IT Accessibility Policy and help the university provide an accessible electronic environment.

Visit the UC electronic accessibility webpage to learn more about UC’s commitment to digital accessibility and to explore an array of best practices and tools to inform your work. You can also explore past years’ GAAD webinars on the Electronic Accessibility Committee website.

For questions, contact Judy Thai or Laurel Skurko.

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