To mark Disability History Month, the Colleague Disability Network and the Digital Accessibility Team at the University of Westminster organised a Digital Accessibility Symposium to highlight the importance of digital accessibility in higher education.
The symposium, that took place on 1 December, brought together the diverse ideas, strategies and experiences of three essential groups: educators, technologists and end users. It was inaugurated by Dr Sal Jarvis, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education, and featured three separate panels, each focusing on different aspects of digital accessibility.
The first panel, Pedagogies for Enhanced Digital Access, pedagogies being the method and practice of teaching, was led by Amina Mahmood, a doctoral researcher at Westminster’s Centre for the Study of Democracy and Andy Coverdale from the University of Southampton. This session highlighted progressive educational approaches and strategies that enhance digital accessibility. They discussed current research ventures that are investigating the integration of accessibility concepts in both academic and professional environments and explored the practical aspects of enacting digital accessibility policies within educational institutions to enrich the academic experience.
Ben Watson, Head of Digital Accessibility at UCL, led the second panel titled Tech Solutions for Inclusive Learning, and was joined by Martin Compton from Kings College London and Zad Santospirito from Birkbeck, University of London. The panel engaged in a constructive dialogue on leveraging technology to enhance the digital accessibility of education. They discussed the efficacy of different educational frameworks and methodologies, such as Universal Design for Learning and the concept of Micro Kindness within Inclusive Designs, as well as the influence of these technologies on the teaching landscape. Additionally, the conversation encompassed the transformative effects of generative AI on student assessment and the provision of feedback.
The third panel, Navigating Digital Platforms with Learning Disabilities, was led by Dr Claire Robertson, Lecturer in Nutrition and Public Health and disability tutor for all undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Science (LAS); and Daniela de Silva, Academic Engagement Manager of Accessibility at Westminster. The panel explored the complexities and potential solutions associated with the use of digital platforms by students with disabilities. The speakers, drawing on their extensive experience working with learners with disabilities, discussed the everyday challenges these individuals encounter and how academics can make their learning experience inclusive following the basics of digital accessibility. They also provided insights into the resources and support systems available at the University and looked at their impact.
The symposium concluded with final observations from George Rhodes, Digital Accessibility Team Lead at Westminster. He expressed gratitude to all the speakers and participants for their involvement in the meaningful discussions on accessibility. He also emphasised the importance of continuing these dialogues and expanding community engagement in the future.
The event was supported by the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) programme and aimed to foster dialogue about digital accessibility.
About the event Zahrah Surooprajally, EDI Events Manager, said: “Thanks so much to all our attendees, esteemed speakers and Daniela de Silva, Claire Robertson, George Rhodes and Amina Mahmood for their hard work and efforts in bringing us all together in the name of accessibility. It was a great reminder to keep showing those microkindnesses.”
Learn more about digital accessibility at University of Westminster.
Find out more about upcoming EDI events that will celebrate and advance the values of diversity and inclusion at University of Westminster.
