Global Accessibility Awareness Day - 2023
Visit our GAAD 2024 website
Join us either in-person or on Zoom for our upcoming Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event at DU. As GAAD states, “The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.” Come hear from a panel of DU community members and guest speakers about their stories and experiences.
FREE FOOD!
For our in-person attendees, we will have delicious empanadas from Maria’s Empanadas, a local Denver restaurant that serves a variety of meat and vegetarian empanadas.
Agenda:
- 10:00 - 11:00: Keynote Speaker - Dr. Brian Grewe
- 11:15 - 11:45 Digital Accessibility
- 11:45 - 12:00: Lunch starts
- 12:00 - 1:00: Panel Discussion
- 1:00 - 2:00: Guest Speaker Chris Hinds
- 2:00- 3:00 DU Accessibility Awards, Vendor Tables and Socializing
What is Digital Accessibility?
Every user deserves a first-rate digital experience on the web. Someone with a disability must be able to experience web-based services, content and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities. This awareness and commitment to inclusion is the goal of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a global event that shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Brian Grewe (10:00-11:00)
Dr. Brian Grewe, presentation “From Student to Faculty, to Employee and Director - the lifecycle and challenges of disabilities in the real world". (Sponsored by ADA & C+V).
Dr. Grewe is an engaging leader and seasoned social justice activist with eighteen years of experience in higher education. An analytical thinker with a firm grasp of research methodologies, varying leadership styles and strategies and a firm commitment to ethical interactions. Passionate proponent for student growth and success. Experienced teacher, trainer and facilitator with more than 200 college courses in Communication taught and more than 300 workshops and webinars performed.
Digital Accessibility with Apple (11:15 - 11:45)
Lunch Starts (11:45 - 12:00)
Panel Speakers (12:00-1:00)
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Belinda Becker-Jacob (student)
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Audrey Dessauer (student)
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Remy St. Pierre (student)
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Deyannira Villa-Cazares (student)
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Bill Casson: (Digital Accessibility Specialist - Panel Facilitator)
Guest Speaker Chris Hinds (1:00 - 2:00)
Chris grew up in rural Texas as the only child of a single mom. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in computer science and an MBA in Finance and Strategy.
On August 26, 2008, Chris’s life changed fundamentally. After photographing the Democratic National Convention, Chris was involved in a crash that paralyzed him from the chest down. In the decade since, Chris has fought for access to transportation for all.
Chris has fought – and won – on behalf of equitable access at the local, state, and national levels. He has testified in Denver and DC in front of legislative committees, spoken at seminars, and served as a subject matter expert on transportation and disability topics. In May 2018, Governor Hickenlooper signed the Chris Hinds Act into law, which closes loopholes to prevent the fraudulent use of disability parking. In July 2019, Chris Hinds was elected as the first Denver official – local, state, or federal – who uses a wheelchair for mobility.
DU Accessibility Awards, Vendor Tables & Socializing (2:00-3:00)
DU Digital Accessibility Awards
- Department Award for Closed Captioning: Executive Education Program at Daniels College of Business - Janet Redwine
- Faculty Award for Accessible & Inclusive Classroom Experience: Calley Marotta
- Student Advocate Award: Maggie Tisher
Vendor Tables
- Kaltura - Avis Lyons and James Vlisides
- VZP Digital - John Rein
- 1:1 Computer Program
- Neurodiversity Resources Group - Maggie Tisher
- Assistive Technologies - Caroline Newcomb and Ellen Hogan
- Wellness Table - Linzy Coffey
- Technical Student Accessibility Support - Ana Loor Mendoza
- Disability Services Program - Mark Nussbaum and Jamie Jackson
Planning Committee (Alphabetical Order)
- Bill Casson, Information Technology
- Josiah Dunn, Information Technology
- Ellen Hogan, Office of Teaching & Learning
- Clara Kapustka, Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Josh Kaufman, Equal Opportunity & Title IX
- Paula von Kretschmann, Human Resources and Inclusive Community
- Lindsey Mandolini, Community + Values, Office of the Provost
- Alex Martinez, Information Technology
- Chase McNamee, Community + Values, Office of the Provost
- Ana Loor Mendoza, Student Representative
- Caroline Newcomb, Disability Services Program
Presentation Slides
Thank you to our financial sponsors!
- Community + Values, Office of the Provost
- Equal Opportunity & Title IX
- Human Resources & Inclusive Community (HRIC)
- Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- VZP Digital
Where:
The Burwell Center is located at 2190 E. Asbury Avenue on the corner of Asbury Avenue and S. Gaylord Street. The Burwell Center is just an 11-minute walk (half mile) away from the University of Denver RTD Stop. There are hourly paid parking facilities located at Asbury Ave Hourly Street Parking, Ricketson Law Building Garage, and Evans Garage.
Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable individuals of all abilities to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.Coordinator@du.edu. Please note that without adequate notice before the event, we may not be able to provide reasonable accommodations.