CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2024

Welcome and Introduction

• Speaker: Julia Santiago
• Role: Managing Director, Center on Disabilities, CSUN
• Event: 39th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
• Key Points:
  • Excitement to reconnect with returning and new participants.
  • Highlights include educational sessions, networking events, and social gatherings.
  • Preview of the exhibit hall and a grand welcome reception.

Keynote Address

Speaker: Dr. Freddy Sanchez

• Role: Interim Vice President of Student Affairs for Equity and Inclusion, CSUN
• Key Points:
  • Emphasis on equity and inclusion in education.
  • Introduction of a new minor in disability studies at CSUN.
  • Recognition of CSUN’s achievements, such as receiving the Seal of Excellencia.

Speaker Introduction: Ted Drake

• Role: Global Accessibility Leader for Intuit
• Key Points:
  • Emphasizes the multigenerational aspect of the accessibility community.
  • Introduction of the 2024 Strocky Leadership Award recognizing leadership in assistive technology.

2024 Strocky Leadership Award

• Recipient: Dan Habib
• Achievements:
  • Filmmaker focused on disability rights and inclusive education.
  • Known for films like "Including Samuel" and "My Disability Roadmap."
  • Works with the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability.

Keynote Speaker: Haben Girma

• Role: Human Rights Lawyer and Disability Justice Advocate
• Achievements:
  • First deafblind graduate from Harvard Law School.
  • Awarded by President Obama and featured in various prestigious lists.

Keynote Highlights

• Inclusive Communication:

  • Advocates for diverse communication methods, beyond traditional hearing and seeing.
  • Personal experiences of overcoming barriers and advocating for disability rights.

• Innovation Driven by Disability:

  • Examples of innovations driven by the needs of disabled individuals, such as the development of the typewriter and touch-based interfaces.

• Challenges of Ableism:

  • Discusses societal ableism as a significant barrier, more than the disabilities themselves.
  • Stresses the importance of creating inclusive environments.

• AI and Accessibility:

  • Cautions against over-reliance on AI for accessibility solutions without proper human oversight.

• Call to Action:

  • Encourages the audience to advocate for accessibility from the beginning of design processes.
  • Highlights the importance of including disabled individuals in all levels of decision making.

Scientific Contributions

Speaker: Klaus Miesenberger

• Role: Journal Track Program Chair, Scientific Editor
• Key Points:
  • Importance of rigorous scientific research in advancing assistive technologies.
  • Recognition of significant contributions through the Dr. Art Karschmer Award.

Dr. Art Karschmer Award

• Recipient: University of Washington and Utah State University
• Study: Predictors of Post-Secondary Web Accessibility 2012-2022

Conference Highlights

• Networking and Social Events:

  • Opportunities to connect with other participants through structured events.
  • Emphasis on guidance for new attendees.

• Acknowledgments:

  • Thanks extended to sponsors, exhibitors, and the CSUN Center on Disabilities for organizing the event.

This summary captures the key points and highlights of the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, providing an overview of the speeches, awards, and themes discussed.