The Universal Design Center (UDC) at Montgomery College is excited to host the Spring 2025 Inclusion by Design Summit—a gathering of educators, industry professionals, and advocates dedicated to universal design, accessibility, and equity.

This year’s summit, themed “When Accessibility Leads, Belonging Follows,” will showcase best practices, emerging research, and innovative strategies for fostering inclusion across education, workplaces, and digital environments. Attendees will gain actionable insights through dynamic presentations, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking discussions.

Event Details for Attendees

Date: Friday, April 11, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Online (Zoom links sent prior to the event)

Who Should Attend? This event is open to the public and welcomes educators, business leaders, accessibility specialists, and professionals interested in advancing inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.

What to Expect?

• Engage in Interactive Workshops: Delve into various interactive workshops that will enrich your understanding and skills in inclusive design practices.
• Participate in Speed Sessions: Enjoy rapid, insightful sessions that will keep you on your toes and enhance your knowledge in designing inclusive digital and physical environments.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals passionate about fostering inclusivity in all aspects of life and work.
• Discover Insights from a Guest Speaker: Engage in a compelling discussion where our esteemed guest will share their extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences leading the way for inclusive design.

Summit Schedule & Registration

Registration Details

• MC Employees: Register via Workday (links provided below).
• External Attendees: Register through the public registration form.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST.
• Zoom Links: Sent to all registered participants on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 4:30 PM EST.
• Presenters have the option to record their sessions. Recorded sessions will be made available to registered participants after the event.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

• Understanding the DOJ’s New Digital Accessibility Rule: Implications for Higher Education

            Presenter: TobyLarue Haynes

            MC Employees: Register via Workday – Link will be available soon! 

• Exploring the Neuroscience of Learning in Online Course Design: Enhancing Engagement, Retention, and Success

            Presenter: Erin Marcinek

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

• Bridging Accessibility and Belonging Through Universal Design

            Presenters: Suzanne Kiewe, Alyssa Simms-Clark, and Katie York

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

• Using AI to Develop Multiple Means of Action and Expression

            Presenter: Angela Lanier

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Digital Literacy as the Key to Inclusive Design: Adapting, Innovating, and Thriving in the AI Era

            Presenters: Timothy Fahey

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

• The CLEAR Framework – MC’s Response to Digital Accessibility

            Presenter: Dr. Paul Miller

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM

• Microsoft Accessibility Features

            Presenter: Megan Calvert

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• When Accessibility Leads – Belonging Follows (Keynote Panel Discussion)

            Panelists: MC Faculty – Moderator: Paul Miller

           MC Employees: Register via Workday

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

• Sounds to See: An Immersive Audio Description Experience

            Presenter: Maria-Victoria Diaz

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

• Using Blackboard Ultra for Inclusive and Engaging Learning Experiences – MC Employees Only

            Presenters: Blackboard Ultra Team (ELITE)

            MC Employees: Register via Workday – Multiple sessions available:

Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Office Hours – Spring 2025 – Workday

Converting Original Courses to Blackboard Learn Ultra – Spring 2025 – Workday

Blackboard Learn Ultra Basics – Spring 2025 – Workday

• Using AI to Support Critical Thinking & Communication While Ensuring Accessibility

            Presenter: Gloria Barron

            MC Employees: Register via Workday

Accommodations

To request reasonable accommodation(s), please contact paul.miller@montgomerycollege.edu. Requests should be submitted by Friday, March 28, 2025, to ensure appropriate arrangements.

Have Questions?

Contact Dr. Paul Miller at paul.miller@montgomerycollege.edu

We look forward to welcoming you to the Spring 2025 Inclusion by Design Summit!