September 16, 2025 Mark Seifarth

AT Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox – 2025-2026 Sept 17, Oct 8, Dec 10, Jan 14, Feb 18, Mar 11 – Wed 3:30pm-4:15pm ET – FREE virtual professional development series – strategies/tools to support AT consideration process for all students with disabilities

AT Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox

September 2025 – March 2026

REGISTER BELOW SEPARATELY FOR EACH SESSION

The Assistive Technology and Accessible Educational Materials Center (AT&AEM Center) at Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence (OCALI) is pleased to host AT Consideration Series: Beyond the Checkbox, a FREE virtual professional development series, which takes a deep dive into the AT consideration process framed around the six steps of the AT Decision-Making Tool (ATDMT). AT Consideration is required by law to be completed at each IEP meeting. Teams must select ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the IEP to specify whether the student requires AT devices and/or services. Thoughtful AT consideration involves examining a range of factors that guide the team toward informed decision-making. This series will guide participants through the AT Consideration process, including the six steps of the ATDMT, to build confidence in decision-making and clarify the next steps. Whether or not you’re currently using the tool, each session offers valuable insights into the core components of AT consideration, with opportunities to engage with hosts and fellow participants, plus a dedicated Q&A segment at the end of each session.

Who should attend?

Whether you’re looking to get started with the ATDMT or want to explore what drives thoughtful, evidence-based team decisions for AT consideration, this PD opportunity is designed for you! Suggested attendees include, but not limited to: intervention specialists, general educators, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, administrators, paraprofessionals, family members, etc. Designed to meet the needs of IEP Teams from Preschool through 12th grade.

Key Concepts and Take-aways

Participants will gain actionable strategies and tools to support the AT consideration process for all students with disabilities.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the six steps of the ATDMT, including universal tools, AT assessment, accessible formats, and IEP documentation, to support access to education for all students with disabilities.

Earn Credit!

0.5 Professional Development Contact Hour available for each session attended—must complete session evaluation to access certificate.

Presented by the AT&AEM Center staff at OCALI

Below are the 6 different sessions offered. Participants are not required to attend all sessions but are encouraged to attend as many sessions necessary to meet their learning needs. Each session will take a deep dive into the AT consideration process as well as the steps of the AT Decision-Making Tool. Participants who are interested in learning more about the tool and the process of AT consideration are encouraged to attend. Even if not utilizing the tool, the sessions will provide valuable information into each content area of the AT consideration process. Interactive Q&A time will be set aside at the end of every session.

All sessions are on Wednesdays from 3:30pm-4:15pm.

September 17, 2025 – Getting Started with AT Consideration: Identifying the task REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/wM5CP9agTu2clEXUo1jirA#/registration

October 8, 2025 – Technology Everywhere: When Universal Tools become AT REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/7YA2FrYDSsSxh_KTwTDG4Q#/registration

December 10, 2025 – Deep Dive: AT Assessment Essentials REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ym-4B-cVROWeuAAUZ5h6aQ#/registration

January 14, 2026 – Unpacking Accessible Educational Materials REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/zZTI0xciSp-3yZNRszIXEw#/registration

February 18, 2026 – Deep Dive: Identifying Accessible Formats REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/15qhj6PIQFiCgyZJdOpi_g#/registration

March 11, 2026 – Making it Count: Documenting in the IEP REGISTER: https://ocali-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/1-a_ejt1To6pp3CgRh00Lw#/registration

Registration

Participants need to sign up for each session they wish to attend. Reminder emails with join links will be sent the Friday before each session. Sessions will be recorded and posted at a later date on AT&AEM website. Registration for a session does not provide the participant with a recording of the session. Q&A at the end of the session will not be recorded.

Contact AT&AEM Center with any questions.

Phone: 614.410.1042
Email: ataem_info@ocali.org

September 8, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Nonpartisan Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) 09/08/25-09/12/25-Hosted by American Association of People with Disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW)

Monday, September 8, 2025 (All day) to Friday, September 12, 2025 (All day)

DVRW is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities’ REV UP campaign to advocate for accessible futures, celebrate community, and build power. Disability activists have fought hard for accessibility rights for voters with disabilities, which benefit everyone. If you are disabled, make sure you know your rights before you go to vote! If you aren’t disabled now, think about how the rights won by activists could make voting more accessible for you and others in your life.

Through DVRW, voters with disabilities:

Think: My vote matters and voting is one way that I can use my power in my community.
Feel: Solidarity with a broader community; supported to access their right to vote.
Do: Register to vote; make a plan to vote in November 2025; support a friend in registering, educating, and voting!

Through DVRW, election officials, poll workers, and nondisabled people:

Learn about the barriers that disabled voters face.
Learn what actions they can take to make voting more accessible.
Recognize the power of the disability community and the importance of building accessible systems
Engage the disability community during this week of action and in every election cycle.

Learn how voting in Ohio is accessible at VoteOhio.org. Go to https://www.lwvohio.org/electionsandvoting for information you need to register or update your registration. If you run into trouble when voting, call or text Election Protection to get help right away. https://866ourvote.org

August 31, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Sept 2nd 12-1PM ET – Next Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Webinar Series – Fighting for Civil and Disability Rights: Strategies to Overcome Barriers

The Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA

REGISTER: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/axs6uxa

Join us as we unpack this research study and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, as well as the challenges and barriers, faced by Black individuals with disabilities in accessing information and exercising their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By presenting the findings of this study, we will highlight the discrimination and marginalization these individuals experience, while also exploring avenues for advocacy, collective action, and support.

The Intersection of Race, Disability, and the ADA: Findings from a Focus Group Study

March 4, 2025, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

This study explores the intersection of race, disability, and rights under the ADA. On this webinar we shared key themes from the research, including the systemic barriers Black individuals with disabilities face in exercising their rights. Topics included access to information about the ADA, the role of advocacy, and recommendations to improve access, awareness, and inclusion. We will highlighted the strength and resilience of Black disabled communities, as well as strategies for collective action to address injustice.

Previous Webinars recorded and is available for on-demand: https://www.adainfo.org/trainings/

Intersectionality: Unpacking Discrimination, Stigma, and Multiple Marginalization

June 3, 2025, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple, interconnected social identities—such as race, disability, gender, and class—that interact in shaping their experiences of privilege and oppression. For Black individuals with disabilities, these overlapping identities often lead to compounded barriers in exercising rights and accessing opportunities under the ADA. This webinar will explore how these intersecting identities create specific vulnerabilities in areas like healthcare, education, employment, and public spaces. Through real-world examples, we will examine the impact of intersectional discrimination on Black disabled communities and discuss actionable strategies to address these challenges. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the tools to analyze and advocate for the rights of Black individuals with disabilities through an intersectional framework.

Previous Webinars recorded and is available for on-demand: https://www.adainfo.org/trainings/

Fighting for Civil and Disability Rights: Strategies to Overcome Barriers

September 2, 2025, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

For Black individuals with disabilities, systemic barriers can present unique challenges in securing equal opportunities and exercising fundamental rights. This webinar will delve into the legal landscape of civil and disability rights, highlighting key legislation and protections. We will explore common barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including discrimination, inaccessible environments, and lack of inclusive policies. Participants will learn advocacy strategies to overcome these obstacles, ranging from self-advocacy and community organizing to legal recourse and policy engagement.

The Power of Visibility and Community Advocacy

December 2, 2025, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

Visibility matters. When we share our stories and perspectives, we challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and inspire others to action. This webinar will explore how embracing visibility can combat the intersectional discrimination faced by Black disabled individuals. We’ll discuss how sharing your authentic experiences can spark important conversations, foster understanding, and drive social change within your communities. Learn practical strategies for leveraging your voice and platform, building alliances, and engaging in effective community advocacy to amplify your impact.

August 17, 2025 Mark Seifarth

8/20/25 2PM ET NCD Virtual Briefing – Paratransit and Microtransit – ADA35 Series: Ground Transportation for People with Mobility Disabilities

8/20/25 2PM ET National Council on Disability (NCD) Virtual Briefing – Paratransit and Microtransit

LINK To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ada35-series-ground-transportation-for-people-with-mobility-disabilities-tickets-1487310418499?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

The National Council on Disability (NCD) celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary with a virtual policy briefing series focused on ground transportation. and its July 23, 2025 advisement to federal policymakers titled:

Ground Transportation for People with Mobility Disabilities 2025: Challenges and Progress.

LINK To Report Download, Press Release, Scope & Purpose and Policy Briefing Series: https://www.ncd.gov/report/ground-transportation-for-people-with-mobility-disabilities-2025-challenges-and-progress/

July 30, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Brief Thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act 35 Years: Onward and Why

Mark Seifarth

As July 2025 Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act draw to a close, I offer my brief thoughts and reflections as we go forward:

Brief Thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act 35 Years: Onward and Why

Mark Seifarth

On July 26, 1990, I was on the White House lawn with 3000 of my closest friends watching George H.W. Bush sign the Americans with Disabilities Act.

President H.W.Bush and his administration demonstrated bipartisanship in working with many legislators on both sides of the aisle in Congress in bringing the ADA to his desk to be signed into law. Many legislators, elected and appointed officials, and people with disabilities & advocates were instrumental in the passage of the ADA and I pay the utmost respect to all of them, but they are far too numerous to list. It was unifying and bipartisan across the political and disability spectrum. I submit, we must work to regain that bipartisanship in federal, state and local government.

During the July 2025 35th ADA anniversary, I have been posting many opportunities to learn about and participate in events online to grow in your knowledge of the ADA on the Ohio Disability Blog, Twitter X, and Linked In. One example providing a great deal of education and information is the Film and Panel Discussion on “Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act.” Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and the American Association of People with Disabilities hosted the event in the Capitol Visitors Center in Washington, DC. The panel discussion was moderated by Judy Woodruff and featured guest speakers Former Congressmen Tony Coelho and Steve Bartlett.

Here is a YouTube link to the two-hour film and bipartisan panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqU7EjWZkKA (If there are any difficulties with the link, please search –- discussion and screening of Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act –- and the search should yield a link to the film on PBS and a YouTube link to the film and panel discussion above.)

My reasons for these brief thoughts on the ADA 35th Anniversary are twofold.

First, we must learn and remember our history. As a person with a lifelong physical disability born 33 years before the ADA became law, I am now closing in on 70 years old. So, these anniversaries give us the opportunity to learn and grow from people who worked on the passage, and how that long advocacy journey resulted in the ADA. Please continue to learn. We also have entire new generations of people with disabilities and advocates who continue to push for equal access, equal treatment, and informed choices in their communities for people with disabilities. We must all mentor, educate, and support succeeding generations coming of age since 1990 as they are assuming leadership roles and championing new advocacy efforts and initiatives.

Second, in many ways the current public and policy environment should cause concern, and highlight the need to educate, inform and advocate on services and supports that help people with disabilities work, live, and grow in their own local communities. All people must have real opportunities to learn and make informed decisions about their own lives. In the current policy environment, many federal programs are being cut or combined with other programs under the guise of streamlining and efficiency when hard fought supports to work and live in your community may be diminished or not be available.

One example is cuts to Medicaid and other programs described as cuts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Now these are taxpayers’ dollars. We must be sure they are well spent and result in the legally prescribed outcomes. We must all identify misuse or abuse of tax money and correct these misuses.

But, in some ways we are not being given all the information. Yes, perhaps recent cuts in Medicaid funds and other programs are not directly in programs meant to support people with disabilities. Many of these cuts in programs will be sent to individual states to implement. With much less money available to states to administer these programs, each state must decide where to make cuts to make up for the significant reduction in federal funds. The federal government can say, they didn’t make the cuts, but they may give individual states no choice but to cut work and community programs for people with disabilities. Further, states are being forced to implement additional onerous paperwork and reapplications for services, not annually, but twice a year. This is not only costly to states but may result in loss of services due to the difficulties posed by new compliance mandates for consumers, such as additional unanticipated deadlines.

Finally, we may begin to encounter a decline in respect, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities – from changes in housing opportunities, to increased reluctance to any costs to fully incorporate people with disabilities in community and public life.

I believe it is not happening often at this point. But it highlights that now more than ever we must utilize all we have learned in the advocacy for and passage of the ADA of 1990. We must continuously educate, inform, and combat misinformation, or incomplete information on cuts and changes to federal, state, and local programs that support people with disabilities living, working and contributing in their local towns and cities. We must highlight how these programs give everyone the chance to work and live together in society.

Please celebrate the ADA after 35 years of law. It is a great milestone as we continue to learn and grow.

So, let me leave you with this final thought: advocacy is constant. We must continuously work to not return to the days when people with disabilities were not to be seen or were not your neighbor.

When I gave the Commencement Address at Kent State University some years ago, the title of my remarks was “The Finals are Never Over.” For as we celebrate our accomplishments and triumphs, the next challenge or opportunity to use what we have learned is just around the corner. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the fight for equal access for people with disabilities is never over.

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 Mark Seifarth

July 16th 3PM ET- Lunch & Learn: The ADA 35th Anniversary – What are your rights as a person with a disability?

Register today for the next ADA Lunch and Learn: The ADA 35th Anniversary: What are your rights as a person with a disability?

Lunch & Learn: The ADA 35th Anniversary – What are your rights as a person with a disability?

July 16 2025

3pm – 4pm Eastern Time — 12pm – 1pm Pacific Time

Description

Join the Pacific ADA Center in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This session will provide an overview of your rights under the ADA and how the law continues to protect people with disabilities in public life. Learn how the ADA impacts everyday experiences in employment, transportation, public services, and beyond.

Presenters

Jan Garrett serves as the Deputy Director of ADA Programs for the Pacific ADA Center at the Public Health Institute (PHI). She has over 25 years of experience providing guidance and training on the ADA and other disability rights laws for businesses, state and local governments, architects, people with disabilities, and others. As a person with a lived experience of disability, Jan has a deeply personal understanding of why disability civil rights are so important.

Savannah Bradley is the Community Outreach and Programs Manager for the Pacific ADA Center, a program within the Center on Disability at the Public Health Institute (PHI). Savannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from San Diego State University and a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Health Behavior from Oregon State University. She worked in higher education for a decade before joining PHI in 2024 and has dedicated her career to reducing health disparities and advocating for underserved populations.

Registration information

All events »

July 6, 2025July 6, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Register: July 8th Webinar Celebrating the ADA: How Assistive Technology (AT) Supports Daily Life and Work

Celebrating the ADA: How Assistive Technology (AT) Supports Daily Life and Work

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

3:00 PM EDT – 4:30 PM EDT

Web / Online

Join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) for a special webinar in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with a focus on how technology is shaping the future of accessibility.

The ADA affirms a simple but powerful principle: individuals with disabilities who want to work should be able to work. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, there have been advancements made with tools to increase accessibility. At the same time, there are basic assistive technology (AT) tools that continue to be overlooked as a solution.

The webinar panel from the Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training Center (AT3 Center) will focus on increasing access to and acquisition of AT tools across the lifespan. The panel will share examples of how AT is a critical bridge to helping break down barriers and provide innovative approaches for one to be more independent within the workplace and the broader community.

Registrants can note accommodation needs, such as captioning or sign language, on the registration page. The webinar will be live captioned (with Spanish machine translations) and have ASL interpretation available.

Webinars are recorded and posted with supporting materials on the DETAC website at: aoddisabilityemploymenttacenter.com

The Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to provide evidence-based training and technical assistance to Administration on Disabilities grantees for improving competitive integrated employment and economic outcomes for individuals with disabilities across the nation.

Cost of Event: Free

Registration Requirement: Required

For More Information on This Event:

Sponsoring Organization(s) of Event:

Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC)

Audience(s):

Architects/Contractors
Business
Employer
People with Disabilities
State and Local Government

Topic:

ADA Anniversary

June 23, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Webinar June 25th 1-2:30PM ET – Top 5 Things to Know About Aging in America – Alliance For Heath Policy

WEBINAR:
Top 5 Things to Know About Aging in America
Insights for the Health Policy Community
Wednesday, June 25 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

Register for the webinar

What to expect from the webinar:

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the many programs and resources tied to aging, you’re not alone.
This webinar will help you understand the four foundational policies identified by Alliance experts—Medicare, Medicaid, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Older Americans Act (OAA)—that have the greatest impact on aging populations.
Our panel of experts will share their go-to resources for understanding and staying up to date on the key aging policies (and why these policies matter). Speakers will also highlight innovations and emerging models from across the country that offer a glimpse into the future of aging policy.

This free, nonpartisan webinar is open to the public and designed to give policymakers, staffers, advocates, and curious minds the tools to engage more meaningfully with the policies shaping aging in America.
This webinar was made possible thanks to 2025 Signature Series Champion Sponsors Elevance Health, GSK, and Kaiser Permanente.

Register for the webinar

Webinar speakers:

Rob Lott (Moderator)Senior Deputy Editor, Health Affairs

Tricia NeumanSenior Vice President, Executive Director for Program on Medicare Policy, KFF

Rebecca VallasCEO, National Academy of Social Insurance

Abby CoxSenior Director of Aging Policy, Advancing States

About the Alliance’s Signature Series:

For the past decade, the Signature Series has been the Alliance for Health Policy’s flagship annual program that brings together cross-sector experts to examine the most challenging issues in health policy. Each year, the Series uncovers key insights and translates them into accessible, nonpartisan education for policymakers and the public.

The 2025 Signature Series on “Aging in America” brings together the best and brightest minds from across the health care and policy landscape to examine how our system measures up to the needs of an aging population, and how we can best educate policymakers to be ready to take on the challenge. Events include a thought leader workshop, webinar, public summit, and congressional briefing.

May 21, 2025May 21, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Center for Disability Empowerment Launches Nationwide Search for New Executive Director – Deadline June 13

The Center for Disability Empowerment Launches Search for New Executive Director

COLUMBUS, OH — The Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next Executive Director. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independent living and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, CDE seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to guide its mission into the future.

Founded on the principles of the Independent Living Movement, CDE has served as a vital resource and advocate for people with disabilities in Central Ohio and beyond. The incoming Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, cultivating partnerships, securing funding, and amplifying the voices of the disability community.

“The CDE Board of Directors is incredibly proud of the impactful work Sue has done with the agency and wish her a joyful and well-deserved retirement,” said Courtney Kimbrough, President of the Board of Directors. “We also look forward with great excitement to the future as we begin the search for our next Executive Director.”

The ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to disability justice, demonstrated leadership in nonprofit or public service sectors, and experience in organizational management, advocacy, and community engagement. Lived experience with disability is strongly encouraged and valued.

CDE invites qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The search is being conducted in by the Center for Disability’s Board of Directors. Interested individuals can apply by sending a cover letter and resume to CDE_HR@disabilityempowerment.net.

As CDE embarks on this next chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its mission: to ensure that people with disabilities have the tools, resources, and support to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

About the Center for Disability Empowerment
The Center for Disability Empowerment is a community-based, nonprofit organization operated by and for people with disabilities. CDE is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead self-directed lives, advocate for their rights, and participate fully in society.

Job Posting Announcement: Executive Director at the Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE)

Location: Columbus, Ohio

The Center for Disability Empowerment (CDE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Our mission is to advocate for disability rights, promote independence, and create positive change in the lives of individuals and their communities. CDE works to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. We are looking for an Executive Director to lead our dynamic team and help us continue our vital work in the community.

The Executive Director position offers a salary of up to $80,000 per year based on experience, with paid holidays annually and a generous amount of sick and vacation time. Lived experience with disability is a required qualification. Interviews will take place in June and July, with the position set to begin on October 1.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Collaboration with the Board of Directors

Ensure that CDE consistently operates in alignment with its mission and vision.
Foster a productive partnership with the Board of Directors to strengthen CDE’s capacity and impact.
Keep the Board fully informed about organizational performance, key issues, and external opportunities.
Collaborate with the Board to annually review and adjust the strategic plan.
Attend all board meetings unless otherwise directed.

2. Operational Management and Team Leadership

Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with vendors, community partners, funders and individual donors.
Oversee negotiations with contractors and external partners.
Manage and empower CDE’s staff, creating an inclusive and respectful workplace that reflects diverse cultural values.
Monitor the quality of all programs and services to ensure they align with CDE’s mission and are achieving high levels of client satisfaction.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding operations and records.

3. Financial Stewardship and Fundraising

Lead the development of the annual budget in collaboration with Board committees.
Build and maintain strong relationships with public and private funders.
Identify and lead the development of new funding proposals and opportunities.
Ensure that the required funding reporting practices and deadlines are being followed.
Ensure that financial controls are in place, and CDE complies with nonprofit accounting and reporting standards.
Oversee the branding and marketing strategies to enhance CDE’s public presence.

4. Advocacy and Public Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with local, state and national disability advocacy organizations.
Strengthen and expand CDE’s reputation as a leader in Independent Living and disability advocacy across targeted regions (Franklin, Delaware, Union and Licking, Ohio counties).
Lead the development and coordination of events, workshops, publications and the agency website.
Serve as the primary spokesperson for CDE, advocating for its mission and values.

Education and Experience

Required: Lived experience with disability.
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Social Services or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, with proven success in strategic planning, operations, and staff development.
Entrepreneurial mindset with innovative approach to business planning and program development.

Additional Qualifications

Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors
Proven leadership in fundraising, including grant writing and donor relations
Excellent public speaking and advocacy skills
A deep understanding of the Independent Living philosophy and Disability Social justice principles

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to CDE_HR@disabilityempowerment.net by June 13th, 2025.

http://www.disabilityempowerment.net/about-us/execpost

http://www.disabilityempowerment.net

May 18, 2025 Mark Seifarth

Webinar: May 27th 1PM ET: National Park Service – NPS.gov Media Player: An Accessible Option for All Government

May 27, 2025 – The NPS.gov Media Player: An Accessible Option for All Government

Section 508 Best Practices The NPS.gov Media Player: An Accessible Option for All Government

Tuesday, May 27th 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

The Revised Section 508 Standards include a requirement (503.4) where a digital product displays video with synchronized audio, the product shall provide user controls for closed captions and audio descriptions at the same menu level as the user controls for volume or program selection. The National Park Service (NPS) within the Department of the Interior (DOI) has developed an open-source media player which conforms with the Revised Section 508 Standard for user controls by ensuring that the caption control (CC) and audio description control (AD) buttons are visible along-side the other user controls.

Over several years, the National Park Service has customized a media player which aims to be as accessible as possible. It supports multi-track audio and video, allowing a user to toggle between standard, described, and American Sign Language versions of a single video; it supports captioning in over 10 languages; and has been through several rounds of user testing with people who are blind / low vision. The code for this player is available on GitHub.

Questions can be submitted in advance of the session or can be posed during the live webinar.

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning will be provided.

Continuing Education Recognition Available
Certificate Credit hours:
ACTCP 1.5 hours
Certificate of Attendance 1.5 hours

Speakers:
Alex Lindeman, IT Specialist, Section 508 Program Coordinator, National Park Service

Sid Sharma, Section 508 Program Manager, Department of the Interior

Questions for presenters:

1. You say the media player complies with Section 508, which means it is conformant with WCAG 2.0 AA. Does it meet any of the additional WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 success criteria? 2. Can you please share the link to the project on GitHub, ideally before the webinar. I have searched for it but cannot find it.
Is the media player available for others to use, such as non-profit organizations?
Is the media player available for others to use, such as non-profit organizations?

Privacy Statement

In order to register for this webinar you will need to create an account and provide, at a minimum, your name, email address, phone number, city, and country. If you do not wish to create an account, you may watch this webinar after it has been recorded. Webinars are typically posted 2 days after the live session. You can access our previously recorded webinars at this link. Be advised that in order to obtain continuing education credits you must register and create an account. See Continuing Education Recognition Request Policy.