Accessibility in education is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to create equitable experiences for all. In a recent conversation on the Beyond Barriers podcast, Stephanie Cawthon, an academic and advocate for accessibility, shared her journey, challenges, and strategies for fostering inclusivity. Her insights highlight the importance of redefining accessibility in education and building a foundation for systemic change.
Bridging the Gap in Accessibility
Stephanie’s passion for accessibility is rooted in her love for language and communication. Through her work at the University of Texas and beyond, she explores how inequities in education disproportionately impact students with disabilities. Her focus is on addressing these discrepancies through research, teaching, and advocacy.
Stephanie explained that while there has been progress, accessibility is often misunderstood or overlooked. She emphasized that understanding the experiences of people with disabilities is a prerequisite for creating truly accessible systems.
Stephanie: "Before we can jump to accessibility, we must understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities and confront ableism. The world isn’t designed for people with disabilities, and that’s the core issue."
Stephanie’s Three Buckets of Accessibility Impact
Stephanie categorizes her work into three overlapping areas of impact:
Research: Over the past 25 years, Stephanie has focused on redesigning assessments to make them accessible to all students, particularly in the K–12 education system. Standardized assessments are a well-known barrier, and her research aims to develop equitable testing systems that reflect diverse needs.
Teaching: As a professor, Stephanie integrates accessibility and disability studies into her curriculum, helping students understand these concepts in-depth. Her shift to online classes has not only increased attendance but also brought in students from diverse disciplines like business, nursing, and engineering.
Stephanie: "This simple change—moving to online classes—transformed accessibility for students and brought a wider range of perspectives into the course."Advocacy: Stephanie actively shares knowledge through books, blogs, and speaking engagements to expand the conversation on accessibility. Her recent book, Disability is Human, challenges readers to rethink disability as part of the human experience and not an outlier.
Challenges in Implementing Accessibility
One of the key challenges Stephanie discussed is the resistance to investing in accessibility for less common disabilities. She noted that organizations often view accommodations for a small group as a low return on investment (ROI). This mindset, she explained, overlooks the broader systemic benefits of accessible practices.
Stephanie: "It’s not about the cost for one person—it’s about building a system that works for everyone. Today, it might help one person; tomorrow, it will help many more."
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of middle managers in implementing accessibility strategies. While leadership sets the tone, middle managers are often the "doers" who require training and resources to drive these initiatives effectively.
The Role of Attitudes in Accessibility
Through her research, Stephanie has found that attitudes play a critical role in accessibility. She emphasized that reducing ableism and fostering positive attitudes toward disabilities is as important as providing physical access.
Stephanie: "Attitude impacts achievement. The way people perceive disabilities shapes what individuals believe about themselves and their potential."
Future Disruptions in Accessibility
Stephanie pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) as both a challenge and an opportunity for accessibility. While AI has the potential to enhance learning and communication, it also introduces new risks, particularly when biases in technology reinforce ableism. She stressed the need for thoughtful integration of AI into education to support inclusive learning environments.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie concluded with a powerful message about the importance of collaboration. She encouraged those working on accessibility to find allies and build supportive networks to overcome the isolation often felt in this field.
Stephanie: "Accessibility can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Find others who share your curiosity and commitment, and work together to create change."
Stephanie Cawthon’s work serves as a reminder that accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating equitable systems that empower everyone. Through research, teaching, and advocacy, she is redefining accessibility as a shared responsibility and a vital aspect of humanizing education.
Her book, Disability is Human, encapsulates this vision, challenging readers to embrace accessibility not as an obligation but as an opportunity to build a more inclusive world. For educators, businesses, and individuals alike, her insights provide a roadmap for driving meaningful change.
