Amber Olson’s journey through accessibility showcases a unique perspective on the evolution of educational support for students with disabilities. Beginning with her personal experiences as a note-taker for a college friend who was deaf, Amber’s career has been shaped by firsthand exposure to the gaps and opportunities in accessibility. She now plays a significant role in driving accessibility efforts within educational institutions, notably at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Here, her work in the Textbook Rental Program and partnerships with the Disability Services Office have laid a strong foundation for inclusive education. In this article, we delve into her insights and the larger lessons they bring for accessibility in higher education.
Amber Olson’s journey in accessibility shines a light on the evolving support for students with disabilities in education. Beginning as a note-taker for a college friend who was deaf, Amber’s experiences led her to focus her career on accessibility, now working within the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s library team. There, she has made impactful strides in the Textbook Rental Program and partnerships with the Disability Services Office, advocating for inclusive learning resources. This article explores her insights and lessons for enhancing accessibility in higher education.
Path to Accessibility
Amber’s journey began by assisting a deaf friend in college, sparking her dedication to accessibility. Her background includes work with the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute, a program that aids individuals with disabilities in securing accommodations for work. Now, as part of Stout’s library team, she oversees efforts to support students with diverse needs, leveraging her firsthand experience in accessibility.
Proactive Design in Accessibility
At Stout, Amber has been instrumental in encouraging a proactive design approach to accessibility. The Textbook Rental Program, working with Disability Services, offers students physical copies of digital textbooks or alternative formats without delay. This approach allows students to begin their studies with the resources they need, minimizing disruptions to learning. Amber advocates for shifting from reactive to proactive accommodations, aiming to make accessibility seamless from the start.
Scaling Accessibility Programs
As accessibility needs grow, Amber’s small team manages accommodations for the entire campus, from digital content to physical books. The program, supported by a modest student fee, provides a full range of resources, yet scaling remains challenging. Working with open educational resources (OERs), Amber and her team adapt content flexibly, sidestepping publisher permissions and ensuring accessibility without added wait times.
Collaboration for Inclusive Learning
Amber emphasizes the power of collaboration to drive accessibility on campus. By working closely with the Disability Services Office and encouraging faculty to use OERs, her team advocates for accessible solutions while fostering a culture of inclusion. Stout’s E-Fordability Summit has grown significantly, drawing hundreds of attendees each year and raising awareness about accessibility. The university also collaborates with other universities, building a regional network to advance accessibility standards.
Future Disruptions in Accessibility
Amber foresees several trends that could reshape accessibility. The shift by publishers to digital-only formats, while convenient, poses barriers for students needing print versions. Additionally, changing Department of Education regulations may impact funding and accessibility programs, potentially introducing new challenges for students. Amber stresses that institutions must stay vigilant, preparing for unintended consequences and advocating for inclusivity.
Key Takeaways for Accessibility Leaders
Amber Olson’s experience offers valuable lessons for accessibility in education. Her approach highlights the importance of proactive, integrated design for accessibility. Leaders looking to drive accessibility can focus on:
Proactive Design: Incorporate accessibility from the start to reduce reactive measures.
Advanced Digital Tools: Use technology, such as customizable digital textbooks, to support universal access.
Collaborative Partnerships: Work with campus partners to implement effective accessibility solutions.
Adaptive Strategies: Stay alert to regulatory changes and technological advances to prevent potential setbacks.
Amber’s work shows that educational institutions can champion accessibility, creating inclusive environments that cater to diverse learning needs. Through intentional design, adaptive tools, and collaborative frameworks, universities can ensure that accessibility becomes an essential part of the student experience.
