801 Accessible & Inclusive Learning: A Panel Discussion

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 14

When From Analysis to Evaluation: Tools, Tips, and Techniques for Trainers was first published in 2008, few designers thought about whether or how to ensure that their online resources would be accessible to a diverse population of learners; a focus on designing inclusive content was years away.

In this closing session of our online conference marking 15 years since the book was released, we look at how far we've come— and how much we still need to do—to achieve the goal of learning content that is accessible and inclusive to all of our learners. Join this panel discussion for perspectives on how and why to create inclusive learning, why an accessibility strategy is an essential element of any training strategy, and how to champion this viewpoint in your organization.

Jane Bozarth (Host)

Director of Research

The Learning Guild

Jane Bozarth, the director of research for the Learning Guild, is a veteran classroom trainer who transitioned to eLearning in the late 1990s and has never looked back. In her previous job as leader of the State of North Carolina's award-winning eLearning program, Jane specialized in finding low-cost ways of providing online training solutions. She is the author of several books, including eLearning Solutions on a Shoestring, Social Media for Trainers, and Show Your Work: The Payoffs and How-To's of Working Out Loud. Jane holds a doctorate in training and development and was awarded the Guild Master Award in 2013 for her accomplishments and contributions to the eLearning community.

Jean Marrapodi

VP/Senior Instructional Designer

UMB Bank

Jean Marrapodi, Ph.D., CPTD, has designed and developed eLearning for over 20 years in various industries and higher education. Named a Guild Master in 2016 by the eLearning Guild, she is considered an industry thought leader. Over the last 10 years, Marrapodi has presented more than 75 workshops and webinars for industry organizations and has taught over 40 graduate and undergraduate courses at New England College of Business, where she served as director of eLearning. Her expertise lies in her ability to make the complex simple, and pinpoint client needs to drive to business outcomes. She is a soup-to-nuts eLearning designer, able to single-handedly build a project from idea to rollout and work in a specific role on a project team. She is the chief learning architect at Applestar Productions, providing targeted eLearning and custom workshops for her clients.

Ariana Saunders

Associate Director

Corporation for Supportive Housing

Ariana Saunders is the associate director of the National Training Center at the Corporation for Supportive Housing. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of program evaluation, quality improvement, and training in the nonprofit sector. Specifically, she has extensive experience in managing and evaluating child welfare, HIV/AIDS, developmental disability, behavioral health, supportive housing, and homeless services. She has experience in curriculum development and evaluation. Ariana received a master’s degree in applied social psychology from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles.

Christine Selinger

Consultant & Instructional Designer

Creative by Christine

Christine Selinger is a consultant specializing in disability-related education, training, and instructional design. She is passionate about creating and maintaining spaces that are physically and socially accessible for all. Christine holds three degrees in education and science, was a two-time ParaCanoe World Champion, and was the first paraplegic to traverse the rugged Nootka Trail. She is committed to giving back to her community both locally and globally through participation in various committees and councils related to accessibility. She has written for, or appeared in, several publications including 51degreesnorth, New Mobility, Our Canada, Inappropriate Questions, and CBC's Hello Goodbye.

Nick Tillem

Learning Technologies Manager

Nick Tillem is a learning technologies manager at a consumer goods company, where his passion for accessibility shines through in his work. His professional journey has been diverse, ranging from roles as an American Sign Language Teacher to time spent as a monk. In 2021, Nick graduated with a master's degree in education technology, learning, and development from the University of North Florida. His focus lies in simplifying accessibility plans through a combination of personal scripting and strategic business approaches, while also breaking down training barriers and dispelling accessibility myths.

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