The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education stresses that “Information Has Value,” and that we need to recognize issues of access or lack of access to information sources. A library that does not provide access to academic materials to all students is not allowing them to succeed. For example, how can we ensure that learning materials are accessible for students with limited vision, hearing, or mobility? Universal Design (UD) is a model that attempts to provide information access to all users. It offers materials that are accessible for all learners, with or without disabilities
In this workshop from Derek Stadler, Web Services Librarian and Head of Media Services at LaGuardia Community College, participants will:
Understand the basics of UD and why using them in academic librarianship is vital
Identify ableist practices and assumptions in education
Engage in a discussion of what barriers to learning might students be facing and what can be done to eliminate the barriers.
Derek Stadler is a Professor at LaGuardia Community College, serving as the Library’s Web Services Librarian and Head of Media Services. At LaGuardia, he has organized and co-led several workshops on universal design and accessibility. Derek has a BS in Computer Science, an MS in Library Science, and an MA in History. His library research has been published in Journal of Library Administration, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, The Journal of Interactive Technology & Pedagogy, New Review of Academic Librarianship, Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Innovative Pedagogy, and the Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance Learning. His history research has been published in Long Island History Journal, New York History, and German Life and Letters.