Affiliated Institution/Organization(s): Northern Illinois University
Session Format: Presentation
Session Tracks: AEA – Accessibility, Equity & Access
LS – Leadership & Strategy
Session Description
Accessibility work is often described as a journey, but the path is rarely straight. As institutions respond to evolving accessibility expectations, sustainable progress depends on not only policies and processes, but also relationships within the institution. This session shares Northern Illinois University’s experience building a campus-wide approach to digital accessibility. Presenters will discuss how cross-functional partnerships among academic affairs, institutional compliance, marketing and communication, disability services, teaching and learning support units, and other stakeholders created the foundation for institutional change. Rather than presenting a finished model, we will candidly share a work in progress, including successes, challenges, detours, and lessons learned along the way. Participants will learn how relationship-building helped establish shared ownership of accessibility, move conversations beyond compliance, and support incremental but meaningful progress across the institution. The session will highlight practical strategies for organization, communication, professional development, and campuswide engagement. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for building partnerships, sustaining momentum, and advancing accessibility as an ongoing institutional commitment.
Learning Objectives
- Identify relationship-building strategies that foster cross-campus collaboration and shared ownership of digital accessibility initiatives.
- Describe approaches for moving institutional conversations about accessibility from compliance-focused efforts to a culture of inclusion, partnership, and continuous improvement.
- Apply lessons learned from an evolving accessibility initiative-including successes, challenges, and course corrections-to strengthen accessibility efforts at their own institutions.
Session Facilitator(s)
- Stephanie Richter
- Sarah Garner
- Holly Nicholson
- William Pitney
Bio(s)
Sarah Garner, J. D., M. P. A, is the Ethics and Compliance Officer with NIU and oversees various compliance functions at the university. For seven out of her thirteen years at NIU, Sarah’s portfolio included managing compliance with state and federal digital accessibility laws and regulations. Sarah is also a co-chair of NIU’s Digital Accessibility Steering Committee. She is also a double alum from NIU.
Holly Nicholson, M. S., brings years of design, web and communication experience to her role in digital accessibility at NIU. She coordinates accessibility efforts across campus and serves as a resource for document accessibility. Holly is a co-chair of NIU’s Digital Accessibility Steering Committee. She holds a master’s degree in digital marketing from NIU.
Stephanie Richter, Ph. D., is Director of Teaching Excellence and Strategic Initiatives at Northern Illinois University’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. She provides leadership for the center’s programs and services to support faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants with teaching, online teaching, and integrating technology in teaching. Dr. Richter holds a Ph. D. and M. S. Ed in Instructional Technology from NIU.
William Pitney, Ed. D. is a professor emeritus in the department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at NIU and has served in several academic leadership positions at NIU, including Acting Dean in the College of Education.