AI and Accessibility: A Peer Educator’s Perspective

Chancey Fleet, Blind technologist, educator and activist 

Blind people find ourselves interacting with a proliferation of AI systems that solve accessibility problems: apps describe images, read traffic signals, create graphics from text prompts and interpret signage, physical surroundings and even one's own face in the mirror. What does it mean to be part of a community that increasingly exchanges highly personal data for accessibility? How can technologists and educators balance the need for accessibility with a user's need for privacy? How do users experience AI ''hallucinations'' in the context of everyday decision-making? And, in an age of accessibility wonders, what can we learn from the fact that large language models still can't read or write basic Braille? Chancey will explore an exciting, turbulent and complex moment in AI and accessibility that has implications for everyone as AI tools become ever more convenient, personal and enmeshed in our daily lives.

Moderator: Stacy Branham (University of California Irvine)

Panelists:

Nadia Morrow (University of Florida)

Raja Kushalnagar (Gallaudet University)

Kevin Lin (University of Washington)

Gina Fugate (University of Florida & Maryland School for the Blind)

There is a critical need for accessibility practices in computing education, ensuring that all learners can access and thrive in the field. The panel brings together experts with a range of perspectives and experience. Nadia Morrow will bring insights on the intersection of race, disability, and computer science (CS) in higher education, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic inequities. Raja Kushalnagar will share his expertise in deaf education, focusing on strategies that enable deaf and hard-of-hearing students to fully participate in CS learning. Kevin Lin will share innovative teaching strategies, including alternative grading approaches, that can create more flexible and accessible learning environments for all students. Finally, doctoral candidate and K12 CS practitioner, Gina Fugate will offer valuable insights on blind education, focusing on tools and techniques that empower blind and low vision students in CS. This session serves to equip educators and researchers with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to create truly accessible and equitable computing education experiences. 

Alexis Cobo (University of Florida), Terrill Thompson (University of Washington)

This session features a conversation on the process used to make RESPECT 2025 papers digitally accessible for all participants and future proceedings readers. The Department of Justice 2024 Title II of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) ruling requires all public entities to ensure all web and mobile applications remove barriers for people with disabilities in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA. This session focuses on the barriers to creating accessible materials, including existing technology and a lack of awareness about accessibility among technical professionals. We'll have open discussion about strategies to ensure accessible PDFs beyond the RESPECT community to reduce barriers in higher education and the overall computing community.  

Designing with Disability in Technology 

Moderator: Brianna Blaser, PhD., University of Washington

Speakers:  

• Elaine Short, Ph.D., Tufts University 
• Patti Ordonez, Ph.D., University of Maryland Baltimore County 
• Rua Williams, Ph.D., Purdue University 

Abstract: This session brings together a panel of experts at the forefront of inclusive technology design, each approaching the topic from unique and vital perspectives. Elaine Short (Tufts), a roboticist with a passion for makerspaces and mentorship, will explore how co-curricular activities and accessible design principles within making and hacking can empower individuals with disabilities. Patti Ordonez (UMBC) will delve into the critical intersection of accessibility and makerspaces, highlighting strategies and best practices for creating inclusive making environments. Rua Williams (Purdue), whose research emphasizes Disabled-Led collaboration in technology design and research dissemination, will share insights on centering the lived experiences of disabled individuals in the design process. This session will provide attendees with a multifaceted understanding of designing technology with and for disability, offering practical takeaways and inspiring new approaches to inclusive innovation.