Three Lincoln Learning Solutions employees attended the Access U 2019 conference this past May. They returned empowered and determined to create a culture of accessibility here at LLS. The only question was where to start.
Since then, Senior Manager of Student Support Services, Marie Myrlie, has been leading efforts to bring accessibility into the development and delivery of our curriculum products. She started with adding alternative text, also known as altext, to all of our images. Alternative text provides a description of an image to those who are visually impaired. Her next step is ensuring that all of our videos have closed captioning. Working first with a vendor on auditing our curriculum and programs for accessibility and finally with the LLS family, she will ensure that all programs and curriculum from this point forward are designed with accessibility in mind.
Along with our current and potential clients and curriculum users, the culture of accessibility needs to include us, the Lincoln Learning Solutions family. Are you thinking, “Why?” Glad you asked!
First, it’s the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment.
Secondly, including people with disabilities widens our pool of potential employees who have the skills we seek. We also gain a competitive edge over others because we will have employees who are able to understand and help meet the needs of a diverse client base. We want employees with unique perspectives and experiences to help us create innovative products, right? Wouldn’t you want to increase the level of positivity and goodwill around here even more? Uh, yeah!
Now, are you thinking, “How do I become involved?” Again, glad you asked!
Accessibility Committee members Kathy Cerminara, Liz Callen, Marie Myrlie, and Mike Cerminara are hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on October 30th in the Fort Pitt conference room in Rochester. You’re invited!
Check out this video and click this link to sign up. For more information on accessibility or the “Lunch and Learn” please contact Liz Callen or Kathy Cerminara.