In this edition of our Facilitator Spotlight Series, we chatted with Wendy MacColl on the important topic of accessibility. She shares strategies and takeaways for those just starting out on their accessibility journey or setting strategies that scale. Wendy facilitates one of the many accessibility-focused workshops in the Center for Professional Learning.
Q: What are some tips from Digital Accessibility: Developing a Strategic Plan workshop you lead that are critical in the current teaching and learning environment at the strategic level?
A: While there are federal action steps (ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule) and many resources available (WebAim, W3C, etc.) to assist with plans to improve accessibility, it can be overwhelming. A clear mandate or policy on how to address the guidelines in WCAG 2.2 at your institution is a critical element to ensure a cohesive approach to planning. Communicating those goals to the wider audience to keep them informed, and creating a phased plan that delineates when, how and who will be responsible, helps to ensure a collective effort and clear plan for success. Designing with digital accessibility in mind FIRST, is much easier than going back and retrofitting accessible features into existing courses.
Q: What advice would you give to digital learning professionals or faculty just starting out on their journey in ensuring accessible courses and programs?
A: Don’t try to go it alone! Work to identify “champions” who are passionate (or at least interested!) in promoting accessibility across your institution. Involve decision makers from leadership positions, faculty members, along with representatives from different divisions and departments to plan and implement accessible digital content and programs. Look for existing digital accessibility policies or statements and start from there to craft a plan based on a shared vision and accountability.
Q: What do you see as the value of facilitating and participating in OLC workshops?
A: Participating in OLC workshops is an excellent way to improve your skills, gain certification, and expand your knowledge. It allows you to connect with other professionals in your field and gain insights from industry experts dedicated to helping you towards your goals. As a facilitator, there is great satisfaction in sharing my experiences and working alongside participants as they explore ways to integrate what they have learned into their journey towards digital accessibility.
Wendy MacColl has extensive experience in online learning, instructional design, and teaching. She has worked in higher education as a teacher and administrator, and also in executive education training venues. Ms. MacColl was Associate Director of the Center for Management and Executive Development, Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, and was promoted to the Director of Instructional Design at Walton College. She was later hired as Director of the Office of Distance Learning at John Brown University and was an Assistant Professor of Distance Learning.
Currently employed as a Training Solutions Specialist at Young Life, she is also under contract as an Instructional Designer for Colorado Community Colleges Online. From 2013 to 2017 she was Director of eLearning at Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) in Colorado Springs and has served on a number of state-level committees addressing Web Accessibility and captioning solutions. Ms. MacColl was co-chair of the Web Accessibility Planning committee at PPCC and chaired the Web Accessibility Implementation Committee as the college worked towards compliance with WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility standards.
She earned her graduate degree in Administration, Supervision and Curriculum Development with an emphasis in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Colorado-Denver, and undergraduate degree in Trade and Industrial Education from Colorado State University. Wendy enjoys hiking with her two dogs and riding her motorcycle through the beautiful mountains of her home state.
