Getting Educated from the Educators: The CSUN Conference

While we were ecstatic to beat the East Coast winter by traveling to San Diego, the CSUN conference is more than just a warm destination. It’s an experience that creates channels between technology developers, accessibility experts, skilled testers, educators, and people with disabilities. More formally known as the 29th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego, it is a gathering unique in its foundation of inclusivity and innovation. CSUN is the fusion of disability advocacy with technology.

The conference showcases the latest and greatest in IT and AT (assistive technology) in the jam-packed exhibitor hall. For the curious, this is a large, interactive touch tank of accessibility. We were greeted by robots, listened to a chorus of new screen reader voices, tapped along with new apps, and saw what international vendors are doing to level the playing field for students with disabilities. Many of these included AAC for students with cognitive disabilities, Braille building blocks, educational software, tactile printers, and more.

But CSUN is also more about telling, and not just showing. Global representatives from around from organizations of all sizes and scopes led conference sessions. With meeting rooms overflowing, Accessibility Partners was front and center to learn from the leaders in education. Our brains surged as we learned more about cutting-edge assistive technology for students, universal design in learning, knowledge toolkits, cloud-based productivity suites, and more.

The people make the conference. CSUN would be nothing if it weren’t for the passion and enthusiasm of its participants. So, to the outsider, it might be the largest collection of seeing eye dogs they’ve witnessed in one place, but to us, it’s a warm reunion comprised of over 5,000 dear friends and respected colleagues.

We would be privileged to share some of our new knowledge with you in an opportunity learn. Accessibility Partners is excited to be presenting with a Microsoft- sponsored webinar on Teaching Special Needs Students. Join us on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 AM PST and 5 PM PST. Our presentation, Tablet Accessibility Tips for Students with Disabilities, will have an added emphasis on those with hearing disabilities.

You can join the webinar here.