Wireless Tech RERC

The purpose of Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week is to encourage enrollment as well as to ensure that eligible low-income households are aware of the program’s eligibility criteria. A connection to voice and broadband services provides people with the means to stay in contact with vital emergency services and community resources. Lifeline, in a very real sense, is a lifeline. Learn more about the FCC's Lifeline Program:  https://lnkd.in/g8RQuXS #digitalconnectivity #lifelineawarenessweek

Congrats Mitch on being featured as a PittWire "Ones to Watch!" Bell is a rehab innovation specialist in UPMC’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He was hired in 2022 to help build and run Assist+, a demonstration space for assistive technology located on the ground floor of the UPMC Mercy Pavilion in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood. Bell’s goal is to find, create and set up the assistive technology devices that allow patients to continue the activities — cooking, gaming, reading and more — that give their lives joy and texture. https://lnkd.in/gvT9tuM3

How to Catch an Accessibility Specialist in 5 Easy Steps: Accessibility specialists are like mystical guardians, wandering through the vast realms of the digital universe, ensuring every corner is accessible and welcoming to all. They’re constantly on the move, tirelessly seeking out areas in need of improvement whilst forging for accessibility budget. If you want to catch one of these elusive experts, you’ll need to think strategically. Here’s how to do it in five easy steps: 1. The Trap - Leave a box of sticky notes, colour-coded highlighters, and a perfectly aligned set of keyboard accessibility shortcuts in a quiet corner. The allure of collaboration and the potential of a new accessibility champion is irresistible. 2. Lure them in - Position an open laptop with a glaring colour contrast issue or a form that lacks proper labels nearby. Accessibility specialists can’t resist fixing these! 3. Prepare the Ambush - Hide behind a well-placed WCAG 2.2 guideline poster or book. As soon as they start debating the finer points of ARIA roles, you know they’re hooked! 4. Spring the Trap - When they lean in to adjust screen reader settings, gently release a pop quiz on the latest accessibility trends. No specialist can resist sharing their knowledge, answering questions about accessibility will be their favourite thing to do. 5.Secure the Catch - Once they’re fully engaged, casually mention an upcoming webinar on "Advanced Techniques in Digital Accessibility." They'll be so captivated they won’t notice the trap closing in! Or… Simply just ask for their help… Accessibility Specialists don’t bite. Important Note! Remember to release your accessibility specialist back into the wild, preferably near a Wi-Fi hotspot and a cup of coffee. #Accessibility #WCAG

Join us for a Rehabilitation Science (undergraduate program) information session on Monday, September 16!

Sharing this funding opportunity for community based organizations and others to support their initiatives to improve health equity for people with disabilities. #Disability #HealthEquity https://lnkd.in/ekRWAhZF

Labor Day reminds us that good jobs change lives for all—including workers with disabilities! www.dol.gov/laborday

Another fantastic program from the University Center for Teaching and Learning @ Pitt!

Happy Labor Day to all the wonderful workers of every field! The University of Pittsburgh’s campus will be closed today, September 2. Wishing everyone a relaxing Monday! 💙💛 #H2P

Prospective students are invited to join us for a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Information Session on Tuesday, September 10.

Designing Online Courses for Students with Disabilities A recent report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice reveals six critical strategies for enhancing accessibility in online education. With insights from practitioners and advocates, the report offers actionable recommendations to ensure that online courses are designed with all learners in mind. Key strategies include: 1. Transparent Access to Resources: Proactively connect students with disability services and ensure clear communication about available support. 2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Embed UDL principles to accommodate diverse learning needs and reduce the need for additional accommodations. 3. Centralized Systems: Use consistent technology platforms to streamline access to course materials and communication. 4. Continuous Improvement: Establish feedback channels for ongoing assessment and adjustment of accommodations. 5. Institutional Oversight: Form accessibility committees to monitor and improve disability services. 6. Engaged Faculty: Train and support faculty in implementing accessible course design and accommodations. By incorporating these principles, institutions can create more inclusive online learning environments that support the success of all students. Explore the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gQYKFCuk #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign