Virtual Mini Conference

10:30am – When They Come In Our Door: Customer Service Skills and Accessibility for All
This presentation will cover how test center professionals can meet students where they are when they come into a test center, through a lens of disability awareness. We emphasize that it is not important to know a student’s diagnosis, but rather to focus on internal mindfulness and universal accessibility practices.
Presented by Howard Community College
Emily Drechsler, Disability Support Services Counselor and Virginia Licona, Assistive Technology and Accommodated Testing Specialist

11:15am – Let’s Talk Accommodations
Open Discussion/ Q&A: discussion of our testing center’s space, services, equipment, and/or space adaptations. Open discussion for testing center design supporting students with disabilities.
Presented by University of Kentucky
Lindsay Jansen, Accommodated Exam Coordinator, Manager Disability Resource Center and Helen Richardson, Assistant Exam Coordinator

12:30pm – Both/And, NOT Either/ Or
This conversation will center around individuals with disabilities in post-secondary education environment while taking a closer look at the intersections of ableism with other systems of oppression that create barriers for individuals with disabilities in this setting. We will discuss how to move forward and move past the injustices through a better understanding of the historical and continual context, what we can do to support effective change, and how to advocate for the change individuals with disabilities deserve.
Presented by Anne Arundel Community College
Dana Kieran, Director of Disability Support Services

2pm – Student Panel Discussion
Students from local institutions answer questions about their experiences using testing center services. Students will talk about how they have been supported and offer considerations for improving services and engaging with others on campus to better connect with students with disabilities.