MLA Connect: Inclusion and Belonging: Accessibility Audits

April 6, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

It is essential to make sure your library is prepared to serve patrons with disabilities. Ensuring full access to your library is an important part of customer service and a great way to expand the reach of your library in your community. This interactive workshop will explore ways your library can be more inclusive to people with disabilities and make your library more welcoming to everyone. 

Learn from experts in the field and explore a variety of perspectives provided by representatives from UN Women, American Library Association, University of Michigan, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, and Capital Area District Libraries.

This webinar will be recorded and available through MLA Connect On Demand. 

View Recording at
MLA Connect On Demand

Session Goals

Participants will learn what an accessibility audit is and how it can be applied to their library.

Participants will learn strategies they can implement to make their library more accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Creative strategies and resources for further learning will be shared with participants so that they can continue to expand their knowledge.

Speakers

Max Hornick
Western Michigan University

Max Hornick is a graduate of Western Michigan University and a nationally certified ADA Coordinator (ADAC). They have engaged in disability advocacy for over a decade; while attending community college, Max co-founded Mental Illness Support & Advocacy Alliance (MISAA), an organization run by and for students with psychiatric disabilities. They currently work as a Community Education Specialist for Disability Network Southwest Michigan, where they have been employed since 2018.

Hillary Pearson
American Library Association

Hillary Pearson (she/her/hers) is the Program Manager, Accessibility Services for the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services at the American Library Association. In this role, Hillary works both internally with ALA staff and externally with members and partners to advance accessibility goals across the organization.  Her previous experience was as the Director of Operations and Access Initiatives at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, where she spent over 10 years working to improve cultural accessibility at the venue for artists, renters, and patrons.

A.H. Monjurul Kabir
UN Women HQ

Dr. A.H. Monjurul Kabir, a political scientist, human rights, rule of law, gender and intersectionality expert, is Senior Adviser and Global Team Leader for Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion at UN Women HQ in New York. Prior to this, he was Senior Rule of Law Policy Adviser, and Chief of Asia-Pacific Section with UN-Women HQ. Among others, he led the development of UN-Women's approach to inclusive South-South and Triangular Cooperation, and Disability Inclusion.

Dr. Kabir authored several books, numerous research articles, blogs, and OP-ED pieces in international journals, newspapers, and opinion portals on a range of critical global trends and issues, and holds Ph.D in Politics and Aid Effectiveness with University of Hull, UK. Dr. Kabir can be followed on twitter @mkabir2011

Autumn Wetli
University of Michigan Library

Autumn Wetli is Undergraduate Collections Librarian at the University of Michigan Library. She purchases library materials aimed for undergraduate use and provides research and reference services across campus. Autumn is also a member of the Digital Accessibility Team. In all of her work, Autumn's goal is to create positive experiences for users that promote inclusivity, equity, and accessibility.

Scott Duimstra
Capital Area District Library

Scott Duimstra has worked in public libraries for 19 years. During that time, he’s worked as a librarian, training specialist, department head of technical services, and executive director. He currently serves as the President of the MLA Board of Directors and Executive Director of Capital Area District Libraries.

Registration Rates

Registration is first-come, first-served. A maximum of 500 attendees can attend the live webinar. Registered attendees will receive information and a link to access the webinar on the Zoom platform. You will need to log in register. Retrieve your username or reset your password by visiting the links below and inputting your primary email address. This will be the email address where you receive MLA communications.

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Event Policies

Consent

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Code of Conduct

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities including those held in conjunction with MLA conferences, events and meetings, as well as online venues and social media.

Cancellation

Cancellations for MLA online and virtual events must be received in writing by e-mail no later than five (5) business days prior to the program in order to qualify for a refund. Within five (5) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. Registrations received within five (5) days of the program are not eligible for a refund. No-shows will be invoiced. A $10.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for MLA Connect webinars.