Bridging the Accessible Technology Gap: Connecting Industry and Computing Faculty for the Adoption of Evidence-Based Teaching of Accessibility Concepts

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $278,583 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by improving computer science curricula through integration of accessible technology concepts in foundational computer science courses. Providing accessibility in software applications and web sites to enable use by people with disabilities is often an afterthought, and inaccessible applications can disadvantage large numbers of people. This Level II Engaged Student Learning project intends to scale up instruction of accessible technology concepts by engaging faculty in pedagogy-focused development workshops and virtual support sessions throughout the year. Integrating instruction on accessible technology concepts into existing foundational courses has the potential to expand the number of students reached and aid in adoption since new courses will not need to be developed. This in turn has the potential to positively impact preparation of the workforce to develop technology for a wide variety of people. The workshops will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats to meet the needs of a range of faculty from different types of institutions. The project builds on prior work by the proposers where they developed accessible technology related learning outcomes and provided one-on-one professional development to help faculty develop assignments that incorporate accessible technology in their courses. An important goal of this project is to align learning objectives with industry needs through a Delphi panel of industry ex

Key facts

NSF award ID
2439818
Awardee
Rochester Institute of Tech (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
J6TWTRKC1X14
PI
Kristen Shinohara
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Persons w Disabilities Engagement&Access, Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE), UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$278,583
Funds obligated
$278,583
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028