Accessible Technology Initiative - Instructional Materials Subcommittee

Ashley Abrahamson, Office of IDEAS - Co-Chair

As a Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility Specialist, my participation in the Accessibility Technology Initiative Instructional Materials Committee is grounded in a belief in the importance of community. Being part of this committee allows me to collaborate with others who share a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education. I want to do whatever I can to support our campus community as they work to build a more inclusive and accessible future. 

Dr. Bryan Berrett, Office of IDEAS - Co-Chair

It is an honor to be a longtime advocate and ally for all individuals who are historically marginalized. I am fortunate to be surrounded and mentored by individuals of the Deaf community as well as others who share the same passion of access for all. Since 1998, I have enjoyed the privilege of serving in a variety of roles at Fresno State and began my career serving students as a part-time faculty teaching in our Deaf Studies undergraduate program. It is a passion of mine to be an advocate for the academic, professional, and personal development of students and faculty. In my current role, our team has the opportunity to implement effective and holistic professional development opportunities for all faculty that has a positive influence on teaching pedagogy, service, and research while supporting our diverse student population to attain their personal and professional goals.

Dr. Mario Banuelos, College of Science and Mathematics

My name is Mario Bañuelos, a first-generation college student, and I am an Associate Professor in the Mathematics Department. I am a member of the Accessible Technology Initiative - Instructional Materials committee because as an instructor, I want all Fresno State students to have their instructional materials on the first day of instruction and to have access to them in a variety of ways.

Dr. Kevin Capehart, Craig School of Business

I am an Associate Professor of Economics in the Craig School. We as individual instructors can have a direct, immediate impact on the accessibility of higher education by improving the accessibility of our instructional materials. Although there is still much that I myself could do in my own courses to improve their accessibility, I appreciate our university's and system's support to try to improve accessibility in our courses, and I am happy to try to support other faculty in improving the accessibility of their instructional materials.

Cory Cowan, Office of Institutional Effectiveness

My name is Cory Cowan, and I am a senior research analyst with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE). When I was a student at Fresno State, I worked as an assistant for the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office. I saw first-hand students regularly struggle to get their assignments in alternative formats in time for due dates or lectures. It broadened my perspective on what it means for education to be ‘accessible’

Jennie Johnson, Services for Students with Disabilities

I've been with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) since 2006 and have a strong passion for ensuring equitable access for all students. I started as the Testing and Alternate Media Coordinator at SSD where I gained first-hand experience with the time and effort required to remediate instructional materials. As a member of the ATI-Instructional Materials Committee, I bring expertise in both the technical and advocacy aspects of accessibility. In working closely with students with disabilities and faculty, I hope to bring valuable insight and support to the committee in making sure resources are available and accessible to everyone.

Dr. Todd Lone, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciecnes and Technology

As an Associate Professor of Agricultural Business in the Jordan College, I have had the privilege of teaching and engaging with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how accessible instructional materials can significantly enhance student learning and success. When the opportunity arose to join this committee, I eagerly accepted because I want to raise awareness and support efforts at Fresno State to improve instructional materials for all learners.

Dr. Vivien Luo, Lyles College of Engineering

I am a full professor in the Department of Construction Management and serve as the graduate coordinator for the MSCM program at the Lyles College of Engineering. As an educator, I recognize the importance of ensuring that instructional materials are accessible to all students. However, courses in engineering, construction management, and architectural studies face unique accessibility challenges due to their highly technical and specialized content. Being part of this committee allows me to explore best practices for enhancing accessibility and to share these insights with my colleagues.

Dr. Amin Makkaway, College of Arts and Humanities

Dr. Amin Makkawy, an associate professor in the Communication Department at Fresno State, holds a primary focus on promoting more inclusive organizations. His expertise lies in organizational communication and disability studies. He is a member of the Instructional Materials subcommittee of the Accessible Technology Initiative at California State University Fresno. Dr. Makkawy’s commitment extends to positively impacting the student experience by fostering an understanding of contemporary accessibility challenges and actively contributing to the broader endeavor of developing a more inclusive California State University for all.

Sarah McDaniel, University Library

I am a librarian and former administrator in the Fresno State Library. Libraries play an important role in providing accessible and affordable instructional materials for courses across the university. I work closely with library staff, faculty, students and campus partners to address a variety of accessibility challenges. One of my proudest accessibility accomplishments was working with a publisher to develop a fully accessible graphic novel for University of Wisconsin-Madison's large-scale Go Big Read program. 

Dr. Lindsey Meeker, Kremen School of Education and Human Development

Dr. Lindsay Meeker is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood and Literacy at California State University, Fresno and also serves on the Illinois/California Dual Language Preschool PLC with the Migrant Policy Institute and National Institute for Early Childhood Education, as well as workforce development and Early Childhood Multilingual policy consultant for Latino Policy Forum, IL.

As a previous teacher of multilingual learners grades Pre-K-2 and Special Education (ECE-Grade 12), Director of Multilingual Learners, Early Childhood Director for State Funded Dual Preschool and Head Start, English Language Development Coach in Dual Language (K-2), and Infant/Toddler and Preschool teacher in community based childcare, Universal Design for Learning has always been a significant part of her work.

She also currently provides consulting and professional development on UDL for young multilingual learners and children with disabilities through a play and inquiry based lens. Contributing as part of the ATI IM Committee will allow Dr. Meeker to apply her on-the-ground experience in Birth - 12 education within the teacher education programs and across Fresno State in meaningful ways.

Dr. Natalie Muñoz, Center for Faculty Excellence

As Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence and with personal insight from my brother, who has cerebral palsy, I am committed to the Accessibility and Technology Initiative. My focus is on helping faculty understand the importance of creating accessible digital content for all users. By equipping educators with the tools to ensure barrier-free learning, we can provide equal opportunities for students of all abilities. Accessible technology is essential in creating an equitable academic environment, and I’m dedicated to empowering faculty to make education more inclusive for everyone.

Dr. Nancy Nisbett - College of Health and Human Services

It is a privilege to serve on the ATI Instructional Materials committee representing the College of Health and Human Services. As a professor of Recreation Therapy, it is my responsibility to create a learning environment to foster student success and instructional materials play an important role. As a member of this committee, I have the opportunity to contribute to the University’s efforts to remove barriers to learning while also providing support for the faculty in my College.

Dr. DeAnna Reese, College of Social Sciences

By invitation I joined the Fresno State Accessible Technology (ATI) Instructional Material Subcommittee in spring 2023. This committee has allowed me to understand how students receive the tools and resources we provide for them in our courses. It has also helped me to improve how students access Canvas content such as creating alt text for images, close-captioning videos, and adding meaningful hyperlinks. My aim is to promote the implementation of these and other helpful tips among faculty to address the different accessibility needs and learning styles of our students in order to keep them academically focused and feeling supported.