Designing for Everyone: Leveraging User Experience Design and Digital Accessibility to Create Inclusive Experiences

Breakout Session Option 1
Day One: November 13, 2024 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Varsity Hall

Session Video

Session Description

Digital tools are meant to serve everyone, but without careful design, they can perpetuate marginalization and exclusion. In this session, we’ll explore how the combination of user experience (UX) and accessibility (A11Y) is critical to bridging the gap between a tool’s intent and the diverse needs of its users. By examining the transition from basic usability to robust accessibility, we’ll uncover why this shift is essential for inclusivity.

Session Objectives

  • Understand the importance of user experience design 
  • Understand the intersectionality between user experience design and digital accessibility 
  • Learn about the university’s digital accessibility program 
  • Understand the Americans with Disabilities Act’s new digital accessibility requirements

Speakers

Will Burns

Will Burns is an advocate for user-centered design and digital accessibility, and has a background in technical management, development, and user experience design. Since he joined UW–Madison in 2023, he has served as a leader in the launch and support of the new digital accessibility policy and the digital accessibility liaison network. During his 10 years at the University of Michigan, Mr. Burns integrated user experience design into development practices for the university’s Information and Technology Services, assembled the digital accessibility team, and contributed to the rollout of the university’s digital accessibility policy. 

Thumbnail of speaker Will Burns.

Ruben Mota

Ruben Mota collaborates and coordinates with university partners to ensure UW–Madison is continually striving for access and inclusivity for disabled individuals. Prior to joining the Office of Compliance, Mr. Mota worked in the university’s McBurney Disability Resource Center supporting a team of access consultants and ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. Previously, he worked overseas in Switzerland as a learning support director. Mr. Mota has more than 20 years of experience in the field of disability access and inclusion.

Thumbnail of speaker Ruben Mota.

Al Nemec

Al Nemec serves as the digital accessibility program manager at the Center for User Experience, where his passion for inclusive web design and digital accessibility shines through. With a rich background as an experienced web designer and developer, Mr. Nemec is dedicated to ensuring digital platforms are accessible to all users, embodying the Center’s commitment to excellence in user experience. His expertise and leadership in the field drive the development of more accessible, user-friendly digital environments.

Thumbnail of speaker Al Nemec.