What Steps Do We Take to Conduct a CBI?

It is expected that every campus will have a unique approach, but here are some steps to consider in planning a CBI:

  1. Convene an existing Community of Practice or advisory group that focuses on disability issues or form a new group to plan the event. This type of group includes representation from key stakeholders and meets regularly to address campus accessibility issues.
  2. Select a theme or topic area for your CBI. Possible topics include the following:
    • Assuring that information technology (e.g., websites, computer labs, distance learning courses) are accessible to students, faculty, and staff with disabilities.
    • Making student service units (e.g., career centers, student activities) accessible to students with disabilities.
    • Increasing the skills of faculty to teach students with disabilities by teaching and implementing universal design strategies.
    • Working with representatives from a wide variety of stakeholder groups on campus to create institutional change toward a more welcoming and accessible campus.
  3. Identify handouts and videos to support the CBI (see the Resources section).
  4. Select speakers to present on specific topic areas related to access. Compile questions for small and large group discussions about issues, perspectives, and challenges related to the CBI topic.
  5. Make logistical arrangements: schedule rooms, create assignments for small groups, and appoint note takers.
  6. Invite members of key stakeholder groups to the event.
  7. Conduct the CBI. Consult the publication Equal Access: Universal Design of Conference Exhibits and Presentations and employ universal design principles in your presentation(s). Plan that by the end of the CBI, participants will have a strategic plan and/or task list to incorporate the content learned at the CBI into their specific areas of responsibility.;
  8. Evaluate the CBI. Use our evaluation instrument, modify it, or develop your own.
  9. Disseminate information from your CBI. Publish proceedings and/or articles in journals or campus publications. Submit a press release to campus and local newspapers. This step will expand the impact of your work.