Strategies for Institutional Change

Creating inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities is an institutional endeavor that requires systemic change throughout higher education. Below are some resources that can be used and adapted within your college or university to start creating policies and changes that will positively affect campus culture in relation to disability topics.

• AccessComputing Replication Packages
  In-depth descriptions and how-tos of successful activities designed to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities and designed to help shape and plan your own activities.
• Equal Access: Making STEM Departments More Accessible to and Inclusive of Faculty with Disabilities
  Guidance and a checklist for getting started on making STEM departments more accessible.
• Building Capacity for a Welcoming and Accessible Postsecondary Institution
  Sample agendas, videos, handouts, overhead visuals, and resources for conducting Capacity Building Institutes to create welcoming and accessible postsecondary courses and services for students with disabilities.
• Building the Team: Faculty, Staff, and Students Working Together
  Synthesis of research, institutionalization guidelines, presentation tips, tailored presentations, overhead visuals, and handouts help faculty and administrators at postsecondary institutions fully include students with disabilities in courses.
• Inclusivity for All: How to Make Your Research Group Accessible
  Creating an inclusive culture in your research group requires installing mechanisms for your whole team to be successful. And when it comes to accessibility, by ensuring everyone has what they need to be their most creative and productive, you ensure a win for science AND your scientific workforce.
• Apply for an AccessADVANCE Minigrant
  AccessADVANCE has funds available to support activities to expand, replicate, and disseminate practices related to our project goals nationwide. Apply now!
• Increasing the Participation of Women with Disabilities in Academic STEM Careers (2021)
  The AccessADVANCE project held its inaugural capacity building institute (CBI) on May 25th and 27th, 2021.
• Disability and Hiring: Guidelines for Departmental Search Committees
  Guidance published by the MLA (Modern Language Association) that discusses guidelines for employers to make hiring, and its process accessible to disabled candidates. 
• How Academic Jobs Screen Out Disabled People
  A 2017 article from Pacific Standard by David M. Perry that discusses ableist aspects of job descriptions.
• Promoting Supportive Academic Environments for Faculty with Mental Illnesses
  Recommendations for how to make college and university campuses more accessible for faculty with mental disabilities by creating a “culture of access”.