Episode #265: Small Steps, Big Impact: How to Build a Digitally Accessible Campus

In this episode, Dustin chats with Kate DeForest, Web and Digital Content Coordinator at SUNY Oswego, about the importance of digital accessibility in higher education. Kate shares her journey into accessibility work, the transformative lessons she’s learned along the way, and practical strategies for making these improvements less overwhelming. From leveraging James Clear’s Atomic Habits to launching campus-wide accessibility initiatives, Kate emphasizes the importance of small, consistent changes and fostering empathy in the digital realm. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to create more inclusive digital experiences.

Guest Name: Kate DeForest, Web/Digital Content Coordinator, SUNY Oswego

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Kate DeForest is the Web/Digital Content Coordinator for State University of New York at Oswego. She updates and maintains the university’s primary website and trains campus personnel on web and digital accessibility best practices. Previous responsibilities have also included document remediation, website content strategy, and information architecture. As a member and former chair of the Workgroup on Accessibility Practices, Kate has worked on a number of campus accessibility initiatives, including building Oswego’s Digital Accessibility website and launching multiple Campus Accessibility Challenges. Kate is a member of IAAP and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). She has given accessibility-related presentations at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences, including Accessing Higher Ground, Digital Collegium (formerly HighEdWeb), AHEAD, and Higher Education Connect.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

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