Accessibility in Canvas

Accessible course materials help all of your students learn more easily! Come learn how to use Canvas and Ally to check the accessibility of your course materials and, where necessary, fix them. If you were not able to attend, please see The Center for Teaching & Educational Technology (CTET) Virtual Workshops for additional dates and times.

Exploring Neurodiversity

The Neurodiversity movement regards people with differences in brain function and behavioral traits (autism, ADHD etc) as another form of human variation like ethnicity, race, gender etc. People with a neurodiverse profile can have significant challenges and also strengths and talents that can increase innovation and productivity of not only a college campus, but our society as a whole. This presentation will discuss the concept of neurodiversity and how to motivate and educate your campus community to successfully support this ever-growing population through education about their unique needs, implementation of Universal Design for Learning principles and practical strategies to help foster a positive and inclusive campus environment. These ideas can not only help retain this student population and help them achieve their goals, but also help our campuses to learn from their unique perspectives. In case you missed this presentation, you can watch the recording of the Neurodiversity Student Panel - “Nothing About Us, Without Us” discussion.

Canvas Quizzes and Time Limits

Are you planning to use Canvas Quizzes for midterm or final exams? Will your exams have a time limit of any kind? Come learn or review how to create and organize questions in Canvas' Quiz tool, and the different types of time limits available. We'll consult with every attendee to understand what their goals are and how to manage their settings to achieve those outcomes. If you were not able to attend, please see The Center for Teaching & Educational Technology (CTET) Virtual Workshops for additional dates and times.

Neurodiversity - The Next Horizon in Social Justice

Join DSS as part of SSU’s Social Justice Week to learn and celebrate Neurodiversity – The Next Horizon in Social Justice. Understand more about neurodivergent populations, the strengths and innovation that neurodivergent people bring to our society and how this movement is crucial in the social justice conversation.

DSS Scavenger Hunt

Thank you to all of the students who participated in the DSS Scavenger Hunt!

iOS and iPadOS Accessibility Demo

Make Apple YOURS! Get more out of your features. Learn tips, tricks, and how-to's for accessibility features straight from Apple.

Summer/Fall Textbooks: Students Find More Affordable & Accessible Digital Textbooks(eBooks) with Read Aloud and Text-to-Speech Options

Join us! Students find more affordable and accessible textbooks. We will review mobile-friendly digital textbook options with features such as read aloud (listen with text-to-speech), highlighting, and more. This event was recorded and will be posted at a later time.

Part One, Listen 2 Learn: Students Use Ally To Convert Readings From Canvas Into Audio MP3s And Files That Read Aloud (Text-To-Speech)

Friday, April 8th 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm
Presented by Noelia Franzen, Senior Accessibility Coordinator

Do you want to listen to course readings posted on Canvas? Join us, we will review how to use Ally, a tool in Canvas, to convert readings into other formats such as MP3 audio files, ePub (eBooks), and searchable PDFs. This presentation prepares files to use with study tools such as Read & Write, ePub Readers, and audio playlists.

Part Two, Listen 2 Learn: Students Listen To Canvas Readings With Chrome Browser Tools: Read&Write, TextHelp ePub Reader, and OrbitNote (PDF Reader)

Friday, April 8th 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
Presented by Noelia Franzen, Senior Accessibility Coordinator

In Part 1 of “Listen 2 Learn” you converted readings from Canvas into files that work with study tools and assistive technology. In Part 2, we will use free text-to-speech technologies to listen to the converted files. Attend to learn how to add these tools to your Chrome browser: Read&Write, OrbitNote PDF Reader, and the TextHelp ePub (eBook) Reader.

Watch Party! "EVERY ROOT, EVERY ROCK"

Sunday, April 10th at 5:30 pm
Presented by team see possibilities and Aspire Adventure Running

A new documentary featuring blind endurance athlete Dan Berlin. This is a free event but requires an RSVP."Every Root, Every Rock" follows blind runner Dan Berlin and his guides as they attempt to run the 95 mile Wonderland Trail around Tahoma (Mt. Rainier).

As far as we know, Dan is the only blind runner ever to attempt the Wonderland Trail. His story and his mission to redefine "disability" is an invitation to all of us to reimagine our potential. "Every Root, Every Rock" is the film by Nick Danielson that captures this incredible story. Aspire is hosting a free watch party for the film that will include a screening of the film and live Q&A with Dan Berlin and his support team, plus filmmaker Nick Danielson.

Accessibility in Canvas

Monday, April 11th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

CANCELED: ASK (Accommodation; Support; Knowledge) Top 10 list of supporting students with Autism

Tuesday, April 12th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Presented by Sandy Ayala, Education Leadership and Special Education
Event Canceled, Zoom link removed.

With the increase in the incidence of autism now at 1:44, more students with ASD are enrolling in post-secondary programs and universities. Autistic college students are faced with a myriad of unique challenges and firsts that impact their involvement/integration into college life. In this presentation we will examine ten of the top areas in need of supports and accommodations to help students with autism at Sonoma State build resiliency and cultivate relationships.

Faculty's Key Role with Textbook Accessibility and Textbook Remediation

Wednesday, April 13, from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Presented by Steve Higginbotham, SSU Bookstore Manager, and Noelia Franzen, DSS Senior Accessibility Coordinator.

Textbook remediation starts with Faculty. Why listing textbooks early is key to the success of students with print-based disabilities and students with blind/visual impairments. What to look out for when selecting textbooks with accessibility options. The textbook remediation process and faculty's key role. How to advocate for accessible textbook options with publishers.

Department of Rehabilitation

Monday, April 18th from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Presented by Department of Rehab

Come join an informational meeting with the Santa Rosa office of the Department of Rehabilitation. This free state program provides assistance to people with disabilities who are looking to progress towards their desired career. Even if you already have a job, DOR can still support members of SSU's campus. DSS can also provide application materials for this fantastic and free program. There will be ample time to ask questions after the presentation.

Planning your Summer 2022 Course Webpage: Getting the Most out of the Canvas Syllabus Webpage

Tuesday, April 19th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Presented by CTET

The SSU Syllabus Policy now requires faculty to post an accessible syllabus to their Canvas course. In this workshop, we'll review with you how to make sure that your syllabus is accessible. We'll also look at how the Canvas Syllabus tool can reduce your work this term, by making it easier for your students to know what they should be doing and when.

Department of Rehabilitation

Thursday, April 21st from 11:00 - 12:00 pm
Presented by Department of Rehab

Neurodiversity Student Panel - “Nothing About Us, Without Us”

Friday, April 22nd from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Presented by Christy Giambastiani, Senior Disability Management Advisor

DSS facilitates a panel discussion of SSU neurodiverse students about their experiences at SSU. What they want everyone to know about neurodiversity and how we can make an inclusive campus community. In case you missed this presentation, you can watch the Nothing About Us, Without Us discussion.

Students with Disabilities and Applying to Graduate School

Presented by Sydney Johnston, MS, NCC LPCC, Disability Management Advisor and former Career Counselor
April 22nd from 2:00pm to 2:50pm

Thinking of Grad School? Get tips on applying to grad school for students with disabilities. Don't Miss Out!

Wellness and Invisible Disabilities: A Fireside Chat

Wednesday, April 27th from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Presented by Michael Eynon

After the success of last year's fireside chat, DSS is creating another talk with students. This year's topic is wellness and invisible disabilities. Four phenomenal DSS students will be sharing their stories and insights about the impact of their invisible disability at SSU. Please come out and learn how to take care of yourself during these trying times as we discuss wellness together. In case you missed this presentation, you can watch still the Fireside Chat.

Canvas Quizzes and Time Limits

Wednesday, April 27th from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Presented by CTET

DSS Student Senior Recognition

Thursday, April 28th from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Hosted by Disability Services for Students
Student Center, Ballroom C

Congratulations class of 2022! Best wishes for your next adventure!