Accessibility in Courses and Services: The Exploration Begins

Kelly Hermann

VP, Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion, University of Phoenix

Kelly Hermann is the vice president for accessibility, equity and inclusion at the University of Phoenix. She oversees services to students with disabilities, guides digital accessibility initiatives and works with the Office of Educational Equity to create inclusive learning environments at the University where all students feel like they belong. Kelly chairs the special interest group on online learning and distance education for the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) as well as the Accessibility Product Steering Committee for 1Ed Tech and frequently presents on the topic for AHEAD, OLC, WCET and other national organizations.

Mark Jenkins

Director, elearning and Open Education, SBCTC.EDU, WA State Board for Community and Technical College

Jennifer Rafferty

Director of the Institute for Professional Development, OLC

Russ Poulin

Executive Director, WCET & Vice President for Technology-Enhanced Education, WICHE

303-541-0305rpoulin@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Russ Poulin is the executive director for WCET. He directs the team’s work in supporting the efforts of postsecondary institutions from all 50 states with a focus on the policy and practice of digital learning. He is a highly sought-after expert and leader regarding policy issues for distance education and on-campus uses of educational technologies. As WICHE vice president for technology-enhanced education, he advises on policy and projects for the regional higher education compact. Russ’s commitment to the field is continually noted, and he was honored to have represented the distance education community on federal negotiated rulemaking committees and subcommittees. Russ has received recognition from the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), the Presidents’ Forum, Excelsior College, and the National University Technology Network (NUTN) for his contributions to postsecondary digital education and educational policy.

Russ received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver and holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For no discernible reason, Russ also writes movie reviews for WCET members. As a movie enthusiast, Russ is most fascinated with characters and plots that surprise him. In addition, Russ is a recovering trivia guy who is also partial to cats and to his wife, Laurie.