Friday, April 4
Quick links
Keynote
8:30 – 9:30 AM
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Welcome to the Machine: Computers, AI, and Music
Time: April 9, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Przemyslaw Bosak
Since the onset of computers, they have been used to create new modes of expression, enhance creativity, and make complex artistic forms possible, always at the service to the artist, though. Is AI a threat to upset this decades-old hierarchy? If so, how? What does the future look like for musicians in the age of Generative AI? In this presentation Przemyslaw Bosak will attempt to answer these questions by tracing the evolution of human-machine collaboration in music, drawing examples from important historical figures and his own musical practice. The talk will highlight the importance of University of Illinois (the birthplace of computer music) in how it’s shaped this evolution for generations of musicians.
9:45 – 10:45 AM
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Time: April 10, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Craig Boassaly
Creating truly accessible digital experiences requires more than just passing a validation check; it demands a strategic shift in how we plan, design, and maintain content. This session explores the complete lifecycle of accessible content from web and documents to video, demonstrating why accessibility must start at the planning stage.
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Time: April 10, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Michael Harshbarger
Accessibility doesn’t thrive on checklists alone — it thrives when leaders create the conditions for inclusion. This session explores how accessibility leadership can transform organizations beyond compliance. Attendees will learn how to set strategy, influence culture, and support teams in driving sustainable accessibility practices. Through case examples, we’ll examine how leaders can foster accountability, navigate resistance, and secure resources to scale accessibility. Participants will leave with practical leadership techniques for guiding both technical and non-technical teams, ensuring accessibility becomes an embedded value rather than a side project.
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Time: April 9, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Jon Gunderson
This session will review the open-source tools developed by the University of Illinois to support web accessibility evaluation, including AInspector for WCAG Evaluation and Headings, Landmarks and Links browser extensions, and the SkipTo.js utility to improve the experience of people with disabilities using Illinois websites. The web inspection tools are designed to support people in learning about web accessibility standards and make it easier to view information for manual inspection of accessibility features. The SkipTo.js utility is the modern way to implement WCAG 4.2.1 Bypass Blocks requirement by analyzing the landmarks and headings of a web page and building a menu for the user to not only navigate to the main content, but also other major sections of the web page identified by the author.
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Time: April 10, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Meenal Dobariya
Microinteractions – the small details like button feedback, form error messages, hover states, or loading animations – shape how people experience a digital product. When designed well, they reduce frustration and increase clarity. But when overlooked, they can create serious accessibility barriers for students, staff, and faculty. This session will introduce common examples of accessible vs inaccessible microinteractions and show how small tweaks can make a big difference for everyone. We’ll also explore when and how to involve an accessibility specialist, so collaboration becomes easier and effective. Attendees will have practical tips and a simple checklist they can apply to their own projects.
11 AM – 12 PM
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Time: April 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Jillian Kuhn
Redesigning a one-off website for every unit is costly, time-intensive, and inconsistent. Instead, shifting to a “build once, serve many” approach delivers sites that are sustainable and affordable – making your leadership, web team, site owners, and end users happy! We’ll share the story of how Duke University is embracing centralized web solutions, the challenges we’ve faced, and the lessons learned that you can take back to your institution.
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Time: April 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Kathryn Jordan and Michael Harshbarger
Most organizations treat accessibility as a checklist—meeting WCAG requirements for color contrast, alt text, and navigation. But this approach often overlooks a large, underserved group: people with invisible disabilities such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Neurodivergent individuals make up 15–20% of the population, yet their needs are rarely addressed in design systems or accessibility strategies. This session challenges participants to move beyond compliance and toward true inclusion. We’ll explore practical design patterns that support memory, focus, comprehension, and flexible interaction. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to create digital experiences that welcome neurodivergent users—whether they are designers, developers, content creators, or UX professionals. By reframing accessibility as more than a legal requirement, this talk positions neurodiversity as a driver of innovation, usability, and equity in today’s workplace.
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Time: April 9, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Michael Harshbarger
Artificial intelligence is reshaping accessibility work, from automated testing to faster content checks. But AI alone can’t guarantee inclusion. This session explores the balance between automation and human leadership. Attendees will see how AI can accelerate testing and reporting, where it introduces risk, and when human strengths like empathy and judgment are essential. Live demonstrations and real-world use cases will highlight how teams can pair AI tools with human oversight to save time without sacrificing quality. Attendees will leave with a framework for responsibly integrating AI into accessibility strategies while preserving the human role at the center of inclusion.
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Time: April 10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Speakers: Mikael Arvola
Our new standards and guidelines for developing web applications at the Graduate College. We’ll talk about system-level architecture as well as design choices for individual parts, and the reasoning behind each. The whole stack from server to user interface will be covered. While most of the presentation is not specific to individual technologies, examples are from our applications using SQL Server, .NET Core C#, and Vue.js.
1:30 – 2:30 PM
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Time: April 9, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Speakers: Shenika Glover
This presentation will discuss how effective strategic communication and brand marketing promoted the Summer of AI 2025 Campaign at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stakeholders. Throughout the presentation, I will highlight the goals of the Summer of AI event, the process of strategic communication in terms of project and brand implementation, the steps to reach audiences on all communication platforms (social media, newsletters, website, digital signage, and more), and the best ways to incorporate AI to assist with content creation and reaching diverse audiences. Also, I will discuss the Summer of AI data reports, which will help with the planning of future AI events at CITL.
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Time: April 10, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Speakers: Matthew Luken
Design plays a critical role in digital accessibility. This team can help reduce 67% percent of defects & violations. Join us to learn best practices that all designers – UX, UI, Content, UX Researchers, and Graphic Designers – should be implementing to ensure their designs are as accessible as they can be prior to development.
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Time: April 9, 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Speakers: Matthew Luken
What does the future hold for accessibility? Between AI, changing standards, and stronger regulations around the world, the accessibility industry is rapidly changing. Join us to learn what’s on the horizon.
2:45 – 3:45 PM
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Time: April 9, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Przemyslaw Bosak
Since the onset of computers, they have been used to create new modes of expression, enhance creativity, and make complex artistic forms possible, always at the service to the artist, though. Is AI a threat to upset this decades-old hierarchy? If so, how? What does the future look like for musicians in the age of Generative AI? In this presentation Przemyslaw Bosak will attempt to answer these questions by tracing the evolution of human-machine collaboration in music, drawing examples from important historical figures and his own musical practice. The talk will highlight the importance of University of Illinois (the birthplace of computer music) in how it’s shaped this evolution for generations of musicians.
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Time: April 9, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Kathryn Jordan and Michael Harshbarger
Many organizations conduct accessibility audits only to be left asking, “Now what?” Reports often highlight dozens of issues but fail to translate into meaningful improvements. This session reframes audits as a catalyst for organizational change rather than just technical troubleshooting. Aimed at managers, developers, content teams, and accessibility leads, it bridges both technical and leadership perspectives to show how audits can become actionable roadmaps. Participants will explore a clear framework for prioritizing fixes, engaging stakeholders, and building momentum for long-term accessibility goals. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to transform audits into tools that drive accountability, collaboration, and measurable impact—ensuring accessibility efforts don’t stall at awareness, but instead translate into lasting improvements for all users.
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Time: April 10, 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Speakers: Courtney Fleeger
Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives and needs to digital experiences. This session explores how we can support these users through inclusive design strategies grounded in research. Learn how to apply cognitive-friendly design patterns and create interfaces that reduce friction and foster engagement. Whether you’re new to accessibility or deep in inclusive design, you’ll leave with actionable insights to make your work more empathetic and effective.