Since we’re trying to focus on topics to do with supporting people with cognitive disabilities this year, here’s another one.
Session time:
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm ET
Session title:
Designing for Accessibility into the Future: Preparing for a more “Understandable” Web
Session summary:
As Higher Ed institutions prepare for the ADA Title II digital accessibility updates, many schools are focused on meeting legal conformance requirements aligned with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). While this progress is essential, it represents only the starting point.
This session explores the future of accessibility through the lens of the WCAG “Understandable” principle - currently the least developed area of the guidelines, yet one poised for significant expansion in the draft WCAG 3.0 being developed by W3C (World Wide Web Consortium).
Participants will be invited to broaden their understanding of “Understandable” beyond formal diagnoses such as dyslexia or ADHD, and toward a more universal design perspective: recognizing that confusing, cognitively demanding content affects everyone. Through practical examples and higher ed–specific scenarios, this presentation will offer strategies for creating digital learning environments that are not just compliant, but genuinely usable, inclusive, and sustainable for the future.
Speaker Bio:
Laura Todd is an Instructional Designer and Lead Technology Trainer for CUNY, creating and delivering training to faculty to design inclusive, engaging asynchronous courses that reflect the realities of today’s students. As an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University, she teaches adult learners navigating degree completion, drawing on her own lived experience, to create relevant, supportive learning environments. These roles have given me a 360° perspective on what learners need and how institutions can better serve them.
Laura is currently pursuing a doctorate in education with a focus on cognitive disabilities. Accessibility is a core principle in everything she builds and never an afterthought. Whether using Ed Tech tools or leveraging LMS platforms, she always strives to make learning work for everyone.