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GAAD 2026: Charting Accessible Futures Across Ivy+ Institutions

Ivy+ event brings together experts and practitioners to deepen understanding and strengthen commitment to an accessible digital experience

This year’s participating universities included: 

Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Northwestern University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University

On Tuesday, April 28, the IT communities across Ivy+ institutions gathered to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). This half-day virtual event brought together approximately 300 attendees to discuss and collaborate on digital accessibility, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring equal access to digital services and resources for all.

Panel discussions and sessions: prioritizing accessibility

The event featured a panel discussion, sessions, and lightning talks designed to provide both strategic frameworks and practical tools for advancing accessibility across institutions: 

  • "From Launch to Maturity: Embedding Accessibility Across the Institution”: During the panel, participants shared how they have successfully embedded accessibility into institutional programs and resources, emphasizing the importance of engaging senior leadership to set clear expectations and aligning accessibility priorities with institutional values.
  • “Including External Partners in Testing”: Presented by Pat Kogos, director of digital accessibility at the University of Chicago, this session unveiled a unique model for augmenting internal campus accessibility testing. Attendees learned how the University of Chicago partners with external agencies that employ people with disabilities to conduct testing, manage budgets and workflows, and create tangible, impactful change.
  • “How We Talk to Colleagues about Accessibility”: Kyle Shachmut, senior director of digital accessibility services at Harvard University, tackled the critical question of "Why prioritize accessibility now?" He suggested attendees reframe accessibility not as an additional obligation, but as a strategic solution that directly aligns with institutional priorities, including budgets, legal considerations, student expectations, and new technologies.
  • The lightning talks highlighted a wide range of topics, including examining the evolving role of AI in accessibility, while emphasizing that human involvement,  from manual testing to sign language interpretation, remains essential. Review the slide decks for the lightning talks to learn more.

From awareness to action

Across sessions, a clear message emerged: meaningful progress in accessibility happens when institutions move beyond awareness and take intentional action—embedding accessibility into systems, workflows, and leadership priorities. 

The collaborative spirit shown at GAAD 2026 demonstrates that when institutions come together, innovation becomes more thoughtful and human-centered.

Learn more and get involved

Please note that the event was not recorded. However, presentation materials and additional resources from the session are available for your reference.

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