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DHS Accessibility Day 2023

Get ready to join us again for an unforgettable day of inclusion and accessibility! DHS Accessibility Day 2023 is the ultimate event for anyone who believes that everyone deserves equal access to information and services. Our jam-packed schedule includes thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring keynote speakers who will share their stories and expertise on the latest accessibility trends and best practices.

The event will be a two-day, free virtual event experience using Microsoft Teams. The event will be held over two days: Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Whether you're a seasoned accessibility professional or just starting out, you'll leave feeling energized and equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to create a more inclusive world. So mark your calendars and join us for DHS Accessibility Day 2023 - it's an event you won't want to miss!

The event is only available to federal employees and federal contractors within the United States Government.

If you are a DHS employee, please refer to our DHS Connect internal website for more content, such as speakers' biographies, frequently asked questions, download materials, and support for accessibility and accommodations.

Please contact Accessibility@hq.dhs.gov for questions or if you need more information.

Time / Category Session

10:00 - 10:05 AM

Remarks

Introduction and Opening Remarks

Nicshan Floyd
Executive Director
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

10:05 - 10:15 AM

Remarks

Keynote Remarks

Michael Donnelly
Deputy Chief Data Officer
DHS Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Remarks

Keynote Remarks

Abuja Bale
Director, Diversity Management Section
DHS Office for Civil Rights & Civil Liberties (CRCL)

10:30 - 11:00 AM

Remarks

Keynote Remarks

Andy Imparato
Executive Director
Disability Rights California (DRC)

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Presentation

Overview on Accessibility & Usability

Nicshan Floyd
Executive Director
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

11:30 - 11:40 AM

Break

Break

11:40 AM - 12:15 PM

Presentation

Human Systems Integration and Implications for Universal Design

Janae Lockett-Renolds
Human Systems Integration Branch Chief
DHS Science & Technology

12:15 - 1:00 PM

Presentation

Interactive Activity Demonstration: "Accessibility Taboo"

Dominique Wheeler
Senior Accessibility Specialist and Project Manager
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

1:00 - 1:10 PM

Break

Break

1:10 - 2:10 PM

Panel Discussion

Users' Stories: The Daily Life of DHS Employees with Disabilities

Moderator:
Annette Carr, Disability Program Manager
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Panelists:

  • Jeremy Sebest, Senior Executive Secretariat Lead, Office of the Chief Counsel & CISA Disability Employee Association Group Chairperson at DHS Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • Anjanette Daigle, DHS Intelligence & Analysis (I&A)
  • DaShunda McDonley, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at DHS Science & Technology (S&T)

2:10 - 2:50 PM

Presentation

Customer Experience (CX) at DHS

Dana Chisnell
Acting Executive Director
Customer Experience (CX) at DHS

2:50 - 3:00 PM

Remarks

Closing Remarks

Nicshan Floyd
Executive Director
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

 

Time / Category Session

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Panel Discussion

Diversity In Hiring Strategies: Conversation with DHS Office of Chief Human Capital Office (OCHCO)

Moderator: Sharon Wong
Executive Director, Strategic Recruitment, Diversity & Inclusion
DHS Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)

Panelists:

  • Dr. Donna M. (Mishell) Navarro, Deputy Assistant Commandant for Human Resources at U.S. Coast Guard
  • Shelley Pree, Associate Chief, Human Capital Services Team  at Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • Donna Campagnolo, Chief Human Capital Officer at U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • Rebekah Tucker, Chief for Recruitment & Workforce Management Branch at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)

11:00 – 11:35 AM

Presentation

Overview of Accessibility Training for Developers / Overview of Playbook Upgrades

Lynette Banning
Senior ICT Accessibility Specialist
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

11:35 - 11:40 AM

Break

Break

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

Panel Discussion

DHS Outreach to People with Disabilities

Moderator: Traci Ballard-Silas, J.D.
Executive Director, Academia
DHS HQ  Office of Partnership and Engagement

Panelists:

  • Linda Aase, Office of Civilian Workforce Management, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  • Vicky Crawford, Disability Employment Program Manager, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)

12:30 - 12:40 PM

Break

Break

12:40 - 1:20 PM

Panel Discussion

"What We Have In Our Pockets" - Mobile Accessibility Benefits Everyone

Moderator: Janice T. Fenlason
Digital Accessibility (508) Program Manager
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Panelists:

  • Marc Samuels, Relationship Manager, Apple
  • Ruben Brochner, Relationship Manager, Apple

1:20 - 2:05 PM

Panel Discussion

Engagement in the Virtual Environment - Ensuring That Everyone Has a Voice in Accessibility

Moderator: Andrew Nielson
Government-wide IT Accessibility Program Director
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

Panelists:

  • Allen Hoffman
  • Kathy Eng, U.S. Access Board
  • Douglas Zak, DHS Accessibility & Usability
  • Kristen Smith-O'Connor, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

2:05 - 2:55 PM

Panel Discussion

Disability in Hiring - Boots on the Ground

Moderator: Manny Ramirez
Strategic Talent Recruitment, Inclusive Diversity, and Engagement (STRIDE)
DHS Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)

Panelists:

  • Linda Aase, Office of Civilian Workforce Management, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  • Laura Davis, Departmental Wide Disability Program Manager, DHS Office of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties (CRCL)
  • Jeffrey R. Jack, Veterans Employment Program Manager, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

2:55 - 3:00 PM

Remarks

Closing Remarks

Nicshan Floyd
Executive Director
DHS Accessibility & Usability (AU)

DHS is dedicated to making all events accessible, including virtual ones.

​Sign Language (ASL)

DHS is committed to providing a team of three American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for the entire two-day event. For most sessions lasting up to 30 minutes, one interpreter will be visible on screen. During panel discussions, it's possible a team of at least two interpreters may work in sync on the screen. If an active interpreter encounters technical issues, standby interpreters will be available to promptly step in, ensuring uninterrupted and effective communication facilitation.

Captioning (CART)

DHS will provide live captioning services by employing a certified machine stenographer, as known as a court reporter. The captions will be integrated into Microsoft Teams, but DHS will also provide a separate hyperlink (URL). This allows users to access captions in an independent browser window and customize the viewing experience according to their preferences.

Accessible Electronic Materials

DHS will make accessible electronic materials available in advance for the Blind or Low-Vision Community.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Assistive Technology

Microsoft has created a useful article detailing how to utilize keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation during a Teams meeting. To access the Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts article, please click here.

This virtual event, its materials, and the speakers are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as DHS endorsement or approval of any of the products, services, organizations, or any external links.

Last Updated: 03/04/2024
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