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Webinar Archive - Communication

The Accessibility and Disability Policy Webinars are free, real-time captioned sessions held on a monthly basis that cover a variety of topics regarding people with disabilities in ten issue areas. Topics of interest can benefit employers, governmental entities, service providers and individuals with disabilities.

Go back to the main Webinar Archive page.

 

Using Plain Language

Presented on July 27, 2023

What is plain language? Plain language is a communication style that makes information easier to understand by:

  • Focusing on your audience.

  • Using shorter sentences.

  • Making basic word choices.

  • Writing like you’re speaking directly to the reader.

Using plain language is a powerful way to get ideas and concepts to your target audience. While plain language as an accommodation benefits people with disabilities, more people are using it because it offers easy and quick access to information.

On July 27th 2023, the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities hosted guest speakers from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and SUMM-AI to share:

  • An introduction to plain language and examples of how to apply it.

  • The growing impacts of technology on plain language development.

Join us to learn how plain language can benefit you and your organization. As part of GCPD’s Accessibility and Disability Series, the webinar is hosted on Zoom for Government. 

Captioning and ASL Interpreting available on this webinar.

Speakers:

Robin Berry, Publishing Coordinator for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

Vanessa Theel, Co-Founder of tech start-up SUMM AI.

Introduction to Plain Language Slides

AI and Plain Language Slides

Using Plain Language Transcript

The Importance of Braille Literacy

Presented on January 29, 2021 
This session will cover the importance of early Braille intervention services and how having this skill leads to higher student literacy. In addition, we will cover the results of a study on Braille in employment, resources for people who become blind later in life, and Braille in Spanish resources. Presented by Norma Crosby, Emily Gibbs, and Daniel Martinez.

Respect and People with Disabilities

Presented on December 21, 2020
Recorded and presented for the Texas Association of Healthcare Interpreters Conference (TAHIT).Everyone deserves respect. Disability etiquette and people first language is not about political correctness, it is a way of emphasizing each person’s value, individuality, and capabilities. It is a communication philosophy that can be used with employees or customers, patients, interns, volunteers or clients and eliminates stereotypes, negative assumptions and generalizations. Join us this session and learn how to “just ask”.

Understanding Hearing Loss: Communicating with Consumers and Employees who are Hard of Hearing

Presented on September 25, 2019
This workshop will provide an overview of barriers to understanding speech, as experienced by your consumers and employees who are hard of hearing. Factors such as distance, background noise, poor room acoustics, and speaker accent, among other things, can create invisible barriers. The presenter, who has hearing loss, will provide strategies and options for working with people who are hard of hearing. Participants will develop a heightened sensitivity to and awareness of the myriad of challenges that individuals with hearing loss face in a variety of settings. Presented by Rose Aird Minette, Health and Human Service, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

Digital Accessibility the Invisible Civil Rights Challenge of the 21st Century

Presented on May 10, 2019
Often organizations may not know where to go or how to get started in making their websites and technologies accessible for people with disabilities. In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16), the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities will host a webinar May 10, “Digital Accessibility the Invisible Civil Rights Challenge of the 21st Century.” Join us at 2:00 PM for a panel discussion with Sharon Rush of Knowbility, Glenda Sims of Deque, and Michael More of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. These experts will share common examples of accessibility barriers and solutions, training opportunities to learn more about accessibility, accessibility testing/development tools and resources, answer questions, and share best practice examples for bringing organizations into compliance with accessibility laws and standards.

The ADA at 30 - Disability Rights and the Digital Future: A conversation with Sharron Rush and Lainey Feingold

Presented on July 8, 2020
Digital resources are critical to participation in the modern work of remote working, learning, civil engagement, and socializing. This session addressed ways the future could adapt to technology and inclusion.