Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Office of the CIO, Digital Accessibility Office

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is an event held each May around the world to

spark dialogue about digital access and inclusion. GAAD highlights how universal design improves digital experiences and helps remove barriers for the more than one billion people with disabilities worldwide.

Now in its third year, CMU’s GAAD celebration continues to advance accessibility across our

campus community. In previous years, we’ve welcomed speakers such as Chancey Fleet (2024), a blind technology educator and advocate, and David DeNotaris (2023), a motivational speaker and consultant focused on disability employment and empowerment.

This year, we invite you to join us on Thursday, May 15 in the Cohon University Center, Rangos Ballroom for Accessibility in Action, a half-day event designed to empower greater accessibility in our digital experiences. Our featured guest this year is Jennison Asuncion, Head of Accessibility Engineering Evangelism at LinkedIn and co-founder of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. He’ll take part in a fireside chat with CMU’s own Jeffrey Bigham, Associate Professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute and a leading voice in accessibility research.

Attendees will also enjoy lightning talks, product demos, and table discussions showcasing accessible tools, current research, and inclusive design strategies. Celebrate GAAD with us this year.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Autism Acceptance Month 

Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff Alliance

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Carnegie Mellon University's Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff Alliance is hosting "Transforming Perspectives: Embracing Neurodiversity," a webinar and lunch series this month.

The webinar, which took place on April 8th, was designed to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent experiences in the workplace and beyond. Presented by Sara Sanders Gardner of Autistic at Work, LLC, attendees explored the nuances of communication, the barriers neurodivergent individuals often face, and the rich, diverse culture of neurodivergence. 

Although the event has passed, you can still register for the event for access to the recording. 

Reviewing the recording will prepare you to attend the follow-up, in-person reflection lunch (for faculty and staff only) taking place on Tuesday, April 29, from 12–1 PM in the Danforth Conference Room, University Center. Registration is required.

This event series is proudly offered in collaboration with the Olitsky Family Foundation Career Readiness Program, the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture, and Engagement, University Health Services Health Promotion, The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, and NERG.

We hope you can join us as we work together to foster a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive community for all!

In other news, we’d like to acknowledge a change in leadership within the Neurodiverse Faculty and Staff Alliance! As of February 2025, Kacey Byrne-Houser, Senior Administrative & Communications Coordinator, Facilities Management Services, transitioned from Member Liaison to Co-Lead in February. The team also welcomed Angelica Bondy – Academic Coordinator for the Ray and Stephanie Lane Computational Biology Department – as the new Member Liaison in March 2025.

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