PPPL's Commitment to Accessibility for IT - Kristen Ferraro

Explore Princeton Plasma Physics Lab's (PPPL) dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the IT field. Kristen Ferraro leads the Users Services Team, emphasizing the importance of embracing different perspectives and creating an inclusive environment to drive innovation and growth at PPPL.

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• PPPL
• Accessibility
• Kristen Ferraro
• Diversity & Inclusion
• IT

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Uploaded on Mar 27, 2024 | 0 Views

Presentation Transcript

1. PPPLs Commitment to Accessibility for IT Kristen Ferraro June 28, 2023

2. About Me Kristen Ferraro Users Services Team Lead at PPPL 16 years of experience in IT field BS Electrical/Computer Engineering 2 NLIT 2023

3. Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University in Princeton, NJ Fusion energy research laboratory with goal of using fusion energy to produce a clean energy source to power the world Fusion is the process that powers our sun and stars 3 NLIT 2023

4. PPPL (cont.) PPPL has been in transition to expand our research portfolio and grow our campus Approximately 700 employees and growing Future building growth for researchers, new laboratories, and private-public partnerships In order to support innovation, it is necessary to recruit a diverse workforce 4 NLIT 2023

5. Discussion Overview Importance of DEIA What is Accessibility PPPL s Path to Accessibility Accessibility in IT Designing to Think about Accessibility Audience Thoughts and Questions 5 NLIT 2023

6. Importance of DEIA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a commitment for PPPL s workforce Diversity -All aspects of human differences Equity -Fair practices so that all employees can thrive Inclusion -All voices are heard and viewpoints are valued Accessibility -Creating a more accessible lab for differently abled talent In order to advance the sciences, a diverse workforce is needed in which all viewpoints are included Incorporating a broad range of experiences and perspectives enhances organizational growth 6 NLIT 2023

7. Importance of DEIA (cont.) Workforce should reflect the community it represents Part of PPPL s Core Values as an organization PPPL s 5 year pledge to transform our culture Started in 2020 Develop the science, technology, engineering and mathematics pipeline through apprenticeship and internship programs Creating a more accessible and inclusive lab for differently abled talent Support ongoing inclusion and diversity related professional development 7 NLIT 2023

8. What is Accessibility Accessibility is about equity -giving everyone the same opportunities despite abilities or circumstances. Expands audience and creates a better experience for all Legal requirements Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Section 255 of the Communications Act ADA Requires compatibility with assistive technologies 8 NLIT 2023

9. What is Accessibility (cont.) Needs of people with disabilities should always been considered Disabilities can include the following: Vision impairment Hearing impairment Motor skills Cognitive disabilities Neurological Per CDC, approximately 27% of adults in US have some type of disability Accessibility needs to be thought of for facilities, technology, programs, and services 9 NLIT 2023

10. PPPLs Path to Accessibility PPPL recently hired a consulting group to complete an accessibility review of our lab. Starting with most public areas and content as a priority Very early planning stages Become proactive rather than only compliant Shifting the culture and the technology Established an ADA committee led by Director s Office Employee effort to increase accessibility through an employee resource group (ERG) Looking to leverage our partnership with Princeton University for resources 10 NLIT 2023

11. Accessibility in IT PPPL is looking at IT accessibility to ensure that a user is able to interact with technology based upon needs and abilities Developing IT procedures Investigating existing and potential tools Increase technology awareness Technology purchases Knowledge Base content 11 NLIT 2023

12. Accessibility in IT (cont.) Accessibility considerations for in person and virtual meetings Ask if accommodations are needed beforehand Make available captions and chat options Permit multiple ways for participation Virtual meetings open the possibility for more attendees Send agendas prior to meetings 12 NLIT 2023

13. Accessibility in IT (cont. again) Design of new and existing conference rooms Ensuring layout meets ADA requirements Advertising the availability of ADA technology 13 NLIT 2023

14. Designing to Think about Accessibility Designers tend to design for themselves by default Universal design Design is more than websites -need to also think about everyday documents Prioritize navigation of content Consider the size, colors, and textures Accessible links 14 NLIT 2023

15. Audience Thoughts and Questions What are other labs doing? Accessibility IT tools utilized at your lab How and when do you test for IT accessibility? How does your lab educate your staff on technology accessibility? Accessibility for IT recruitment Accessibility considerations when purchasing technology 15 NLIT 2023

16. Final Questions? Contact Info: Kristen Ferraro - kferraro@pppl.gov 16 NLIT 2023