The "All-Access Pass"

Speaker 1: Okay, so ready to dive into something interesting?

Speaker 2: Absolutely always up for a good deep dive.

Speaker 1: This one's all about the All Access Pass initiative at the San Diego Community College District. 

Speaker 2: Interesting. Sounds familiar...vaguely. Refresh my memory. 

Speaker 1: Basically, they're tackling digital accessibility head on.

Speaker 2: Ahh, right and with the digital world? Well, let's just say, things change fast, don't they. 

Speaker 1: It's like trying to hit a moving target. Things evolve so quickly, which is, I guess, why SDCCD decided to empower their own people.

Speaker 2: Smart move, give them the tools and the know how, instead of trying to impose something from the top down. 

Speaker 1: Right. And it all started with, get this, an English professor named Tucker Grimshaw.

Speaker 2: An English professor? Not who I would have pictured as a tech Trailblazer, but hey, that's what makes this interesting, right?

Speaker 1: Exactly. He saw the need for more accessible online content and basically became their accessibility champion! 

Speaker 2: Love that. Everyone talks about it, but he actually did something. So what did they come up with?

Speaker 1:They created this thing called the All Access Pass. Sounds like a newsletter, right? But it's way more than that.

Speaker 2: Okay, I'm intrigued. More than a newsletter, you say, how so? 

Speaker 1: They're using SharePoint, which basically means they created this continuously updated hub.. 

Speaker 2: Smart. Makes it a living resource, instead of static document that gets buried in an inbox somewhere.

Speaker 1: Exactly. They've got tips, tools, even how-to videos all right, there in one spot. Oh, and I heard they even have stories from students and staff. 

Speaker 2: Now, that's smart. Put a human face on it. Make it relatable. Because to be honest, accessibility can sound pretty dry to some people.

Speaker 1: Seriously, like eating your vegetables, necessary, but not always the most fun. But SDCCD, they're getting creative. They even have contests planned, just to keep things interesting. 

Speaker 2: Gotta keep people engaged. Love that they're making it fun. But at the end of the day, it's about making sure everyone can access information equally, regardless of their tech skills. 

Speaker 1: Absolutely. And using SharePoint, it's like they're saying, Look, this is how you do it. They're practicing what they preach, which is always powerful.

Speaker 2: Leading by example, so important, especially in something like digital accessibility, where it's so easy to get bogged down in the technicalities.

Speaker 1: So true. But think about it, we've all been frustrated by a website that doesn't work right. Right! Now, imagine that frustration amplified for someone with a disability who relies on those accommodations

Speaker 2: Exactly. It's about more than just ticking a box for compliance. It's about creating a truly inclusive online experience for everyone. So how are they sharing all of this? 

Speaker 1: Well, with SharePoint, it's easy to share everything across the whole district.

Speaker 2: Makes sense, keeps everyone on the same page, literally, and ensures that everyone has access to the most up to date information. Have they seen any results yet?

Speaker 1: It's still early days, but they've already noticed a big jump in awareness and people actually using the resources. 

Speaker 2: Music to my ears. That's what it's all about, proof that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. Just give people the information they need in a way that makes sense.

Speaker 1:Totally. And the best part, they're hearing from students and staff who feel more included because of this.

Speaker 2: Now that's what matters. Real impact. This "All Access Pass" is a perfect example of turning a challenge to an opportunity for positive change.

Speaker 1: Couldn't agree more, it really makes you think, what can we do in our own digital spaces to make them more inclusive?

Speaker 2: It's a question worth asking. Even small changes can make a huge difference.

Speaker 1: Food for thought. So next time we do a deep dive, what should we explore? Any ideas? 

Speaker 2: Hmm, let me ponder on that and get back to you. I'm sure something will spark our curiosity soon enough. 

Speaker 1; Sounds like a plan, until next time then.

Speaker 2: Looking forward to it.