Global Accessibility Awareness Day - 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Join us either in-person or on Zoom for our upcoming Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) event at DU. As GAAD states, “The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.” Come hear from a panel of DU community members and guest speakers about their stories and experiences.
Food Provided!
For our in-person attendees, we will have delicious empanadas from Maria’s Empanadas, a local Denver restaurant that serves a variety of meat and vegetarian empanadas.
What is Digital Accessibility?
Every user deserves a first-rate digital experience on the web. Someone with a disability must be able to experience web-based services, content and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities. This awareness and commitment to inclusion is the goal of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), a global event that shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Agenda:
- 9:00 am Opening Statement - Joshua Kaufman, ADA Coordinator
- 9:15 am – Matthew Saunders
- 10:30 am Break
- 10:45 am Keynote Speaker - Ben Meyerhoff
- 12:00 am Lunch
- 12:30 pm Digital Accessibility Awards! (Student, Department, and Faculty)
- 12:45 pm Break
- 1:00 pm Student Panel
- 2:15 pm Break
- 2:15 - 3:15 pm Breakout groups
Guest Speakers
Matthew Saunders, digital strategy leader and neurodiversity advocate
Matthew Saunders is a digital strategy leader and neurodiversity advocate with deep expertise in AI, digital transformation, and inclusive design. With a career spanning pharma, nonprofits, and tech, he has led multi-million-dollar digital initiatives at Pfizer, driven AI-powered efficiencies, and championed neurodivergent inclusion in the workplace. A speaker, mentor, and thought leader, Matthew is passionate about leveraging technology to create accessible, inclusive experiences for all.
https://jamesmatthewsaunders.ai
Benjamin Meyerhoff, Funding Coordinator for the Colorado Disability Funding Committee
Benjamin Meyerhoff is the Funding Coordinator for the Colorado Disability Funding Committee, the all-volunteer funding and grant making committee of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. Ben’s previous experience working in hospital finance and management, ended abruptly when he broke his neck (sustaining a permanent spinal cord injury) while commuting on his bicycle to work. After an extensive recovery, Ben embarked on a modified life of advocacy for persons with disabilities. Ben continues to volunteer with organizations like the Craig Hospital, the Wheelchair Rugby Clubs of Colorado, adaptive athletics organizations, and the Home Builders Foundation of Metro Denver. Ben received his education at the University of Rochester (NY) and the University of Colorado.
Student Panel Speakers (1:00-2:00)
Coming soon
Breakout Groups (2:15 - 3:15)
- Kaltura - How Video Supports Accessibility
- College Board
Planning Committee
- Annie Blaine, Learning Effectiveness Program
- Joni Rumsey, Student Affairs & Incl Excellence
- Elise Goss-Alexander, Student Employment
- Lucy Edwards, Graduate School of Social Work
- RJ Justice, Student
- Bill Casson, Information Technology
- Josiah Dunn, Information Technology
- Terri Johnson, Office of Teaching and Learning
- Megan Kelly, Writing Program
- Clara Kapustka, Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Joshua Kaufman, Equal Opportunity & Title IX
- Brevity Langley, College of Professional Studies
- Brian Majestic, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Alex Martinez, Information Technology
- Craig Miller, HR and Inclusive Community
- Cassy Zapotocky, HR and Inclusive Community
Where:
The Community Commons room 1700 (2055 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210) is located in the center of campus off Evans Boulder. It's a 15-minute walk (half mile) away from the University of Denver RTD Stop moving south. There are hourly paid parking facilities located at Asbury Ave Hourly Street Parking, Ricketson Law Building Garage, and Evans Garage.
Thank you to our financial sponsors!
Digital Accessibility Tech Tips
Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable individuals of all abilities to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.Coordinator@du.edu. Please note that without adequate notice before the event, we may not be able to provide reasonable accommodations.