All presenters are expected to include the following practices of accessibility and inclusion in their session (if applicable): a diversity of representation in images, readable and accessible slides, visual and vocal prompts for stimulating discussion and fostering critical engagement of the content, authentic and respectful engagement with each other, and inviting participants to share their pronouns.

Consider these inclusive strategies when planning your session. Recognize that inclusive strategies are constantly evolving and context dependent. Accept that you will make mistakes. Remain open to feedback about your use of inclusive strategies.

Consider creating a public document folder for participants to view/download session notes. This practice adds another layer of access for all conference attendees.

Use and universal design for learning principles to remove barriers and create access. For example, think about how you can:

  • include various ways for ideas to be represented (visually and verbally).
  • provide various ways for participants to engage (individual reflecting or sharing with a partner).
  • ask participants to express ideas (verbally or using drawings).

Use of Language

  • Consider including a brief Indigenous Land Acknowledgment at the end of your presentation, where national, state, or local law allows. It may be spoken or written. Use a Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment to craft a statement.
  • When possible, refer to participants by the terms they provide (e.g. “Pronouns,” “Gender Identity,” or “Lived Name”).
  • Be specific when referencing cultural groups (e.g., 鈥淒ominicans鈥 rather than 鈥淗ispanics鈥 if the information you are discussing is about people from the Dominican Republic).
  • When referring to particular groups, strive to use the terminology preferred by those group members. For example, among the disability community, there are some that prefer 鈥減erson-first language鈥 and others that prefer 鈥渋dentity-first language.鈥 Inform yourself about preferred terminology and be prepared to respond with openness and curiosity if someone challenges the language you鈥檙e using.
  • Consider the effects of word choice (e.g., 鈥渃razy,鈥 鈥渂lind spot,鈥 鈥測ou guys鈥 鈥渓adies and gentlemen鈥 or 鈥渢hrow the baby out with the bath water鈥); be transparent and provide context when you must use language that would otherwise seem ill-advised.

Cultural Competence

  • Provide a range of examples that reflect diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, abilities, and perspectives.
  • Be transparent about who is included in data and who isn鈥檛. Identify possible implications of those parameters.
  • Include images, graphics, and visual aids that represent a variety of groups, such as people with disabilities.
  • Avoid culturally-specific idioms (e.g., 鈥渜uit cold turkey鈥).
  • If the resources highlighted in your presentation are available in different languages, be sure to let participants know.

Slide Presentations
Title fonts should be 44 pt or greater. Text fonts should be 36 pt or greater.

Keep your slides clear and readable by

  • Using minimal amounts of text
  • Not animating slide transitions
  • Keeping slide backgrounds clear and free from distractors
  • Use 鈥渁lt text鈥 that clearly describes images and how they enhance the point being made on the slide.

Spoken/Audio Presentations
Each room will have a microphone; you must use it regardless of the number of participants in the room or your ability to project. Some people have hearing loss that is not obvious and will appreciate the use of microphones.

There will be a microphone in each room that can be used by the participants. Please encourage participants to use it when asking questions/reporting out. When fielding questions from participants who are not using a mic, please repeat the questions for the entire group before responding.

For presentations that include video, ensure closed captions are turned on.

Timing for Sessions with Multiple Presentations
For partial sessions, you will be assigned a specific speaking time that indicates the length of your presentation. You will receive a five-minute warning, followed by a one-minute prompt to conclude.