Stony Brook University’s Finance & Administration Alliance for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion held the first session of its “Building Bridges Allyship Series” on January 15. The event focused on digital accessibility and disability inclusion, ahead of new federal regulations set to take effect in spring 2026.
The online workshop was organized by the Alliance’s Education sub-committee and co-led by Joessie Mathews from Human Resource Services and Michael Ospitale from DoIT. The session aimed to help participants understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II requirements related to digital accessibility and discussed the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace.
Daniel Gutz, Digital Accessibility Support Specialist from the Office of Equity and Access, spoke about common barriers faced by people with disabilities in the workplace. He also explained the need for compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards to better support disabled members of the university community. Glenn Dausch, Web Accessibility Manager and EIT Accessibility Officer, addressed questions regarding best practices for ensuring that university platforms are accessible.
The session highlighted differences between medical and social models of disability, noting that environmental factors often lead to exclusion rather than individual limitations. Attendees learned about four main areas of accessibility: physical, digital, social, and systemic. The discussion also covered distinctions between accommodations for individuals and designing proactively accessible environments.
“As we approach the April 24, 2026 deadline for ADA title II digital accessibility mandates, it is crucial that our entire community understands both the legal requirements and the human imperative behind them,” said Mathews. “This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about ensuring that Stony Brook University is a place where every member of our community can fully participate and thrive.”
The event drew attendees from across campus. Participation counted toward volunteer criteria for earning a Wolfpack Academy badge.
A follow-up session is scheduled for March 2. It will focus on technical practices and tools to help move beyond basic compliance toward building a culture centered on inclusion.
“Compliance is the floor, but inclusion is the ceiling. Part II will give our community the practical skills and resources to make accessibility the default in everything we do,” said Dausch.
Recordings of the first session are available online. Additional information about future sessions can be found on F&A’s Alliance for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion website or by contacting Stony Brook University’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Founded in 2021, Stony Brook University’s Finance & Administration Alliance for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion seeks to create an environment where all members feel valued and empowered through open dialogue and celebration of differences.
