Values Statement & Accessibility Aspirations
If you need accommodations to participate in the conference please contact TexasUCCPA@gmail.com. The TUCCCC Planning Committee is aiming to create a conference that is inclusive, accessible and affirming for all participants. We especially want to ensure that we consider the array of learning styles and needs in every aspect of the conference experience. We invite all presenters and participants to join in our efforts.
As mental health professionals, the values we share in this document are consistent with the values and aspirations of our respective disciplines. We share these as reminders in hopes of creating a growth fostering experience for all.
We outline the following as aspiration and guides in how we might engage one another in accessible ways:
PowerPoints and other materials may be made available in advance of presentations. Early access can be coordinated via email request to TexasUCCPA@gmail.com.
We ask presenters to use large font size, contrast between the letters and background, and use captions for videos or other media.
It is an absolute expectation for all presenters and participants to utilize the microphones that are available. Rather than decline to use, presenters and room monitors are happy to relay comments/questions to the larger group. Note cards are available to hand to room monitors for this option.
If tables or chairs are moved during presentations, ensure a pathway is clear throughout the room and to an exit.
Consider spacing chairs and tables with enough room for people of diverse sizes and for people who use mobility devices to easily navigate.
Take and make space for yourself and others in learning and processing information.
Maintain gratitude, receptivity and respect for feedback given related to experiences of microaggression.
Believe people’s reports of trauma, oppression and marginalization.
Hold compassion for self and others in the learning process.
This is a working document, and the TUCCCC planning committee invites participants to provide feedback and suggestions for these and any other considerations for an inclusive conference. These can be offered via completion of the conference evaluation.
A Statement for Presenters: Your presentations are the heart of TUCCCC. As a presenter, the planning committee is calling on you to aid us in meeting the aspirations outlined above. We ask that you remind participants of these values and live out the spirit of inclusiveness we seek to create together. Thank you for your commitment to accommodation, affirmation and inclusivity.
Accessibility Resources
TOOLS:
The link will help you to run a report on your PowerPoint to ensure that someone with a screen reader can follow along. It will provide you with feedback that tells you what you need to add to make the presentation accessible. This may require things like:
o Adding Slide Titles
o Adding captions to any pictures you may use
o Captions for videos
WHY WE DO THIS and HOW TO DO THIS:
https://www.uua.org/worship/lab/what-youre-saying-when-you-say-i-dont-need-mic
“What you’re saying when you say ‘I don’t need a mic’”
https://www.hearingtracker.com/blog/why-you-should-always-use-a-microphone-in-meetings/
“Why you should always use a microphone in meetings”. Includes a video with tips at the end.
https://www.w3.org/WAI/teach-advocate/accessible-presentations/#during-the-presentation-speakers
This site has some good tips for presenters
UNIVERSAL DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MULTICULTURAL GUIDELINES
American Psychological Association
www.apa.org/about/policy/multicultural-guidelines.pdf
American Counseling Association
www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/competencies
National Association of Social Work
https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=7dVckZAYUmk%3d&portalid=0
Further Information on Accessibility at TUCCCC
It is important to us that TUCCCC is inclusive of individuals with disabilities and accessible to all participants and presenters. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation to participate fully in this event (e.g., communication access, alternate formats), please contact the TUCCCC Planning Committee at TexasUCCPA@gmail.com.
