As we continue to step into 2025, we remain as committed to our mission as we have been since we were founded in 2016. Every day, we work to create an inclusive and accessible world, and this feels even more urgent than ever before. As we witness the dismantling and undoing of so many DEI efforts across so many industries, we know we must press on, including for the 730+ people already signed up for our Student Academy in February! We stand together with all of you out there doing this work. The only way through this is together.
Teach Access is Growing!
At Teach Access, we are beginning to work on the goals and priorities in our new three-year strategic plan for 2025-2027. We also started the new year by welcoming two new staff members! We are excited to introduce Renike Akin as our new Teach Access Salesforce Administrator and Sherrye Zhong as our new Teach Access Intern.
Welcome Renike Akin!
Renike joined Teach Access in January 2024 as a Salesforce Administrator intern via a collaboration with Askiya and became a full-time team member in January 2025. With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and over four years of Salesforce experience, Renike specializes in managing and maintaining high-quality data. She brings expertise in Salesforce configuration, process automation, and data management to support the organization’s mission of advancing accessible technology education.
Welcome Sherrye Zhong
We’re excited to introduce Sherrye Zhong as our new Teach Access intern! Teach Access has partnered with Michigan State University (MSU) to co-sponsor an intern from their Experience Architecture (XA) undergraduate program. Sherrye will be the third intern to join Teach Access through this partnership.
Sherrye is a third-year student at Michigan State University, studying Graphic Design and Experience Architecture. She is passionate about storytelling and design, using her interests in UX research, international program management, and advocacy to create meaningful experiences. She is dedicated to designing user-centered solutions that connect with and inspire diverse audiences.
Teach Access Student Academy
Registration is open for the Teach Access Student Academy. Presented by Merck & Co., Inc., this FREE two-day virtual workshop will occur Thursday, February 20, 2025, and Friday, February 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT). Whether you’re new to accessibility or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will empower you to create a more accessible world! Please share broadly within your network.
Day One Schedule: Thursday, February 20, 2025
The sessions on day one, Thursday, February 20, 2025, will focus on building empathy and awareness for disability and accessibility. The day will start with our Keynote Presentation by Haben Girma, renowned human rights lawyer and the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School.
Day Two Schedule: Friday, February 21, 2025
The sessions on day two, Friday, February 21, 2025, will focus on how to get started in accessibility, learn practical accessibility skills, and advocate for accessibility. The day will begin with the Careers in Accessibility Panel, where you will hear from accessibility professionals working in the field at Google, Microsoft, Verizon, Salesforce, and Adobe.
Upcoming Events
We’d love to meet you in person! Check our upcoming travel schedule:
- January 30, 2025, Virtual: Southampton International Symposium on Teaching Accessibility
- February 7, 2025, Ann Arbor, MI & Virtual: BLDA Conference on Disabilities and Accessibility in Business School and Beyond
- March 10-14, 2025, Anaheim, CA: CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
Teach Access Meetup at CSUN
Teach Access will host a Meetup at CSUN. While we’re still finalizing details with the venue, we anticipate meeting on Tuesday, March 11, between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm or 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Please email mindy@teachaccess.org to stay informed!
Ways to Support Our Work
- Share your expertise and lived experience insights with our students and educators.
- Host an internal presentation about Teach Access.
- Provide skill-building workshops using Teach Access free resources.
- Consider a sponsorship or gift to support our free programs and resources. Double your impact with your employer’s matching gift program!
