Reflections from the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
In March 2026, I had the opportunity to attend the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference (March 9–13) for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience. This conference is hosted by the CSUN Center on Disabilities. The conference brought together accessibility professionals, educators, technologists, persons with disabilities, and advocates from around the world in a thoughtfully designed and fully accessible environment.
The conference opened with a welcome address from Dr. Watkins, followed by a powerful keynote from Haley Moss. Moss, a lawyer and neurodiversity advocate, shared her personal journey navigating life and education while earning her law degree. Her story, along with her advocacy work for disability rights in Florida, set an inspiring tone for the week.
Accessibility Tools and Technologies
One of the highlights of the conference was the expansive exhibit halls, where vendors showcased innovative accessibility tools and technologies. A particularly memorable example was an AI-powered mobile app designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating crowded environments. Using a smartphone camera, the app detects obstacles and provides real-time audio guidance, demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in accessibility.
Other notable innovations included new accessibility-focused AI features from Google and a fascinating presentation from Nike on their latest accessible wearable technologies. These sessions underscored how accessibility continues to evolve across industries.
CidiLabs
I also had the opportunity to connect with the team from CidiLabs, who provide accessibility tools integrated within Canvas. Their insights helped deepen my understanding of how instructors and content creators can leverage built-in tools to ensure materials are accessible to all learners. Additionally, Pope Tech showcased their web accessibility checking solutions, further emphasizing the importance of proactive accessibility materials and practices.
The conference truly reflected a global commitment to accessibility. I met attendees from Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, and many other regions. It was also great to see representation from our own institution, including a delegation from the College of Health and Human Development led by Dean Best and Dr. Marlen Quintero Perez from Child and Adolescent Development.
As a reminder, the deadline for ensuring that all course materials are accessible is April 24, 2026. The insights and tools shared at this conference reinforce that accessibility is not just a requirement: it is a shared responsibility and an opportunity to create inclusive learning environments for everyone.
By Dr. Joyce Marie Brusasco, Director of Instructional Technology.