Spring 2025 CPACC Grant Application
About the grant
Accessible Technologies, will be awarding grants to selected candidates throughout the university to become certified accessibility professionals. In order to have the most impact on improving the accessibility of the university's web sites and web applications, we are looking to distribute these grants to individuals in strategic positions throughout the university who are able to effectively serve as change agents.
The deadline for applying for the grant is December 4, 2024 at 5 p.m. and we expect to notify recipients no later than December 13, 2024.
The kickoff meeting for the cohort will be on January 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon in a hybrid format (in the PDN classroom at 801 University City Blvd Suite 21, Blacksburg, VA 24061 and via Zoom).
The benefits and expectations for those who participate are as follows:
Benefits
Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) will pay for:
- The fee to take the CPACC exam, a $385 value
Accessible Technologies will:
- Provide a 10-week course on the core competencies of accessibility, universal design and legal standards. The course includes two hybrid meetings and nine virtual meetings.
- Provide access to assistive technologies and expert guidance on their use
- Answer questions regarding exam-prep course materials
- Provide physical and/or virtual space for regular study-group meetings for participants as they progress through exam preparation material
Expectations
- Devote 2 hours a week over the course of 10 weeks to the completion of exam prep course materials.
- Meet weekly for 10 weeks with other participants to progress through the exam preparation course materials. The course includes two hybrid meetings and nine virtual meetings. Attendance at meetings is essential for passing the exam.
- Kick-Off Event: Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon in a hybrid format (in the PDN classroom at 801 University City Blvd Suite 21, Blacksburg, VA 24061 and via Zoom).
- Weekly Wednesday Meetings: January 29, 2025 thru April 2, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom
- Closing Celebration & Study Session: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in a hybrid format (in the PDN classroom at 801 University City Blvd Suite 21, Blacksburg, VA 24061 and via Zoom).
- Take the certification exam following the guidelines from IAAP OR complete the requirements for the A11y Core microbadge.
- After completion of the exam and/or A11y Core microbadge requirements, commit to serving a minimum one-year term on the Accessibility Network. The network meets quarterly and has several goals that include:
- Collaborating to develop policies and procedures for the development and testing of accessible media and learning experiences
- Assisting in the selection of enterprise software for the creation of accessible media and learning experiences
- Helping devise strategies for increasing participation in the Accessibility Network
- Collaborating to develop policies and procedures for the development and testing of accessible media and learning experiences
- Within your circle of influence, serve as a channel for dissemination of information regarding accessibility and universal design, and a conduit for gathering information about needs for training, assistance, and tools.
Application Process
- Check your calendar to be sure you are available to attend all cohort meetings listed above.
- Confirm that you can fulfill the other expectations listed above.
- Verify that the person you report to understands the commitment required to complete the CPACC expectations.
- Submit your application by selecting the Apply Now button below.
If you have questions about the benefits or expectations regarding this grant, email tlos@vt.edu.