Instructor Led Programs

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Maximizing employees’ strengths to create successful teams requires an objective awareness of those strengths. One way to do this is to examine biases of what is “normal”. In this presentation, attendees will be given an opportunity and tools to recognize the benefits of supporting and maximizing the resources that neurodiverse employees bring to the workplace.

Accessibility 101 @ PSU -- An Introduction

This session introduces the main points of accessibility policy and guidelines and uses demos of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, and testing strategies and tools to show how following accessibility guidelines benefits everyone. The session ends with information on how to learn the skills and strategies to successfully implement accessibility guidelines based on your job duties and technological environment. 

Understanding Transgender and Gender Diverse Identities—Support and Advocacy

The Transgender Identities workshop is designed to provide participants an opportunity to better understand nuances around the transgender and gender diverse communities. Included in the session: language regarding gender diversity, challenges faced by the community, and most importantly how to support trans and gender diverse folks in the community. 

Accessibility 102 @ PSU - Accessible Word Templates

This is a follow-up to IDP Accessibility 101

In this session, we will walk through using a Word template to create accessible documents using Microsoft Word with templates as an example. We will reformat a report so that it includes headings, image ALT text, accessible tables, and an accessible bar chart with a description. We will also discuss how to share an accessible template for multiple documents and how to modify the styles of a template.   

Introduction to Deaf Culture and American Sign Language

This presentation provides an engaging and informative introduction to the rich history, unique language, and vibrant culture of the Deaf community. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Deaf Culture, including its values, traditions, and the social and historical factors that have shaped it.  

We will explore American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully developed visual language with its own grammar, syntax, and expressive features. Through interactive discussion, attendees will learn about the origins of ASL, its role in Deaf identity, and how it differs from spoken languages. We will also address common misconceptions about ASL and Deaf people, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and inclusive practices. This session aims to foster greater cultural awareness, promote effective interaction with Deaf individuals, and encourage continued exploration of the Deaf community and its language.

Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to expand your knowledge, this presentation offers a welcoming and accessible entry point into the world of Deaf Culture and American Sign Language.

BUILD/IDP: Accessibility 103 @ PSU – Accessible PowerPoint Template

The focus of this session is building accessible PowerPoint slides so that all audiences can access the information. Starting with some basic Penn State PowerPoint templates, we will explore how to insert image ALT text, tables with headers, usable links and text with proper reading order for a screen reader. We will also show how you can use the Slide Master tools to expand the template with new layouts and color options.  

Note: It is highly suggested that you participate in the Accessibility @ PSU 101 – Intro session prior to attending this training.

Tools for Compassionate Communication

In this session, we’ll explore the foundations of compassionate communication. Participants will examine different communication styles, consider how culture and identity inform communication, and practice strategies for listening, speaking, and responding with intention. The session closes with space to share individual commitments for bringing more compassion into everyday dialogue. 

This workshop supports anyone looking to build inclusive environments rooted in respect, empathy, and understanding, including classrooms, team meetings, and one-on-one conversations.

Interfaith Education: Interpersonal Understanding

We live in a world with an incredible diversity of beliefs and belief communities. This diversity is often not discussed or engaged with when we talk about inclusion. There are a lot of needs and considerations that come with working with such a large diversity of beliefs and belief communities. It is very helpful to understand the fundamentals of religious, spiritual, and secular inclusion to better serve the people you work with and provide services for. This program helps prepare participants to engage with that diversity in an inclusive and positive way.

BUILD/IDP: Military Cultural Competency – Be a Veteran Ally

Do you know a military service member or veteran?  Have you ever worked with one?  What are they like and what were their experiences while they served?  What challenges do they experience while serving or as they transition back to civilian life?  How are they different from you and I, if at all?  How do I engage and talk to them?   

This session is an introductory session about the military and veteran community that lives in Pennsylvania, works alongside us, and are students at Penn State.  We will discuss why it is important to understand the military/veteran culture and how to close any gaps that exist between service members/veterans and civilians.  We will also learn about the military services and the military experience. We will discuss military/veteran stereotypes and myths as well as veteran experiences and challenges.   

Inclusive Learning and Working (Staff Focused)

The Inclusive Learning Model (ILM) was designed by the World Campus Accessibility Team to assist student-facing units with creating a more inclusive student experience by providing innovative resources to address unique challenges and misconceptions. This workshop will help units to foster inclusion within their mission, practices,  and procedures.