How the University of Alaska Champions Accessibility - March 25th
On March 25, 2025, Helperbird had the privilege of collaborating with the University of Alaska for an interactive webinar—and it truly set a new benchmark for accessibility in action.
Hands On Helperbird Training
I joined the University of Alaskas educators and staff live to showcase Helperbird’s suite of tools: text-to-speech, dyslexia-friendly fonts, translation services, color overlays, and more. Together, we explored real-time demonstrations, adjusted settings on the fly, and celebrated those aha moments when small tweaks reveal their big impact on learning.
A Surprise in Real Time
Just when I thought things couldn’t get more inclusive, the University of Alaska surprised everyone by splitting the screen to introduce the interpreter, who provided live sign-language translation of every word I spoke. This wasn’t a separate stream or delayed captions it was seamless, immediate, and heartfelt.
Extending Accessibility Beyond the Live Event
the University of Alaskas commitment didn’t end when the webinar wrapped up. They promptly uploaded the recording to YouTube complete with full captions, ensuring that anyone who missed the live session—or prefers reading—can still engage with the material.
Why this matters:
True Engagement: Deaf or hard-of-hearing participants could follow along, ask questions, and contribute in real time.
Best-Practice Demonstration: UA didn’t just discuss accessibility; they embodied it from planning through post-production.
Dignity and Respect: This goes far beyond ticking compliance boxes—it’s about honoring everyone’s right to learn and participate.
Salute to the University of Alaska
A heartfelt thank you to the University of Alaska for raising the standard of digital inclusion. To learn more about their ongoing accessibility initiatives, visit alaska.edu.
Watch the Replay
Missed the live session? You can still experience the full webinar here:👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA6mKcGJY0k
Tune in, take notes, and get inspired by the University of Alaskas remarkable approach to inclusive education.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Accessible Webinars
Inspired by the University of Alaskas leadership, we’re enhancing our own webinars with:
- Live captions blending automated and human-generated transcripts
- Multi-language support for a global audience
- Accessible Q&A formats to welcome every voice
Stay connected as we continue to innovate and ensure that no one is left out of the digital conversation.
A huge thank you to the University of Alaska and the interpreter for setting a powerful example. Here’s to a future where every webinar—and every digital experience—is truly accessible. ✨
