Kendal Lyssy is a doctoral candidate studying communication at the University of Missouri.

Could you share a bit about your background as a teacher’s assistant? How did you get into education, and what has your journey been like? 

My journey in education started at the University of North Texas (UNT), where I majored in communication studies. Through taking courses at UNT and being taught by outstanding professors and TAs, I realized that I desired to teach college students. I stayed at UNT to receive my MA in communication studies, where I served as a Teaching Assistant. When I initially decided to attend the University of Missouri to obtain my PhD one thing that drew me to the program was that I could serve as an Instructor of Record, meaning I would be responsible for teaching two courses while also taking my own courses in my area of interest. My experience at Mizzou has been met with incredible peer and teacher support, challenges that I have overcome, and so much more. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role as a blind educator? How have you adapted to those challenges? 

As a blind educator, one challenge I have faced is the inaccessibility of the learning management system with my screen reader. When a web application is not accessible with screen-reading software, it puts me at a disadvantage because I am no longer on an equal playing field with my colleagues. However, I am so fortunate to be able to work closely with the Division of Information Technology. In my other role as an accessibility consultant, I assist in testing web applications for accessibility challenges and providing recommendations for how to make them more accessible. W. W. Norton has been a wonderful partner in this endeavor. When I experienced challenges completing the setup of my InQuizitive course, the Norton accessibility team and I were able to work together to implement an effective solution. 

Can you describe your experience using Norton products? How do they compare with other products? 

I have had a wonderful experience using Norton’s products. The ebook for Contemporary Public Speaking by Gehrke and Foley has been truly amazing, and I appreciate its accessibility. The reading experience is seamless, making it easy to navigate from chapter to chapter. If I ever feel lost or confused about my location in the book, I can press the letter E, which brings me to a form field that says, “page 150,” indicating that I am actually on page 150. Additionally, if I need to refresh my memory on a key term, I can navigate to the glossary at the end of the chapter or select specific terms within the chapter I am reading, and a definition will pop up. Compared to other products, Norton’s textbooks are easy to navigate, easy to read, and free from unnecessary complexity in their user experience.  

Besides Norton ebooks, I also use InQuizitive—Norton’s online digital learning tool—to assess my students’ learning. Not only is InQuizitive accessible, but I value the student activity report feature, which helps me identify where we need to focus our class time in the lectures I provide on the chapters. InQuizitive is also integrated into Canvas, my learning management system, allowing students to access everything on a single platform, whether it’s the textbook chapters, InQuizitive, or their grades, which they automatically receive after completing a quiz. 

What was your experience working with Norton’s team for accessibility? How was it different from your experience working with other publishers? 

Norton has an exceptional accessibility team that is always ready to assist me whenever I need help. I appreciate Norton’s dedication to accessibility. In my experience with other publishers, I found it challenging to communicate about the accessibility barriers I encountered since I was the first blind instructor they had worked with. However, W. W. Norton’s accessibility team met with me to ensure my needs were taken seriously. They not only prioritize accessibility but also collaborate directly with educators to ensure they are providing accessible learning experiences.  

In your opinion, what are the biggest barriers to educational accessibility today? 

One of the greatest barriers to accessibility in higher education is a lack of understanding of what accessibility is and why it matters. Without a shared vocabulary or foundational knowledge, it can be challenging to engage productively around accessibility issues. For example, convincing someone responsible for an inaccessible website to fix its issues can be difficult if they have no prior experience with accessibility. When COVID-19 struck in 2020, we saw a rise in the digital delivery of materials such as textbooks. In many cases, digitization has improved access, allowing individuals with disabilities—such as blindness or visual impairments—to engage with materials more easily. However, the digital space remains complex, and it’s often uncertain whether a product will be accessible.  As a blind educator and accessibility consultant, I’ve learned the importance of empathizing with developers and always leading with respect. Being assertive, yet kind and respectful, is a productive way to build common ground and move toward effective solutions. 

How do you think educational product developers, like Norton, could better collaborate with educators and students to create a more inclusive learning environment? 

I believe publishers and product developers like Norton can foster a more inclusive learning environment by continuing to collaborate closely with individuals who use their products—especially blind educators who directly experience accessibility challenges. Additionally, I’ve found it especially helpful when accessibility support contact information is easy to find, as it enables educators and students to quickly start a conversation about the accessibility of the product they’re using. I’ve been able to have those conversations with W. W. Norton, and they’ve been incredibly valuable. W. W. Norton does a fantastic job ensuring digital accessibility, and I look forward to our continued partnership in making products more accessible for all. 

To learn more about Norton’s Accessibility Team, please visit the Norton website or contact them directly at: accessibility@wwnorton.com. 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kendal Lyssy is a doctoral candidate studying communication at the University of Missouri. Her research program explores family difference through the telling of narratives. She studies how parents tell their children narratives about such topics as disability, adoption, and religion. Kendal consults with vendors to make websites accessible through the Office of Information Technology at Mizzou. Through this work, Kendal endeavors to celebrate the voices of individuals with disabilities. Kendal also teaches COMM 1200: Public Speaking.