Conversations with Colleagues (April 2026)

Topic: Our AI Accessibility Journey: From Experience to Action 

This conversation will focus on these kinds of questions:

• What has been the experience this year with AI and accessibility? What did we learn from that? What do we want to do in the future based on this learning? 

• What is being done differently across campuses in terms of support for accessibility services, including what technology tools and support services students and faculty have access to. 

• What is missing in support of accessibility? 

• Where are there equity gaps across campuses in the use of accessibility strategies and tools?  

• How do we emphasize disability justice and anti-ableist pedagogy as a lens for AI use and accessibility? What work is or is not already done in this area? 

• Why do we need to focus on accessibility? What are the civil rights issues at play? Education justice?  

• What are the nuances of implementation? Different students need different tools, scaffolds, and support. So do faculty! 

• What are easy strategies that everyone can use with AI tools we all have access to through the university to easily implement accessibility strategies? For example, Microsoft Copilot for formatting written directions for student assignments. 

Conversations with Colleagues is a welcoming, virtual gathering space designed to connect faculty and staff across Minnesota State. Whether you’re joining from your office, your kitchen table, or between classes, bring your lunch and your curiosity as we come together to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Note: To prioritize real-time sharing and connection, these sessions will NOT be recorded.

Each session begins with a brief 5–10 minute presentation that introduces a timely or thought-provoking topic. From there, we move into dynamic, facilitated discussions, both in small breakout groups and larger conversations, where participants can explore the topic more deeply, exchange perspectives, and discover new approaches to teaching, learning, and working in higher education. 

This year, our topics are guided by the Minnesota State Network for Educational Development theme – Empowering Every Learner: Strategies for Universal Access. This focus invites us to reflect on inclusive practices, accessible learning environments, and strategies that ensure all students can thrive. 

This is more than just a meeting—it’s a chance to: 

• Learn something new or see a familiar topic in a fresh light 

• Share your own experiences and insights 

• Ask questions and hear how others are navigating similar challenges 

• Build relationships and expand your professional network across the system 

We believe that the best ideas often emerge through conversation. Conversations with Colleagues is hosted by faculty and staff from the Minnesota State Educational Development Committee and is open to all who are interested in fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. 

Join us—and be part of the conversation. 

Accommodations

The NED is committed to providing universal access to all of our events, we’d like to discover how we can make the event more inclusive so you can fully participate!

Machine generated captions are available in real-time for all Zoom events, however human generated CART (live caption) service and ASL interpretation can be requested with advanced notice (2 weeks) to make the event more accessible.

Please, let us know of any disability-related accommodations that will facilitate your full participation.

Registration Required

Use the RSVP tool below to register. After registering, a calendar invite will be sent to you as a reminder of the event start date.