The deadline for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines is around the corner and April 24 is marked on our collective mental calendar. While it can feel overwhelming to think about how to make all our teaching materials accessible, I was reminded during a recent webinar by Thomas Tobin to focus on the “Basic Four” and engage in a triage exercise to organize our accessibility efforts. You can watch the full 55-minute recording of Title II Accessibility – Be Ready for the April Deadline for a limited time.

Essentially, the basic four help us direct our energy to the things that have the biggest impact right away. They consist of focusing on these four elements: 

I have a corkboard next to my desk. I pin things on the board that I need to refer to often, like WCU’s academic calendar. I like to pin up fun stuff, too. I recently pinned up a meme that reads, “If you’re ever having a bad day, just remember what Eddie Vedder said: ona whellahn, ona wizzit ona whaya, ana calldnana saya nanna whoa wanna sayn anna coldouta gnnn.” I knew exactly what Pearl Jam song the meme referred to when I read it. It’s called Yellow Ledbetter and those of us of a certain age can mumble/sing it without actually knowing all the lyrics. I also like to pin meaningful quotes on sticky notes around my board. One of them reads, “Mornings are for coffee and contemplation” – Jim Hopper (of Stranger Things). Another one reads “Strategic pauses aren’t a luxury. They’re essential” – Melanie Ho.

You can see my board topics run the gamut, a little business to a little fun. For many of us working year-round, whether on contract or not, summer leans heavily towards business with just a touch of fun. My hope for everyone is that we listen to Melanie Ho and take at least one long, strategic pause to enjoy our summers, to connect with loved ones, and enjoy our beautiful surroundings (see “We Recommend” below). I hope we all take time to sleep in and awaken to those contemplative morning sips of coffee (or tea) that Jim Hopper recommends. And if you take a road trip, I hope the mood strikes for carpool karaoke (any playlist of songs will do!). This summer, I hope you do more of whatever it is that brings you joy and restoration. CFC is here to help you take care of a little bit of business, too, so don’t hesitate to reach out as you gear up for fall.

Happy summer!