History

AccessComputing was founded by Richard Ladner and Sheryl Burgstahler. 

In 1994, Richard Ladner, a computing professor at the University of Washington Department of Computer Science and Engineering with a background in accessible and human-centered design, connected with Sheryl Burgstahler, the founder of the newly funded DO-IT Center on the University’s campus. DO-IT had received National Science Foundation funding for programs that provided access to students with disabilities pursuing science, engineering, mathematics, and technology education and careers.  DO-IT’s programs relied on technology, universal design, and advocacy.  Over the course of many years, Richard introduced many DO-IT Center students to computer science during summer programs. Over time, DO-IT began offering workshops and resources to educators and other stakeholders on universal design and inclusion in competitive educational programs.  

In 2006, the National Science Foundation established the Broadening Participation in Computing program. Seeing the opportunity to broaden their impact, Richard and Sheryl proposed creating a program that would build on the DO-IT Center’s success and incorporate Richard’s knowledge and computing connections to create a nationwide program aimed at making computing fields more accessible. With a greenlight on funding, AccessComputing was created.

AccessComputing has received a total of six NSF Alliance awards to support its work in addition to funding from Google, the Computing Research Association, and others interested in accessibility in computing education and employment.  Our current NSF-funded Alliance (grant number starting with 24), AccessComputing Workforce focuses on educating the next generation of computing innovators about accessibility and making computing education itself accessible.

Over the years, the AccessComputing Leadership Team has grown, allowing us to expand our reach and expertise. In 2015, Amy Ko (UW) joined the project and in 2021, we welcomed Stacy Branham (University of California Irvine, Elaine Short (Tufts), and Raja Kushalnagar (Gallaudet).  Sheryl Burgstahler retired from DO-IT at the end of 2023. At the time, Brianna Blaser, who had originally joined the project as a staff member in 2011, took over leadership of DO-IT’s involvement. In 2024, Richard Ladner transitioned to an advisor and passed the reins to Maya Cakmak (UW).  

AccessComputing has made a major impact in computing and accessibility. AccessComputing has helped expand the practice of teaching accessibility in computing science and engineering courses, increased the data tracking the participation of people with disabilities in computing, created a community interested in accessibility in computing fields, and shifted how many view disability and accessibility.