The Power of Awareness

Many of us are familiar with the expression, “Knowing is half the battle”. As an evaluator and instructor at the University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology, Laura Mack is frequently reminded how accurate this is. In today’s world, access to technology is more important than ever before. Yet, technology access is greatly impacted by the user’s awareness of available features designed to increase ease of access. The lack of such awareness can pose as a major, yet unnecessary, barrier. Windows, the operating system utilized by most higher education and workplace settings, offers a wide variety of free, built-in accessibility features.

In this webinar, Laura will demonstrate how to access and utilize these built-in Windows 11 Accessibility features, with a focus on tools for enhancing vision, hearing, and interaction accessibility. Please join her if you are interested in learning how Windows Accessibility features can support your own computer use needs, as well as those of your family members, friends, and colleagues.

About Laura Mack
Laura Mack is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant dedicated to improving individuals’ occupational engagement, independence, and quality of life. As part of the University at Buffalo Center for Assistive Technology team, Laura provides Assistive Technology (AT) services to clients referred by a variety of local agencies and school districts. Additionally, she is the coordinator of the Western New York Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) Program services, which aim to promote greater independence in the lives of people with disabilities of all ages through access to, education about, and implementation of assistive technology devices. Laura also provides consultation and training services to University at Buffalo students with disabilities in collaboration with UB Accessibility Resources. 

Laura is an alumna of the SUNY Erie Community College OTA Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography, obtained prior to her career in occupational therapy. Laura has several years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of ages and abilities in home, community, and school settings.