Terry Thompson


Senior Computer Specialist
University of Washington

Biography


Professional Experience Senior Computer Specialist University of Washington, Seattle, WA, November 2001 to Present Description: Work on several projects related to technology accessibility, including DO-IT, AccessIT, and AccessComputing. For each, responsibilities include developing training and informational materials for distribution via print, web and video; delivering presentations, seminars and workshops nationwide; providing individual consultation on specific technology access issues; developing web-based applications that facilitate the creation of accessible content; and conducting primary research on technology accessibility. Coordinator of Assistive and Information Technology North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, May 2000 to November 2001 Description: Responsible for providing leadership and technical expertise toward assuring that the university's courses, programs, web and information technology resources are accessible to persons with disabilities. Major Accomplishments: Expanded AT availability from two isolated AT labs to widespread availability in student computer labs across campus; Successfully facilitated the inclusion of accessibility support into existing systems, including Information Technology (now deploys and supports AT in the student computing environment) and Learning Technology Service (now includes training on accessibility issues in all web and multimedia workshops to faculty and staff); Raised the overall awareness of IT accessibility on campus; Developed draft university administrative regulation regarding web accessibility (in the final phases of the approval process as of November 2001) Information Technology Accessibility Consultant October 2000 to Present Description: Assist organizations in improving the accessibility of their information technology infrastructure, with a primary emphasis on web accessibility. Computer Learning Center Coordinator Independence, Inc., Lawrence, KS, May 1994 to April 2000 Description: Coordination and management of a computer training facility for persons with disabilities. Responsible for all facets of program management, including lab maintenance, purchasing, budget management, student counseling, student goal planning and tracking, marketing, outreach, curriculum development, teaching, and staff hiring and supervision. Major Accomplishments: Increased the number of individuals served from five individuals per month in 1994 to over fifty per month in 1999 and 2000. Increased community awareness and involvement, and established a Business Advisory Council for guidance in curriculum development, and to facilitate improved positive employment outcomes for students. Established the Center as a respected regional resource for IT accessibility, and provided IT and web accessibility consultation to area secondary and post-secondary educational institutions and to the State of Kansas. Owner/Developer Peakware.com, January 1995 to December 1999 Description: Developed the internationally acclaimed Peakware World Mountain Encyclopedia web site. Peakware is now under new ownership, and remains the web's premier source for information about mountains and mountaineering. Market Research Analyst/LAN Manager Business Technology Association, Kansas City, MO, July 1990 to May 1994 Description: Conducted primary market research for members of an international trade association of business technology vendors and dealers. Responsibilities included project and survey design, data analysis and interpretation, and delivery of results in presentations and written reports. Major reports, including the Business Equipment Quota Index, the Dealer Financial Report, and the Service Report were utilized by thousands of dealers in making operational business decisions. Also responsible for design, installation and support of the organization's local area network. Research Assistant Menninger Foundation, Topeka, KS, February 1986 to July 1990 Description: Designed, conducted, and analyzed research data in a multi-national research project. Conducted interviews, designed, administered, and scored surveys, and proposed and implemented the automation of the data analysis process. Supervised staff of research assistants and student interns while project administrator worked over extended periods in Asia. Education University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS Graduate studies toward Master of Science degree in Special Education Fall 1999 and Spring 2000 Grade point average for 12 credits: 4.0 (A=4.0) University of Missouri at Kansas City, KC MO Computer Science classes, Summer and Fall 1992 Grade point average for 9 credits: 4.0 (A=4.0) Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Bachelors degree w/distinction, December 1986 Major: Psychology Minors: Philosophy, English Cumulative grade point average: 5.57 (A=6.0) College of St. Mark and St. John Foundation, Plymouth, England Fall term 1985