Henesey recognized for efforts promoting digital accessibility, collaboration

Mary Henesey has earned statewide recognition for her work making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities at UB.

Henesey, electronic and information technology accessibility officer in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, was honored in June with the “Multidisciplinary Collaboration Award” from the New York State Disability Services Council.

The professional organization is dedicated to improving services for college students with disabilities and presents the award annually to a group or individual who actively advocates for their “inclusion, equity and dignity.”

Digital accessibility — designing websites, apps and other technologies so individuals with disabilities can use them — is a team effort at UB, Henesey says. In her role as EIT accessibility officer, she works closely with staff from across UB to ensure the university is in compliance with state and federal directives.

That means adding captions and transcripts on videos for those with hearing impairments; ensuring websites and software are properly coded so screen readers can read content to users who are blind or have low vision; and developing software that lets users with mobility impairments navigate computers with spoken commands.

It also means collaborating with Accessibility Resources, the Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation, University Libraries, the Center for Assistive Technology, as well as University Communications, to create a culture of digital accessibility — from course design to website content to IT procurement.

“Promoting digital accessibility university-wide is not something that can be achieved by one person, and the ability to collaborate with others is essential to success in the EIT accessibility officer role,” says Sharon Nolan-Weiss, director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

“Mary’s skill in working collaboratively with colleagues across and beyond UB has been key in promoting our accessibility efforts,” Nolan-Weiss says. “I’m grateful to see her efforts recognized with this award.”

Henesey started at UB in 2006 as a web designer for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management, where she learned how digital barriers can directly impact a person’s ability to learn, work or participate in campus life.

For the past four and a half years, Henesey has served as EIT accessibility officer in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, helping guide and train individuals on digital accessibility. She spends quite a bit of her time reviewing as many as 40 digital products a month before they are procured.

“It’s an ongoing, evolving campus-wide effort aimed at ensuring that all digital content, systems and technologies are useable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities,” Henesey says.

“Accessibility is not something that can be ‘completed’ and then set aside,” she says. “As technology evolves, new tools are introduced and content is continuously created, accessibility must be maintained and improved over time.”

Kristy Harte, director of Accessibility Resources, nominated Henesey for the award.

“It was a true honor to nominate Mary for this award, as her initiatives represent a seamless, joint endeavor among Accessibility Resources, EDI, CAT, the Libraries, and CATT to establish a lasting infrastructure for inclusion,” Harte says.

“By combining best practices across multiple fields, this group is creating a powerful model for other universities to follow,” Harte adds. “Mary brings a joyful spirit that unites diverse stakeholders, ensuring that equity is woven directly into the fabric of our campus."

Henesey is a Western New York native who lives in North Tonawanda. She majored in communications and art studio at SUNY Geneseo and earned her master’s degree in higher-education administration from UB.

Outside of work, Henesey enjoys reading, playing the piano and spending time with her family and two dogs.

At work, she enjoys making a difference.

“I like knowing that we can make a positive impact on how students, staff, faculty and visitors experience the university by providing accessible content, software and experiences,” Henesey says. “This work can be challenging, but we celebrate the wins whenever we can.”