About Digital Accessibility Services

Harvard is committed to making its digital information and resources more easily available to those who need them.

Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) supports the Harvard community in making sure that everyone has the opportunity to access the university’s knowledge, ideas, and resources. DAS offers training, consultation, and resources on accessibility for content creators and developers.

Email digitalaccessibility@harvard.edu for questions regarding digital accessibility, Harvard's Digital Accessibility Policy, trainings, consultations, and resources. 

Kyle Shachmut

Director, Digital Accessibility Services
Kyle Shachmut

I have been advancing digital inclusion at Harvard University since 2015, providing strategic direction to digital accessibility efforts across central administration and the schools. One of the best parts of working on accessibility at Harvard is collaborating with amazingly talented colleagues and partnering to make sure that the teaching and research mission of the university are available to everyone, including people with disabilities. 

Before joining DAS upon its founding in summer 2019, I worked on integrating accessibility into online learning experiences through a universal design approach at HarvardX and later on digital access from within University Disability Resources. I enjoy the intersection of innovative technology, digital inclusion, higher education policy, and related research. Beyond Harvard, I find it valuable to learn from and share with others who undertake similar work and enjoy facilitating such conversations as Co-chair of the EDUCAUSE IT Accessibility Community Group. 

Derek Jackson

Manager, Digital Accessibility Development
Derek Jackson
Before becoming a Digital Accessibility Developer I worked at Harvard Business Publishing as the Associate Director of Content Production where I supervised the production of Higher Ed content. As the AD of Content Production I infused accessibility into our production process and worked hard to spread this mindset across Higher Ed through policy, guidelines, outreach and advocacy. I have an M.S. in Library and Information Science and an M.A. in Liberal Studies from City University New York. I am very excited to join the Digital Accessibility Services team and contribute to the continued improvement of digital accessibility at Harvard and to learn from my colleagues.

Janell Sims

Manager, Digital Accessibility Services
Janell Sims
During my time at Harvard, I’ve guided diverse teams through digital transformations and advocated for user-focused, accessible experiences in everything we do - in every communication and on every platform. I’ve built long-lasting communities of support and driven engagement and collaboration at every level, from administration to stakeholders to leadership. I’m excited to be a part of an important initiative to incorporate the principles of accessibility and inclusive design into all aspects of the digital experience at Harvard. 

Rubaiyet Alam

Digital Accessibility Developer
Rubaiyet Alam
Before joining Harvard University I worked as a Web and Mobile Accessibility tester in several companies for the past 5 years. I’m very dedicated to creating awareness for Web Accessibility. At Harvard University my goal is to improve the usability of digital content while putting accessibility guidelines front and center. I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, and I am planning to finish my MBA soon. I’m excited and honored to join the Harvard University Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team which is filled with a lot of talented people with massive experience. I’m looking forward to being challenged and growing into my new role as a Digital Accessibility Developer.

Andy Hollenhorst

Digital Accessibility Consultant
Andy Hollenhorst
I came to Harvard from Sallie Mae bank, where I worked as a user experience researcher and accessibility lead. Before that I worked in a content strategy role at TripAdvisor. I hold a M.S. in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a dual MBA/M.S. in Human Factors in Info Design from Bentley University.

Suany Hurlston

Digital Accessibility Specialist
Suany Hurlston
As someone who proudly identifies as Deaf and Latine, I am committed to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility throughout my work. Prior to my current role at Harvard, I led user experience projects focused on accessibility while increasing my knowledge of web development. I also had the privilege of launching an IT startup with Deaf entrepreneurs, where our main goal was to develop sign language products. With an MS degree in Computer Science from the University of Chester, I transitioned from a career in government to IT, where I could engage users on the front lines of creating accessible digital spaces. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, trying different cuisines, and learning new things.

Erich Manser

Digital Accessibility Consultant
Erich Manser

As an accessibility professional and disability rights advocate, I believe in a user-focused approach to ensuring access-for-all in technology. When we understand the different barriers people face, it makes accessibility real, and allows us to get beyond just the standards or simple compliance. With 17 years working in accessibility at global corporations, it is my honor to join Harvard in leading by accessible example, as a member of the talented new Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team.

Jamie Spear

Digital Accessibility Consultant
Jamie Spear
I joined the Digital Accessibility Services team after working for several years with Harvard University Disability Resources. My background is in teaching and training around accessibility concepts and best practices to foster an inclusive community experience at Harvard.

Curtis Wilcox

Digital Accessibility Developer
Curtis Wilcox

Before Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) was created, I represented FAS in the HUIT Accessibility Working Group and the Digital Accessibility Working Group for the University Accessibility Committee. My IT career started over twenty years ago at the Eastman School of Music and has continued at Harvard since 2005. While working, I earned a Master's degree in IT from Rochester Institute of Technology and have continued my studies in Computer Science and Digital Media at the Harvard Extension School. My other interests include cinema, theater, international travel, and cats.

John Williams

Digital Accessibility Consultant
John Williams
I came to the Boston area from Houston, TX where I lived and worked throughout my career. Previously, I was Rice University’s Digital Accessibility Coordinator where I helped launch a campus-wide accessibility program and policy. I also have experience working in public libraries and universities where my passion for accessibility and Universal Design began. My background is in learning technologies, training, instructional design, and Humanities. I love coffee, cycling, and exploring outdoors.

Hunter Wright

Digital Accessibility Support Analyst
Hunter Wright
Originally from Myrtle Beach, SC, I have lived near Boston, MA for the last 20 years. I have 10+ years of Supply Chain Management experience ranging from logistics to procurement to contract negotiation, mainly in the Health Care setting. In entering my third year at Harvard University and the Digital Accessibility realm, I look forward to furthering my knowledge and skills in providing accessible training and technology to all of those I come in contact with. My other interests consist of spending time with my fiance, Ilene, and 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Asher, travelling, fishing, and collecting sneakers and tattoos.