Inclusive Design For a Better World 2025

Event:

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Midtown Collaboration Center, 1974 East 66th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44103

Topic: Inclusive Design

Inclusive design is a methodology that prioritizes creating products, services, and environments accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, background, or circumstance. Rather than designing for the “average” user, inclusive design embraces human diversity and the full range of user needs. By considering factors like physical ability, cognitive load, language, and cultural context from the outset, inclusive design fosters equity and belonging. From adaptable interfaces and clear visual hierarchies to alternative text and voice navigation, inclusive solutions not only remove barriers but also enhance the experience for everyone. At its core, inclusive design is not just a practice – it’s a mindset that values empathy, flexibility, and universal access.

Agenda:

5:00 pm Doors open
5:30 pm Keynote
6:00 pm Panel Discussion
7:00 pm Interactive Media Lab Tour
8:00 pm Conclusion

Keynote Speaker:

Alicia Howerton

Alicia Howerton is a strategic partnership manager for the Cleveland Sight Center. Howerton also serves on the Cuyahoga County Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities and is co-chair of the group’s Subcommittee for Transportation. She works to cultivate, maintain, and lead advocacy initiatives to positively impact the blind and visually impaired community to increase agency presence and awareness in the community.

Panelists:

DR. Kayon Hall, PH.D.

Dr. Kayon A. Hall (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs in the College of Education, Health and Human Services (EHHS) at Kent State University. Before completing her doctoral work, Dr. Hall worked for over ten years in higher education administration, primarily in career development, undergraduate research and sponsorship, and graduate education.

Jennifer Homentosky

Jennifer is an experienced assistive technology trainer and accessibility tester at Lakeside Accessibility. She has over 15 years of experience and has assisted numerous individuals across multiple states in achieving their educational, professional, and personal goals. Jennifer is a passionate entrepreneur, a devoted mother, and a lifelong learner committed to helping others.

Dr. Mauricio Echeverri

Mauricio is a scientist, innovator, and artist from Medellín, Colombia. Trained in Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron, he blends technical expertise with creative vision, both in the lab and as an oil painter. At Kent Displays, he advanced flexible displays and photopolymer technologies from concept to commercialization. He is now Technology Manager at Kowa, driving innovation in photopolymers in multiple applications. Mauricio is the author of multiple scientific papers and holds several patents that underpin commercial products. His career reflects a commitment to turning ideas into tangible innovations that bridge science, industry, and art.