Accessibility Task Force

Bethany Gordy is the Enterprise Learning Technology Architect at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she provides strategy, holistic evaluation, and implementation of new applications and integrations within its centrally-supported digital learning environment. In her over 20 years in IT, she has held several positions in the academic technology space, such as business analyst, senior instructional designer, and senior project manager. Her experience provides a foundation for a unique perspective that allows her to craft strategies and solutions that meet campus needs for a comprehensive, integrated learner-centered digital ecosystem. Bethany holds a Master of Science in Project Management; is a graduate of the MOR Associates Information Technology Leadership Program; and is currently chairing the Unizin Learning Tools, Strategies, and Operations group.

Rick Johnson is the Vice President of Product Strategy, and one of the founders of VitalSource Technologies, LLC. Now a division of the Ingram Content Group, VitalSource is the maker of Bookshelf®, the most widely used platform for delivery of electronic textbooks in the world. As VP of Product Strategy, Rick manages the strategic direction of the fast growing platform, guiding the architecture, and implementation of its clients and systems.

Rick's career has been focused on bringing together his three passions: technology, publishing, and education. He is a frequent speaker on electronic textbooks, their integration into an institutional environment, and how the accessibility needs of individual students can best be accommodated in their delivery. He has served on multiple committees addressing the needs around delivering accessible content to students, was a member of the working groups responsible for version 2 and version 3 of the EPUB standard, currently serves on the board of directors for IMSGlobal (http://www.imsglobal.org/boardofdirectors.html), and is the co-inventor of 3 domestic and international patents dealing with electronic books and their distribution.

Prior to Ingram and VitalSource, Rick spent more than 12 years with Apple Computer, Inc. As a Senior National Consulting Engineer for them he was instrumental in the implementation of complex solutions for many higher education and corporate customers, and received numerous national and international awards.

A graduate of the communication and business departments of Biola University in 1984, Rick has lived in the Phoenix area with his family since they moved from Southern California in 1991. Married to his wife Susie for more than 35 years, together they have raised two children, and are very active in their church and community. Rick also serves on the board of directors for several non-profit ministries.

Jennifer Lotze is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for the Hudson School District. She previously served as an Instructional Technology Trainer in the Sheboygan Area School District and an Educational Consultant at CESA 11. During her teaching career, she worked as a Cross Categorical Special Educator and focused on teaching individuals with disabilities how to use technology to be successful in their everyday lives. Within her special education program, she helped her students to create a successful business within the school environment. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and works with educational professionals all over the country as they integrate technology into their learning environments. She presents to help individuals get the most out of the technology they have access to and make accommodations to existing technology for use with all students. She received her Masters Degree from Carthage College in the area of Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Assistive Technology.