Julie Grisham’s CV

Julie E. Grisham, M.Ed., MATC

Internationally Certified Accessibility Professional

Accessibility Project Manager

Summary

Possess over twenty years editorial and project management experience, including fifteen years in educational publishing and eight years in not-for-profit publishing. Provide subject-matter consultation to stakeholders within Pearson globally in the area of deaf/hard-of-hearing accessible assessments and products. Demonstrates excellent time-management skills. Possess strong organizational skills and experience in coordinating the work of multiple deliverables across more than one project/deliverable. Possess excellent relationship-building and communication skills. Acknowledged for teamwork management style as well as interpersonal skills. Proven ability to work well with cross-functional teams. Advanced knowledge of English editorial issues, such as style and publishing conventions, as well as best practices in accessibility.

Professional Experience

Pearson, Inc.  (2001 – present)

Jan. 2016-present     Project Manager for Accessibility

2012-2016                  Project Manager

2004-2012                  Senior Editor/Lead Editor

2003-2004                  Co–Lead Editor

2001-2003                  Editor

Project Management

  • Provide support and consultation for programs through the development of accessible assessments, or accommodations for deaf/hard-of-hearing students.
  • Conduct and document research related to the development of accessible assessments, or accommodations for deaf/hard-of-hearing students as well as other disabilities.
  • Collaborate with authors and editorial and production staff to ensure efficiency, accuracy, quality and timely delivery of m Work with customer to establish requirements for each product.
  • Effective at handling multiple tasks simultaneously as well as reprioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commit to meeting project deadlines and operating effectively in pressure situation
  • Provide on-time delivery of quality, zero-defect products for release to students, parents, and educators by effectively communicating with well-organized content, production, and editorial teams.
  • Involved in all phases of product development from precomposition to composition, in addition to online delivery format phases/stages.
  • Implement processes for completion of each review/task.
  • Develop checklists to ensure complete and accurate review
  • Coordinated and managed conference planning for the Texas Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf statewide conference.
  • Developed, coordinated and implemented statewide leadership programs for high school students.
  • Developed and implemented a speechreading curriculum for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families.
  • Coordinated group leaders and counselors in training for retreats sponsored by Texas School for the Deaf.
  • Facilitated Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing courses for Pepnet2, a clearinghouse of deaf/hard-of-hearing resources.

Editorial/Communications

  • Proven ability to work well with cross-functional teams.
  • Carry out tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail, responded to rapidly changing pace and workload, and worked in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Proofread, write and copyedit manuals, forms, and other publication Perform reviews for contract clients in various states.
  • Team work aspects included assisting with the development of assessment tests.
  • Ensure accuracy, consistency, and correctness in spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
  • Generate alternative tag descriptions for electronic media components intended to meet Section 508 accessibility standards.
  • Provide development feedback and format reviews for online delivery of interactive test materials.

Technical Skills

Windows XP/7/8, MS Project, MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat Professional (PDF tools, 508 accessibility tools, proofing), Infix PDF Editor 1.340), Adobe Designer, MS FrontPage.

Education

  • Texas Tech University, Lubbock – Ph.D. in Technical Communication (anticipated date of graduation 2021)
  • Texas Tech University, Lubbock – Master of Arts in Technical Communication (2013)
  • University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa – Non-Degree Seeking Student (Summer 2010) Supplemental Course Completed (3 hrs): English Composition & Rhetoric
  • University of Texas, San Antonio – Master of Arts in Education with Adult & Higher Education concentration. Supplemental Courses Completed (9 hrs): Composition: Structure of the English Language, Development of Rhetoric and Composition, Theory and Practice of Teaching Composition (2003).
  • Texas A&M University, College Station – Bachelor of Arts in English with Rhetoric & Composition concentration and Journalism minor (1998).

Memberships/Honors/Training

  • Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), International Association of Accessibility Professionals
  • Member, International Association of Accessibility Professionals
  • Member, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
  • Member, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
  • Member, Society for Technical Communication
  • Past Member, Texas Deaf and Hard of Hearing Transition Committee
  • Past Member, Texas National Agenda Collaborative
  • Past Member, The Volta Review Publications Advisory Board, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Washington, DC
  • President, Texas Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Editorial Level I Certification, Harcourt Assessment
  • 2010 4th Quarter Team Award, Pearson
  • 2009 4th Quarter All Star Award, Pearson
  • Recognized for Outstanding Performance and Excellence (ROPE) Club, Harcourt Assessment
  • 2005 Interpersonal Leadership Series, Harcourt Assessment University
  • Introduction to Project Management, Harcourt Assessment University

Presentations

Hearing Loss and Communication Access in a Digital World (California State University-Northridge (CSUN) Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference, March 2018). Abstract: A discussion about communication access in a digital world as an important aspect of accessibility for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Advancing Accessibility Needs of Deaf & Hard-of- Hearing Individuals (California State University-Northridge (CSUN) Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference, March 2017). Abstract: An open discussion on the evolution of accessibility needs for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and how needs change when moving from K-12 to postsecondary education.

Breaking Digital Barriers: ASL Accommodations & Computer-Based Assessments (California State University-Northridge (CSUN) Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference, March 2016). Abstract: An open discussion about access to and the creation of high-stakes, computer-based ASL assessments for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Breaking Digital Barriers: ASL Accommodations & Computer-Based Assessments (Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Conference on Student Assessment, June 2016). Abstract: Assessment professionals will present information about the access to and the creation of high-stakes, computer-based ASL assessments for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The presenters will highlight the challenges of creating a high-stakes assessment accessible for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as recommendations resulting from these challenges.

The Human Cost of Digital Barriers (California State University-Northridge Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference, March 2015). Abstract: An open discussion about access to high-stakes, computer-based assessments for students with disabilities and the real-life consequences students pay when the materials are not accessible.