What is AVM?
Did you know that over 1 billion people in the world have a documented disability? Even though this is a vast minority, not all media is designed to be accessible. Accessible content can reach a much wider audience without excluding anyone, making both the consumer and the creator happier. Accessibility in Visual Media, or AVM, is a project intended to teach rising multimedia artists how to make their media accessible. With even the slightest changes, we can make our media a better experience for everyone!
The Origin of AVM
Accessibility is not always taught in creative classes, even though it is an integral part of designing media. As a college student, many of my classes did not mention how to make media accessible, even though it should be standard practice.
For my senior thesis project at The College of New Jersey, I decided to continue researching how to make my media accessible to as many people as possible. I created AVM to share my findings and educate my peers on how to improve their media.
About the Creator
My name is Jennifer Ahmad and I am an interactive storyteller and creator with a passion for animation and video. I have had a wide range of multimedia experiences through different internships around the country, including Pearson, Princeton Partners, Activity Works, and On Second Thought Furniture. Currently, I am a part-time Student Manager and College Ambassador at The College of New Jersey.
During my internship with Princeton Partners, I had the opportunity to work as a production assistant in their ADA video shoot, commemorating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA gave people with disabilities an equal opportunity for employment, transportation, and public accommodations. This experience was very eye-opening and helped me learn more about how the Americans with Disabilities Act changed people’s lives for the better.
​In the summer of 2021, I had the privilege of working for Pearson as a media production intern for their higher education production and digital studio department. During the first week of work, I had the chance to attend several webinars, three of which focused on accessibility. After sitting in these webinars, I was inspired to continue researching how to make media accessible for everyone. Both internships helped me realize that even the smallest of changes can make a big difference and reach a wider audience.
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