ACC Staff Spotlight: Cara Idol

Cara Idol, Instructional Designer of Accessibility and UDL at ACC
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Are you ready for another ACC Staff Spotlight? Let's get to know Cara Idol, Instructional Designer of Accessibility and UDL at ACC.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm passionate about education, animal welfare, and creating meaningful, inclusive experiences. I hold an AA, a BFA, and an MS, and I love what I do. Outside of work, I enjoy art, music, stand-up comedy, and spending time with my cat, my family, and a good cup of coffee.

What is your job at ACC?

Instructional Designer of Accessibility and UDL

What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?

I design inclusive learning experiences that work for all learners. I apply accessibility standards and UDL principles to course design, collaborate with faculty, and create engaging, flexible content. I also support using accessible tools, developing training resources, and ensuring materials are practical, inclusive, and usable by everyone.

How long have you been at ACC?

I began as a student in 2016, taking music theory courses as a passion project. I went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Music, worked as a work-study and hourly staff member, and accepted a full-time position in 2019.

Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?

Learning Management System (LMS) cabinet

Learning Designer Community of Practice

Committees:

  • Perkins Advisory

  • ADA and Section 504

  • Digital Accessibility Committees

  • CCCS Accessibility

  • OER

I participate in these groups because they allow me to support student success, faculty development, and institutional goals.

Being part of the LMS cabinet allows me to contribute to strategic decisions around our learning management system, ensuring that tools and processes align with best practices in pedagogy, accessibility, and user experience. My work on the Perkins Advisory Committee allows me to support Career and Technical Education programs by aligning instructional strategies with industry needs and workforce readiness.

Accessibility is central to my work, so I’m actively involved in campus and statewide efforts to ensure digital content meets legal requirements and effectively serves all learners. I also support the adoption of Open Educational Resources to reduce student costs and increase the flexibility and inclusivity of course materials. Finally, the Learning Designer Community of Practice allows me to collaborate with peers, stay current with emerging trends, and continuously improve my practice. These roles help me make a meaningful impact while staying engaged and connected across the college and beyond.

Why did you choose ACC?

I initially enrolled at ACC because it offered an evening Music Fundamentals course, but I stayed because I connected with the values, the supportive community, and the meaningful work.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I honestly do not know. It's all the little things.

What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?

For ACC: My goal is to create equitable, engaging, high-quality learning experiences for all students. I strive to support faculty in designing inclusive, accessible courses that meet diverse learner needs while aligning with institutional goals and industry standards. I’m especially passionate about removing barriers to education.

Outside of ACC: to lessen animal suffering.

What's your favorite ACC memory so far?

I saw a student I tutored who was part of the TRIO program graduate. (We still Zoom every Thursday.)

Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.

I love medieval and Renaissance history, art history, and classical music.

Top 5 Bands/Musicians

  • Tool

  • Billy Idol

  • Fugazi

  • Marilyn Manson

  • Erasure

What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?

It’s never too late for life’s second act.

Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.

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