Defining Accessibility
Accessibility is the practice of designing content, spaces, products, and experiences so that everyone can use them, including people with disabilities. In the digital space, accessibility is “designing better user experiences for everyone by first improving the user experience of persons with disabilities,” according to Accessibility Coordinator, Michelle Tutin. As instructors, we must be “proactively creating content, products, and environments that people with a diverse range of hearing, sight, movement, and cognitive abilities can use, understand, (in some cases) contribute to, and benefit from.”
Why it Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28.7% of U.S. adults, or more than one in four, live with some form of disability. These disabilities vary widely and can include physical or mobility impairments, brain injuries, vision loss, and mental health conditions.
Students aren’t the only ones affected. The faculty, staff, parents, and others who support Clemson students may have disabilities of their own and rely on accessible content to do that work.
Some faculty may be under the impression that they do not teach disabled students–this is not true. Many students with disabilities do not request formal accommodation; others may be undiagnosed, worry about stigma, or unaware of available resources.
Disability reaches every community, and most of us will likely experience it in some form during our lives. So, creating and designing educational materials with accessibility in mind is paramount.
Designing for Accessibility
Accessible course materials function a lot like that elevator or a curb cut on the side walk. Curb cuts were designed for those using wheelchairs, enabling them to easily move from sidewalk to street. Additionally, curb cuts benefit parents pushing strollers, delivery workers with dollies, and other users.
In an online course, closed captions on a video help a student who is deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help someone watching in a loud coffee shop or a multilingual student.
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) draws from Ronald Mace’s theory of Universal Design in architecture. Mace aimed to design buildings that worked for as many people as possible. Applied to education, UDL recommends designing with multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, to better serve all students. While UDL principles do not “solve” all accessibility needs a student may have, it is an excellent starting point for creating more flexible and accessible courses and teaching materials. Learn more about UDL here!
ODLT Services
The Office of Digital Learning and Technology has plenty of resources available to instructors working to improve the digital accessibility of their courses. Below are several resources for you to explore and utilize!
Canvas Courses
The ODLT offers two asynchronous training courses in Canvas focused on learning more about accessibility. Accessibility I offers an overview of and introduction to accessibility, while Accessibility II goes more in depth on accessibility principles and teaching. Email COFFEES@clemson.edu to enroll or visit our COFFEE Page.
Required Syllabus Statement
There is a mandatory statement required for every class syllabus regarding a commitment to accessibility standards. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) has provided a statement for all instructors to include on their syllabi. This statement is automatically included on every instructor’s Simple Syllabus.
Faculty Resource Center (FRC)
ODLT has created and constantly maintains the FRC in Canvas. Self-enroll to explore a wide range of resources, including Canvas templates, video tutorials, and free graphics. You’ll also find teaching materials such as assessment tools and accessibility best practices for Canvas courses.
QM and Accessibility
Accessibility is a key focus of every Quality Matters (QM) course review. To learn more about getting your online or hybrid course reviewed, reach out to us at QualityMatters@clemson.edu! You can also email COFFEES@clemson.edu to enroll in our QM at Clemson Canvas site.
Video Services
ODLT is committed to helping instructors boost student engagement and success. Our video services support instructors in designing and producing engaging, accessible instructional videos for online, blended, flipped, and face-to-face courses.
Kaltura Training Playlist
Our Kaltura Accessibility playlist features a range of training videos on accessibility, from getting started to using accessibility tools and more.
Events Calendar
Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming accessibility workshops and other ODLT events.
ODLT – Upcoming Events
WCAG 2.1: New Accessibility Standards in Canvas
October 19th, 1-2 PM
The Office for Digital Learning and Technology is hosting its biannual Canvas Accessibility Week! Join this session to learn about the new federal standards for online accessibility.
This training will introduce you to WCAG 2.1 AA, the new legal standard for digital accessibility! You’ll learn how to check the accessibility of your own Canvas course and online teaching materials. When registering, please include any questions you have about this training topic.
Introduction to Basic Math Accessibility
October 20th, 11 am-Noon
The Office for Digital Learning and Technology is hosting its biannual Canvas Accessibility Week! Join this session to learn about how to make your math more accessible.
This training will cover common accessibility issues in math and practical tips for enhancing accessibility in Canvas, Word, and more. When registering, please include any questions you have about this training topic.
Office of Digital Learning and Technology – Where Tech and Teaching Meet
