Innovative Learning & Teaching

Accessibility and Universal Design

Why is Accessibility and Universal Design Important?

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that educators must provide access to all learners.
• Addressing accessibility is seen as a positive for receiving funding.
• A goal of education is to teach to all students.
• The creator of online material may not always be aware of design issues that affect those with special needs.

Insights

Consult Wikipedia for definition, related words, and relevant links.

Ohio Resources

• Guidelines on imagery, forms, style, and usability from Wright State University.
• Briefs on improving the climate and quality of education for students with disabilities (OSU TELR).

Around the Nation

• From The University of Maryland, this quick tips resource provides further insight into visual pitfalls to avoid and programs that can help you create accessible online learning environments.
• The DO-IT organization promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment (University of Washington).

Around the World

• For a more comprehensive coverage and International view on accessibility: British Educational Communications and Technology Agency.
• A list of related web sites about accessibility from Learning and Teaching Scotland.

Free and Low Cost Tools

• The appendix to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines holds a free prioritized checklist of items that make a web site accessible.
• Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM) is a great resource for all things related to accessibility issues.