Elevating Accessibility: A Commitment to Inclusivity in Higher Education
The journey toward true accessibility in higher education is both a challenge and an opportunity to embody our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Accessibility in education transcends physical spaces, reaching into the digital realm where our diverse course modalities live. As UBalt closely examines our web accessibility policies, we’re inspired by the broader conversation on how to effectively support students in need of disability and access services.
- Inbar Av-Shalom, Nisha Malhotra, and Ali Tatum offer insights into inclusive teaching strategies and the importance of empathy in educational design in their article for Faculty Focus, reminding us of the power of understanding and accommodation.
- Mark McCormack summarizes the results from a recent EDUCAUSE QuickPoll to highlight the crucial role technology plays in either facilitating or hindering accessibility. This calls for a holistic approach to educational technology, ensuring that digital resources are not just compliant but truly accessible to all students.
At UBalt, we recognize the importance of not only navigating but also leading the charge toward more accessible higher education. Our initiatives aim to create an environment where students with disabilities feel supported, valued, and understood. In this spirit, CELTT will offer accessibility training for faculty through two types of 60-minutes sessions:
- Guiding Principles of Accessibility
After this session, you will be able to apply the guiding principles of POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust) to create a range of materials that are accessible to all users. Use the links below to register for a session:
- Accessibility in Canvas
After this session, you will be able to use the Canvas Accessibility Checker and the UDOIT Course Review Tool to improve the accessibility of Canvas course sites. Note: we recommend attending a “Guiding Principles of Accessibility” session before attending this session. Use the links below to register for a session:
By integrating accessibility into the fabric of our educational practices, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s continue to make accessibility a cornerstone of our commitment to DEIB, ensuring that our university is not just a place of learning but a space where every individual belongs.