Build It Right

Incorporating Accessibility into Student-Produced Online Artifacts

Abstract

Track: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Accessibility

Attention to accessibility generally focuses on course navigation and instructor- or publisher-produced materials, which implies assumptions about both the instructor and learners in the course. Even when online and blended courses are designed with accessibility in mind, they frequently include responses to peer-generated materials that are not accessible to some learners and perhaps not to the instructor. This presentation suggests solutions and elicits further discussion of how to meet the differing needs among both faculty and learners.   

As higher education still revolves around the face-to-face lecture as the ideal (i.e. the sage on the stage), accessibility is often an afterthought, particularly in online courses. Even when the course design is accessible, student-produced artifacts are generally not reviewed for accessibility despite the increased frequency of peer -to -peer sharing and required responses, This presentation will demystify the process of creating accessible learning materials by both instructors and learners, ensuring that people of all abilities can access and utilize learning materials. This presentation will share ways to build accessibility into student-produced materials, therefore providing both a key career skill and ensuring access by all.