About Web Accessibility
WHAT IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY?
In the various modes of delivery in distance education (webpages, web-based instruction, and other electronic media sources), accessibility refers to the ability of every person to access the information presented. Accessible distance education takes into account the special needs of people with auditory, visual, mobility, and cognitive impairments and gives those users an equivalent browsing, viewing, and communication experience to that of non-disabled individuals.
Best Practices for Accessibility of Online Courses
Ensuring accessibility as outlined by Board Policy for Faculty and Distance Education
WHAT ONLINE MATERIALS NEED TO BE MADE ACCESSIBLE?
- All Web-based HTML files, PDF files, PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, video files, audio files, etc.
- All Web-based materials for use with online, hybrid, blended, or face-to-face classes must be compliant.
- Content created within the Canvas learning management system by the instructor.
- Files uploaded to the Canvas learning management system by the instructor.
- Material created or controlled by the instructor, but hosted on another server.
- Class content maintained and hosted elsewhere will be reviewed for compliance, including class content provided by textbook publishers and other third-party websites.
Web Accessibility Guidelines
- Relevant laws
- Review process
- Online delivery guidelines
- Strategies for typical course materials
How to Achieve Accessibility
Help for Accessibility Compliance
Assistance
The Distance Education Instructional Accessibility Specialist is the main contact for faculty assistance for online course materials.
Disability Resources Department
DRD assists with accommodation for student needs. The DRD website has information for faculty on the accommodation process, FAQs, and resources.