Special Needs
We can all agree that a major benefit of online classes is convenience. The benefit to a distant learner with disabilities is that it also allows for opportunities for achievement through multiple methods of instruction. The young student on the video who was non-verbal used the iPad to hear, read, and touch. This reinforced his learning and had a positive effect on his growth.
Designing a curriculum that incorporate the principles of universal design will benefit all students. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the process of making course concepts accessible and skills attainable regardless of learning style, physical or sensory abilities. On Mark Sample’s blog, the ProfHacker, he posted, “Mutual respect, civility, and the ability to listen and observe others carefully are crucial to universal learning.”
By law, educational institutions are required to provide accessibility to all students regardless of their disabilities. The institutions responsibility includes maintaining databases and software that are accessible, current and useable. Instructors will also need to include an accessibility statement on their course syllabus.
A well-written accessibility statement communicates an instructor’s expectations to all of their students. It will encourage students to contact the instructor if they have special needs or if there are any life circumstances that may affect their learning and participation. The instructor should provide information online regarding accommodations and ways to communicate with the instructor.
Instructors can place the accessibility statements near the top of the syllabus to demonstrate their interest in providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Instructors can collaborate with students to construct a productive learning environment that would benefit the entire class. This will help all students’ learning potential and participation.
Stephanie Kerschbaum has a good accessibility statement on her syllabus. She wrote, “Your success in this class is important to me. If there are circumstances that may affect your performance in this class, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can work together to develop strategies for adapting assignments to meet both your needs and the requirements of the course.”
Below is a list of ways to present course materials that will provide opportunities for all students to be actively engaged and have a positive learning outcome.
The Universal Design for Learning Online website is a great resource for tips and tools to help educators make their distant learning environments accessible.
Designing a curriculum that incorporate the principles of universal design will benefit all students. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the process of making course concepts accessible and skills attainable regardless of learning style, physical or sensory abilities. On Mark Sample’s blog, the ProfHacker, he posted, “Mutual respect, civility, and the ability to listen and observe others carefully are crucial to universal learning.”
By law, educational institutions are required to provide accessibility to all students regardless of their disabilities. The institutions responsibility includes maintaining databases and software that are accessible, current and useable. Instructors will also need to include an accessibility statement on their course syllabus.
A well-written accessibility statement communicates an instructor’s expectations to all of their students. It will encourage students to contact the instructor if they have special needs or if there are any life circumstances that may affect their learning and participation. The instructor should provide information online regarding accommodations and ways to communicate with the instructor.
Instructors can place the accessibility statements near the top of the syllabus to demonstrate their interest in providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Instructors can collaborate with students to construct a productive learning environment that would benefit the entire class. This will help all students’ learning potential and participation.
Stephanie Kerschbaum has a good accessibility statement on her syllabus. She wrote, “Your success in this class is important to me. If there are circumstances that may affect your performance in this class, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can work together to develop strategies for adapting assignments to meet both your needs and the requirements of the course.”
Below is a list of ways to present course materials that will provide opportunities for all students to be actively engaged and have a positive learning outcome.
- Analyze the technology that is used in the course and plan ahead.
- Provide detailed descriptions using the alt text when using graphs, charts, drawings and photos, which are important for screen readers.
- Make text content readable and understandable.
- For readability choose a high contrast text and background for those with low vision. Black text on a white background is best.
- Don’t use colors to convey a message because someone who is colorblind might not understand them.
- Don’t use blinking graphics for these may trigger seizures and create problems for those who have health issues.
- Convert slideshow presentations to accessible web pages.
- Close captioning and transcripts are needed for video or audio material with detailed descriptions.
- Be flexible to allow for adjustments in course deliverables.
- Have alternate methods of assessments available.
The Universal Design for Learning Online website is a great resource for tips and tools to help educators make their distant learning environments accessible.