Accessible Course Design
Iowa State University values the diversity of its campus and the members of its community. The University is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all members of the Cyclone community through a network of programs and resources that support equity, inclusion, disability, accessibility, and accommodations for students, employees, and visitors.
What is Accessible Course Design?
Accessible course design at ISU ensures that all learners can participate, engage, and enjoy the multitude of academic opportunities, experiences, and spaces the University has to offer. This involves designing and choosing educational materials, technologies, and spaces that encourage access and limit the number of barriers a student might encounter in your course as well as promoting a climate of access and inclusion and considering the diverse needs of all students.
Utilize the Accessibility Toolkit to build courses with access and inclusion at the forefront. The toolkit includes resources for developing Canvas courses, instructional media, documents, and physical and online learning spaces that will improve accessibility and enhance the learning experience of all students enrolled in your course.
Accessibility is a vital component of every piece of a course. Regardless of background or ability, all students should have equal access to education. Accessible courses and course content require a little more planning and work upfront. We provide suggestions to help you get started in making your courses more accessible and inclusive.
An inclusive classroom reflects the world we live in whether students participate in a course face-to-face (in-person), hybrid, or online. By implementing inclusive teaching practices, we can create learning environments where all students feel they belong and achieve high levels. Through resources and professional development programs, CELT supports creating inclusive classrooms.
Currently, there are federal statutes or regulations explicitly governing web accessibility. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and a variety of lawsuits, rulings, and Office of Civil Rights memos have combined to form the legal foundation of accessibility.
If you’ve received a Notification Letter for a student with accommodations and require assistance setting up accommodations in Iowa State’s Learning Management System, Canvas, please review the accommodations available in Canvas and instructions on how to implement these settings.
Consider these strategies for accessible teaching and learning to reduce the barriers students with disabilities experience in your classroom. These strategies target effective communication, accessible and usable course materials, and inclusive learning environments.
Student Accessibility Services supports students with disabilities related to the services and programs that enable their access to education and university life. They determine eligibility, coordinate reasonable accommodations, and provide related support services that promote equitable access to education and university life. Review these common academic accommodations, including non-academic accommodations.
When designing with access and DEI in mind, concepts like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) should be reviewed and implemented. Additionally, review access versus accommodation when planning your course.