Keeping Universal Design for Learning in Mind as we Teach from a Distance

These are challenging times for sure! Illinois Adult Education is shutdown until next week and teachers are scrambling to teach from a distance. Let's try to look at this as an opportunity. Okay - I know that's a stretch but let's all stretch! If you need help to make sure your distance education plan is accessible for all, I'm here to help. We can talk through approaches. I'm adding a nice chart link (Click now) from CAST, Center for Applied Special Technology, that outlines universal design for learning. Great points to keep in mind.

Click on this sentence to link you to a youtube video from Microsoft for Ease of Access features. There are many other tutorials for other versions. There are other episodes from Microsoft linked to this first video if you want more information.

Remember to keep accessibility in mind for your students you are providing print item for their work. Increasing font size, background color (often light blue is preferred - but ask your student what is easiest on the eyes), or providing verbal instructions in addition to written instructions are a few simple ideas.

Here are some great accessibility resources from our partners at Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support:  Web Accessibility Resources 
Another resource from ICSPS is an archived webinar from CAST: Addressing Equity through Universal Design. 

Message Sarah or send an email to sgoldam@siue.edu for specific questions. Let's talk! Let's stretch!

5 Tips for ADA-Compliant Inclusive Design

https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/views/2017/05/03/tips-designing-ada-compliant-online-courses

This article focuses on some simple strategies for creating accessible courses and demonstrating due diligence. COVID 19 has forced our programs and instructors to rethink how we provide instruction for our adult education students. It is important at this time to also consider the needs of those students with disabilities and to do your best to provide them the same access as students without disabilities.  This is due diligence. It is our hope and required by the ADA that as you work to develop and deliver instruction online that you offer due diligence for students with disabilities.

ADA Compliance Checklist for Online Courses

https://canvas.unl.edu/courses/27068/pages/checklist-for-ada-compliance-in-online-courses

This link provides a checklist you can use when designing and delivering online course to insure you are doing due diligence under the ADA.

5 Benefits of eLearning For Students with Disabilities

https://elearningindustry.com/ 

This article focuses on the positive impact distance learning and using technology have on students with disabilities.  The article points out that students with disabilities find studying online more fulfilling and less difficult in gaining knowledge. These students also find it more comforting to study in the online environment because it gives them more time to complete their work and assignments than a typical classroom setting.  The article also provides some benefits for specific disabilities