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Instructional Accessibility

 

Instructional Accessibility

Instructional Accessibility ensures all students can participate and succeed by reducing barriers in teaching and course design. Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive communication, and proactive planning, instructors provide multiple ways for students to engage, access materials, and show knowledge. This approach meets legal responsibilities, fosters equity, and strengthens learning for the entire classroom community. 

Foundations of Accessible Teaching
  • Accessibility benefits everyone 鈥 good design supports all learners, not just those with disabilities.
  • Barriers are environmental, not individual 鈥 structures, policies, and design choices create obstacles.
  • Equal access is required 鈥 a legal and ethical responsibility in higher education.
  • Disability is diverse 鈥 visible or invisible, and part of human diversity and culture.
  • Use inclusive language and mindset 鈥 avoid ableist terms, challenge assumptions, and reflect on biases.
Instructional Strategies
  • Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to build accessibility into course design from the start. *See below
  • Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate knowledge (writing, projects, multimedia, group work).
  • Question the need for strict timed tests; use Canvas quiz 鈥渕oderate鈥 settings to extend time.
  • Provide flexible deadlines and extensions through Canvas 鈥渁ssign to鈥 feature.
  • Share course templates, consistent structures, and accessible file formats to reduce barriers.
  • Continuously improve course design based on feedback and evolving best practices.
Course Accommodations & Access KSU
  • Course accommodation letters are the official notification to instructors; they are not retroactive.
  • Access KSU provides a centralized portal for faculty to view and manage accommodations.
  • Faculty can add teaching assistants or co-instructors to view accommodations and upload exams.
  • Students with flex plan accommodations can request deadline or attendance adjustments through Access KSU.
  • Communication with students should be private, collaborative, and flexible in style.
Accessible Course Materials
  • Caption all videos using Kaltura Reach or professional services.
  • Provide PowerPoint slides and other lecture materials digitally, preferably before class.
  • Use headings, styles, and alt text in documents and slides for screen reader compatibility.
  • Partner with library course reserves for accessible copies of readings instead of scanned PDFs.
  • Use Canvas modules to organize content with context for students.
Communication & Inclusive Culture
  • Build strong connections, show empathy, and treat students as partners in learning.
  • Invite private conversations about needs and use anonymous feedback to adapt teaching.
  • Reinforce course information consistently (Canvas announcements as well as email).
  • Show grace and flexibility while recognizing disability as culture and diversity, not deficiency.
  • Promote proactive accessibility and encourage connection with SAS as part of shared responsibility.

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a proactive approach: design courses from the start to be flexible, accessible, and inclusive so that all students can engage, learn, and demonstrate knowledge effectively. UDL is a framework for designing instruction that anticipates learner diversity. It focuses on removing barriers rather than retrofitting accommodations and benefits all students, not just those with disabilities. UDL is grounded in neuroscience, emphasizing three core areas: engagement, representation, and action/expression.

Core Principles of UDL

A. Multiple Means of Engagement (the 鈥淲hy鈥 of learning)

  • Motivate learners by offering choices and relevance.

  • Build community through collaboration and peer learning.

  • Support persistence with flexibility and inclusive classroom climate.

B. Multiple Means of Representation (the 鈥淲hat鈥 of learning)

  • Present content in varied formats: text, visuals, audio, video, hands-on.

  • Ensure accessibility: captioning, transcripts, clear formatting, alt text.

  • Emphasize key information with summaries, visuals, and organization.

C. Multiple Means of Action & Expression (the 鈥淗ow鈥 of learning)

  • Offer students multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge.

  • Encourage use of technology and varied assessment formats.

  • Provide scaffolds (study guides, outlines, practice opportunities).

  • Allow flexible timing and accessible platforms.

Examples of Application in Higher Ed
  • Engagement: let students choose project topics, use discussion boards, or reflect on goals.

  • Representation: caption lectures, provide accessible slides, share supplemental readings.

  • Action/Expression: allow papers, presentations, multimedia, or group projects as options.

Benefits of UDL
  • Increases student motivation and participation.

  • Improves comprehension and retention of material.

  • Reduces the need for individual accommodations.

  • Strengthens equity and inclusion in higher education.

Campus Partners

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) 
Academic, housing, and transportation accommodations for students.
Phone: 330-672-3391 | Email: sas@kent.edu 
Web: /sas

Kent State Online
Support for creating and delivering accessible course content through Canvas.
Email: online@kent.edu
Web: /kso

Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) 
Training and support for inclusive, accessible instruction and course design. 
Phone: 330-672-2992 | Email: ctl@kent.edu
Web: /ctl

Digital Accessibility Team
Support for testing and editing technology and content for better accessibility. 
Email: equalaccess@kent.edu
Web: /digitalaccessibility