General Course Accessibility Documentation

Background

What is accessibility

• • W3: Digital accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. 

  • U-M: Ensuring there are no barriers to using technology in order to provide equal access for a broad range of users.

  • Instructors:  As students with disabilities are more likely to run into barriers that prevent access to information, tools, and services than students without disabilities our learning materials are intentionally designed to account for students with a wide variety of disabilities.  

  • UM: What is accessibility?

  • Accessible Education: 

    • Is a proactive and inclusive way of teaching and designing courses and curricula.

    • Removes barriers to learning before they can affect anyone.

    • Educational materials and technologies are “accessible” to people with disabilities if they are able to “acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services” as people who do not have disabilities.

    • We believe in equitable access to education for all students regardless of ability status.

    • Making our Canvas sites, lecture materials, reading materials, and assignments available for all students is crucial for making a more diverse, equitable and inclusive student body.

Start thinking about accessibility early:

Please consider exploring this helpful "General Course Accessibility Documentation" assembled by the UMSI Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.