Accessibility and Inclusive Learning in Online Instruction

Accessibility and Inclusive Learning in Online Instruction Valerie Claire Haven Academic Technology Coordinator University of Massachusetts Valerie.haven@umb.edu

The changing academic climate includes students that we haven’t seen before, who bring with them new technologies and a demand for flexible learning.

The traditional model of support for students with disabilities and our non-traditional students does not foster inclusion.

Even though Universal Design for learning has made significant steps toward meeting the needs of all students, it is still fundamentally perceived as a solution for learners with disabilities.

The Inclusion Model is a dynamic new way of designing our online programs to meet the needs of all learners.

Designing with the inclusion model results in flexible classroom environments and learner centered instruction.

Make All Content Accessible

▸  Simple language

▸  Accessible formats (.pdf, .ppt, &.doc)

▸  Accessible multimedia (text, html, mp3)

Embed Learning Resources and Tools

▸  Open Source and Freeware

▸  Accessible e-Book Reader

▸  Course Tour Guide

▸  Glossary

Designing for Synchronous Online Learning

▸  Providing presentation materials

▸  Using inclusive language

▸  Ensuring platform accessibility

On the Horizon

▸  Gaming

▸  Mobile learning

▸  Concurrent Flexible Classroom Sections

Thank You!

Valerie Haven Presentation Design by

Paula Dinneen, UMass Boston