Improve Accessibility in Tomorrow’s Online Courses by Leveraging Yesterday’s Techniques

Over the past year or so, federal regulations have tightened concerning ADA accommodations in online classes. The attachment is courtesy of Faculty Focus, and discuses some options you might consider while building a new class or that you might incorporate into your existing class.

Traditionally, when a face-to-face student requested a sign language interpreter or other assistance, individualized accommodation arrangements were made through institutional channels.

With the advent of online courses, however, the concept of accessibility has emerged. In contrast to the reactive, customized approach of accommodation, accessibility means proactively identifying and removing as many barriers to instruction as possible—before a course is ever opened for registration.

While some argue that building in accessibility is prohibitively expensive, recent lawsuits are driving more and more institutions to view accessibility as a requirement rather than a luxury. Unfortunately, making an online course accessible is tough—unless you’re familiar with traditional print techniques.

By federal regulations, we are required to provide accommodation for eligible students. 

Read more at Faculty Focus

(http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/improve-accessibility-tomorrows-online-courses-leveraging-yesterdays-techniques/#sthash.q2wBeHUn.dpuf)