Access For All
Cal Poly is committed to creating a culture of access for an inclusive learning environment. This means ensuring that all campus electronic and information technology resources, including course materials, are fully accessible to all students, including students with disabilities.
The CTLT is dedicated to providing workshops and resources to help faculty create accessible course content, including electronic documents, videos and Canvas content. Research shows that all learners benefit from educational materials that are well designed with accessibility in mind.
Also see
Accessibility Overview
"It is the policy of the CSU to make information technology resources and services accessible to all CSU students, faculty, staff and the general public regardless of disability." (California State University Accessible Technology Initiative)
The CSU's Accessible Technology Initiative sets goals for all campuses in three core areas: Web, procurement, and instructional materials (policy from the Chancellor's Office). At Cal Poly, the CTLT has responsibility for the third accessibility component: instructional materials.
Our vision at the CTLT is to ensure all Cal Poly students have equal access to instructional materials, and faculty have the support and resources they need to create accessible course content. Designing course materials with accessibility in mind helps to minimize barriers, maximize access, and empower students with disabilities by reducing their need to request accommodations.
CSU Policy and Federal Requirements
Beginning April 24, 2026, all CSU campuses and other public universities will be required to ensure that all digital course materials are fully accessible to students with disabilities, in compliance with Title II of the ADA. This includes all Canvas courses, as well as websites and software students are required to use. This new Department of Justice rule provides a better means to ensure equal access to digital course materials for our students here at Cal Poly. The CSU Chancellor's Office is providing guidance and resources to help each campus meet our accessibility goals within the stated timeline.
CSU Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI): Professional development website and CSU Policy overview
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Learn about federal law requirements
Section 508 Accessibility Checklists: Checklists for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and they can contribute to the Web. (World Wide Web Consortium)
WebAIM: Introduction to Web Accessibility
What is Universal Design?
Universal design is a concept that recognizes, respects, values and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability in the design of all products, environments and information systems. (Inclusive Design Research Center, North Carolina State University)
Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education
UDL on Campus: Course Design: Learn how to incorporate principles of Universal Design in your course design, syllabus, activities and assessments.
