Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning
Creating accessible course materials and reducing barriers to learning are essential components of an equitable student experience. The California State University Accessible Technology Initiative (CSU ATI) was established in 2006 to provide resources, support, and guidance for all CSU campuses to comply with federal accessibility requirements (Section 508). A larger goal is to help campuses create inclusive learning spaces that provide equitable and flexible access to all electronic information and resources, including course materials for students.
- Visit Accessibility Resources to learn more about creating accessible course content.
- Visit Equitable and Inclusive Teaching at Cal Poly to learn more about strategies for equity and inclusion in the classroom.
- Review the Cal Poly Course Accessibility Checklist when developing your course.
Workshops
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) provides support for instructors to create accessible course materials and ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to learning. Explore the list of workshops and resources below:
Self-paced online workshops
Each of the workshops listed below is also offered as a one-week workshop with specific due dates and offers a stipend for eligible participants. Find current listings on the CTLT Workshops page. Select the links below to self-enroll in workshops that are self-paced, do not have due dates, and do not offer stipends. Once you enroll, you have access for as long as you need.
- Creating Accessible Canvas Content: This self-paced online module provides guidance to help you create accessible Canvas content. You will also learn how to check your course content for accessibility.
- Creating Accessible Documents: This self-paced online module provides guidance to help you create an accessible Word document and convert it to an accessible PDF.
- Creating Accessible PowerPoint: This self-paced online module provides guidance to help you create an accessible PowerPoint presentation and convert it to an accessible PDF.
- Creating Accessible Videos: This self-paced online module provides guidance to help you create a short instructional video with captions. You will also learn how to find help for captioning videos that you did not create.
Cohort-based Workshops
The following 4-week cohort-based fully online workshops provide stipends for eligible participants. These workshops are offered several times per year, and you can find current listings on the CTLT Workshops page.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials: This 4-week fully online workshop provides tools and strategies to guide faculty in the creation of accessible course materials. Join your colleagues in learning to create an accessible document, video with captions, and accessible Canvas page.
- Inclusive Course Design: Implementing the UDL Guidelines: This 4-week fully online workshop provides conceptual frameworks and concrete practical strategies to guide faculty in building course materials based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning.
Canvas and Ally
Canvas is Cal Poly's learning management system (LMS) where students access their coures. Ally is a tool within Canvas that helps instructors identify and fix inaccessible course content. Learn more by selecting the links below:
- Ally: How to create accessible content
- Canvas: Accessibility and Universal Design for All
- Canvas Guides: How do I use the Accessibility Checker?
- Video: Creating an Accessible Home Page in Canvas
- Canvas Instructor Guide
Resources
Explore the resources below to learn more about creating an inclusive classroom experience for your students:
- CTLT Accessibility Resources
- Cal Poly Course Accessibility Checklist
- Considerations for Students with Disabilities
- Plan for Accessibility when Teaching Remotely
- Captioning for Live and Recorded Lectures
- Equitable and Inclusive Teaching at Cal Poly
- Building Community and Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
- Recommended Resources for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom
