Access in the Classroom

When access is incorporated into the classroom, on campus or online, the need for accommodations can be reduced. Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) has extensive resources available to help instructors implement universal design practices that help instructors create course materials that meet the needs of all students, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption or accommodation. Instructors using universal design increase usability, engagement, and access to content for everyone.

Course Content & Access

TLT has curated resources on creating accessible course content for instructors. The following areas of course content should be made accessible for all students:

Documents, Emails & Presentations
- Avoid PDFs when possible as they may not be accessible if not scanned correctly.
Canvas content
Audio and Videos

Instructors can contact their Instructional Design Partner for support in creating accessible course content for all TWU students.

Required Text Requests

Each semester, the Bookstore requests the required text(s) from instructors for the upcoming semester. Students may need an alternative version of the text for your class to use with assistive technology. By submitting the required text list as early as possible, DSS can quickly convert the texts into accessible formats for students.

Student Use of Smart Devices in the Classroom

Respecting the desire to ensure students are not texting or otherwise occupied during class, banning all technology (laptops, tablets, phones etc.) can negatively impact students with disabilities who rely on technology to have an equitable learning environment. Instead of banning, and therefore potentially outing students with disabilities for using their accommodation, consider the following:

Strongly discourage laptops and cell phones, but do not outright ban them
If students express the need to use technology during class, request that they sit in the first few rows
Have the students sign a laptop usage agreement with the understanding that they cannot do anything other than take notes

Page last updated 2:33 PM, June 29, 2020