Universal Design Champions

Purpose of the Universal Design Champions

The purpose of the Universal Design Champions is to help instructors learn about Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, develop relationships with instructional designers, and become acquainted with universal design for learning (UDL) strategies to design course materials that meet the needs of all students. The program will provide faculty with information and strategies to create accessible instructional materials (Canvas pages, videos, slides, and documents) that meet the WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. By implementing these standards into course materials, faculty can better engage all students enrolled in their courses.

Selected Champions will have the opportunity to:

Explore the Universal Design for Learning framework
Meet and network with TWU partners dedicated to improving course accessibility
Revise course content to meet WCAG 2.1 in a course
Discuss issues of universal design and accessibility in a supportive environment
Provide additional support to advance universal design and accessibility awareness at TWU

What's in it for you?

A $500 stipend for those who complete the program
Universal Design strategies to create accessible instructional materials (Canvas pages, videos, presentations, and documents) that meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards
Access to the Universal Design Online content Inspection Tool (UDOIT) for your courses
A Universal Design Reviewed badge for all courses that meet the WCAG 2.1 Standards
Opportunities to use and enhance the Universal Design Toolkit
Enhanced instructional design assistance supporting your courses
Campus recognition via the Faculty Success newsletter, and a Universal Design lapel pin.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

All instructors are eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected with the expectation that they will continue in service at the University for at least one academic year after the conclusion of the program.

Selection Criteria

Interest in making your course materials accessible to all students
Interest in sharing universal design and learning strategies with others and enhancing awareness of universal design for instructors
Description of how the Universal Design Champions program can support improvements to course access and usability
Need to teach at least one online or hybrid course

Time Commitment

Applicants who are chosen to participate will be required to do the following:

Program requirements September 2024 - April 2025.

Complete a UDOIT Instructor training
Attend two training sessions: Making Documents and Presentations Usable by all Learners and Making Video and Audio Content Usable by All Learners
Attend 6 out of 8 virtual monthly meetings
Revise a hybrid or online course to meet WCAG 2.1 Standards
Provide training to faculty within your department, college, or at a Center for Faculty Success hosted event
Review the Universal Design Toolkit and help create demonstrations

Page last updated 10:43 AM, May 29, 2024