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The Accessibility, Design & Usability Project is a collaboration between SDCCD’s Online Learning Pathways department and Disability Support Programs and Services to enhance accessibility, usability, and universal design practices to support compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act within online instruction. The project’s scope involves the procurement and implementation of accessibility evaluation software, funding staff to develop, market, and support faculty professional development to infuse Universal Design principles as it relates to accessibility and usability. This unique project creates a strong partnership between faculty teaching online and campus DSPS professionals. Each of the 4 colleges in the District has established a funded Accessibility Mentor position to offer workshops and to work individually with faculty to make their courses more accessible. Informed by Section D of the CVC-OEI Rubric, and the use of Ally, the team recognized that remediation of four specific issues would significantly improve accessibility: alt text for images, use of heading styles, proper use of an accessibility checker in Canvas, and making O365 documents compliant. The team created extensive website and Canvas teaching materials for each Accessibility Mentor to use in their direct work with faculty. Additionally, the tools have been integrated into the District’s Online Faculty Certification Program for new online faculty. Increasing the accessibility of digital content delivered to students in a variety of formats creates a more equitable experiences for students with disabilities, increases access for students, and improves learning and engagement. Key Project Objectives • Infuse a universal design lens to online course design as it relates to proactive accessibility; consider accessibility to benefit all students. • Identify, understand and remedy online instructional materials that present potential barriers for students. • Provide training/support for faculty on how to create accessible course materials and remediate inaccessible course materials using District supported software and training.
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A Shared Priority at sdccd EYESTONE