The Baker College Instructional Designers are currently working on a large accessibility project. The goal is to verify every document, link, image, video, etc. in Canvas is accessible for all learners. This may include closed captioning or transcripts for videos, properly formatted documents, and images and tables with alternative text. All of these need to be present and correct when using a screen reader.
We all may know that laws exist for American Disabilities Act (ADA) – Section 508 ensures that all learning materials are ADA compliant and Section 504 requires accommodations for those who have a disability. The ID team’s focus is Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 using the WCAG 2.1 Principles as our benchmark. Not only are there laws to protect learners, it is simply the RIGHT thing to do!
As we work with students, other faculty, vendors, etc. it is important to know there are four general disability categories:
Disabilities can be permanent, situational, or temporary.
We feel it is necessary to provide all students with an equal opportunity to be successful in their education. Beginning next month, we plan on providing monthly accessibility tips that can be implemented in the classroom.