Who Is Responsible for Accessibility?

Instructors, Distributed Education and Disability Services

  • Test the accessibility of software and web apps used in courses.
  • Develop Accessibility Plans proactively when barriers are found.
  • Work together to identify and implement appropriate accommodations when barriers are encountered. 

As the subject matter expert and the course developer, an instructor: 

  • Designs clear and consistent navigation.
  • Writes alternative text descriptions for images.
  • Creates documents and materials using accessibility guidelines.
  • Retains original files (Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Uses media that is captioned at 99% accuracy.
  • Writes math and science with MathML.
  • Requests accessibility documentation from publishes and vendors.
  • Supplies Distributed Education and Disability Services with course materials upon request for an accommodation.
  • Prepares an alternate access plan for any inaccessible content. 

 

As the online course development facilitator and faculty resource, Distributed Education:

  • Provides tools and resources to assist with captioning instructor created resources.
  • Assists Disability Services with retrofitting course materials for accommodation.
  • Offers training sessions (face to face and online) and over-the-shoulder assistance.
  • Develops training materials.
  • Reviews online courses for accessibility and provides feedback and support to instructors.
  • Supports accessibility plans to proactively address course barriers. 

As a student and faculty resource, with expertise in alt formats and assistive technologies, Disability Services:

  • Increases awareness of the disability experience and works with staff and faculty to proactively reduce barriers. 
  • Reviews documentation of disability and determines student eligibility for accommodation.
  • Notifies faculty when an accommodation is required. 
  • Supplies student with an accessible format  of the textbook.
  • Administers other reasonable auxiliary aids and services.