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Designing Inclusive Learning Communities: Accessibility is the Foundation In-Person / Online

Facilitator: Julie D Phillips, PhD

Do you want to build inclusive learning communities? Accessibility is a foundation for inclusive pedagogy as it ensures that all learners, regardless of ability or disability, can access and engage with course content equitably.

State and local governments and higher education institutions must meet new standards of accessibility that go into effect in April 2026. The extension requires that course materials, including PPTs, videos and recorded lectures, readings, and other document types shared with learners.

We have a number of technologies available to assist you with creating, auditing and correcting course content, including Office 365 tools, the Canvas accessibility checker and Ally!

Participants will received hands-on guidance for how to use these tools, with emphasis on Ally, an integrated tool in Canvas, that evaluates the accessibility of course content and provides actional feedback. Participants will learn how to interpret Ally’s accessibility indicators, improve content usability and accessibility.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Describe the importance of accessibility as a foundation for inclusive learning communities
Identify tools for creating, auditing and correcting course materials
Use Ally to monitor and improve course accessibility