Creating accessible learning environments starts with intentional design — not just in content, but in structure, layout, and usability. As part of my work at UMass Amherst, I, along with two colleagues, developed a fully online course in Canvas focused on accessibility in digital education. The goal wasn’t just to teach best practices, but to model them throughout the course experience. Every module, page, and checklist was built with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in mind, so that learners could see accessibility in action while building their own skills.
In the video below, I walk through the course structure and highlight the decisions that shaped it — from the use of design notes that explain our accessibility choices, to embedded checklists that support real-world implementation. The course covers topics like ADA compliance, accessible multimedia, and inclusive Canvas design, all scaffolded in a way that supports both new and experienced educators. This showcase offers a behind-the-scenes look at how I approached course development with equity and usability at the center.
