Self enroll in an AccesisbleU example module here.
If you caught my walkthrough of AccessibleU—a fully online course in Canvas designed to champion accessibility in digital education—you might be wondering what the course actually covers in detail. So here’s a deeper look into the final module, “Continuous Improvement,” which I developed independently. This part of the course is especially close to me because it offers not just guidance, but a mindset shift.
What is Continuous Improvement in Accessibility?
Continuous improvement means embedding accessibility as an ongoing practice, not a one-time checklist item. It means recognizing that accessibility is an evolving goal, one that adapts with new tools, technologies, and student needs. In education, this mindset matters deeply: accessibility isn’t a milestone, it’s a commitment.
Why does this matter? Because digital learning environments are never static. New content gets added, new features roll out, and students bring fresh challenges. If we don’t commit to regularly reassessing and improving accessibility, the learning experience starts to degrade for students who rely on inclusive design.
How to Apply Continuous Improvement in Your Course
Let’s walk through a simple and practical way to build continuous improvement into your course design and teaching strategy.
1. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits
At least once per term, audit your course content. Use tools like Ally for Canvas, WAVE, or ARC Toolkit to identify issues with color contrast, alt text, heading structure, and video captions.
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Prioritize what will have the biggest impact for students with disabilities. Start with your syllabus, core weekly content, and assessments.
2. Seek Student Feedback Often
Students are your best source of information. Embed quick, anonymous surveys to ask what’s working and what’s not. Be specific: ask about navigation, readability, video captions, or compatibility with screen readers.
Respond to feedback visibly. When students see you making updates based on their input, they trust the process more and are more likely to share useful insights.
3. Keep a Living Checklist
Create an accessibility checklist tailored to your course. Track fixes, note emerging issues, and log feedback. This isn’t a static document—it evolves.
For example, after every module, you might note: “Captioned all videos,” “Improved heading hierarchy on Week 3 content,” or “Student noted issue with PDF not being readable via screen reader.”
4. Update with Purpose
Every time you revise content, use it as an opportunity to enhance accessibility. Avoid simply pasting in new material—instead, ask: Is this content accessible? Does it add new accessibility barriers?
Think beyond compliance. Ask whether all students can meaningfully engage with the material. It’s about inclusion, not just access.
5. Connect with Colleagues
Even if you’re the accessibility advocate in your department, you’re not alone. Share lessons learned and borrow ideas. Form a “check-in circle” with others who teach online. Monthly 15-minute catchups can spark fresh ideas and highlight overlooked issues.
Why This Module Stands Out
While AccessibleU is built with collaboration in mind, this final module reflects my personal belief: accessibility isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. It’s about continually evolving our teaching to meet all students where they are.
I created this section to show how you can integrate accessibility into the process of teaching, not just the prep. It’s an invitation to be curious, responsive, and flexible—because that’s what inclusive education requires.
If this resonated with you and you want to see how it fits into the full course, you can self-enroll in AccessibleU here.
