AccessibleU is a comprehensive, fully online course developed within Canvas, aimed at equipping faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to design accessible, inclusive learning environments. This initiative was a proactive response to the evolving compliance landscape, particularly concerning ADA Title II requirements.
Leadership and Team Management
As the project lead, I directed a dedicated team of instructional designers. Our collaborative efforts focused on:
- Developing course content that aligns with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
- Ensuring that all materials met or exceeded WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Implementing iterative design processes based on continuous feedback.
By fostering a culture of open communication and shared responsibility, the team successfully delivered a course that not only met compliance standards but also enhanced the learning experience for all users.
Strategic Planning and Institutional Alignment
Recognizing the importance of aligning our efforts with broader institutional goals, I actively participated in:
- Cross-Campus Committees: Engaged with university-wide accessibility committees to ensure our course objectives complemented existing initiatives.
- Multi-Institutional Collaborations: Collaborated with counterparts from other institutions to share best practices and maintain consistency in accessibility standards across the system.
- Policy Development: Contributed to the formulation of policies that support sustainable accessibility practices within the university.
These strategic engagements ensured that AccessibleU was not an isolated effort but part of a cohesive movement towards inclusive education.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
The success of AccessibleU was significantly bolstered by extensive collaboration across various departments:
- Assistive Technology Services: Worked closely with specialists to test course materials, ensuring compatibility with screen readers and other assistive devices.
- Faculty Groups: Conducted pilot sessions and gathered feedback to refine course content and delivery methods.
- IT and LMS Teams: Coordinated to integrate accessibility features within the Canvas platform, addressing technical challenges proactively.
- Administrative Offices: Secured necessary approvals and support, facilitating smooth implementation and adoption of the course.
This collaborative approach not only enriched the course content but also fostered a university-wide commitment to accessibility.
