3. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Accessibility

Evaluate all elements of the course for potential barriers that could impede a student from reaching their full potential. Incorporate UDL Guidelines and LCC’s Accessibility Guidelines during the course design process, as opposed to an afterthought.

Before the Course Starts

3.1 Incorporate UDL principles into the design and development of course curriculum, assessments, and pedagogical methods to proactively remove potential barriers. UDL principles encourage instructors to design for diverse learners by:

  • Incorporating intentional flexibility to support strengths and needs.
  • Anticipating and removing potential barriers.

3.2 Proactively support a range of learning preferences for diverse learners by providing students with multiple means of:

  • Engagement: How students will interact with the Instructor, course content, and classmates.
  • Representation: How students will perceive and comprehend.
  • Action & Expression: How students will express their understanding.

3.3 Review all course materials and resources for potential barriers and accessibility issues. See LCC’s Accessibility Guidelines for a complete list of accessibility guidelines. Some examples of course materials and resources are:

  • Instructor created materials: Word docx, PDFs, PPTs, HTML web pages, and MP4 (video/audio).
  • Third-party content: Publisher created materials/textbooks.
  • External links: Websites, and YouTube videos.

3.4 Keep course files in their native formats where possible. (i.e. Word documents are kept as Word documents; not saved as a PDF.)

3.5 Review the Ally Course Accessibility Report in D2L to ensure that materials available in D2L are at the light or dark green accessibility indicator (67% or higher).

3.6 If possible, break long video files (20 minutes or longer) into smaller chunks by creating a part 1 and part 2.
Throughout the Course

3.7 Review and update course files identified on the Ally Course Accessibility Report in D2L to ensure materials are accessible for students.