Accessibility in the Classroom

A disclaimer is that I was away for this lesson so I will summarize what I think the learning was about but I cannot promise complete accuracy. Much information is taken from the slides created by Guillaume.

Image by Daniel Ali at https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-white-brick-wall-ju1yFZkrxVg

What is accessibility in the classroom?

Accessibility in the classroom is when all learners have the same opportunities to acquire resources, interact with materials, engage in activities, and create content, regardless of disability.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility is the practice of removing barriers that prevent students from having interactions or access to websites, digital tools, and technologies

What are some basic principles of digital accessibility?

Perceivable: Everyone should be able to perceive the content, and input the information into their brain so that they can process it.

Operable: Everyone needs to be able to operate and navigate through the content.

Usable: Everyone should be able to use the content easily, without becoming lost or confused.
Robust: Everyone should be able to access the content, regardless of the technology they are using to do so.

You should include tools that all your students will be able to access and not hinder anyone’s ability to learn. You can use:

Text: Ensure the proper use of headings, and hyperlinks to ensure your content is accessible

Images: You should always include alt-text for your images. This text-based description will be read aloud by a screen reader and is also what will show up if an image is unable to load.

Video & Audio: Add captions to your videos, and many services are available including YouTube. If creating in an audio format, provide a full-text transcript.

Equality, Equity, and Inclusion

What is Equality? The assumption is that everyone benefits from the same support. This is equal treatment.

What is Equity? Everyone gets the support they need, thus producing equity.

What is Inclusion? Inequity was addressed. The systemic barrier has been removed and everyone is able to access the tools and opportunities that they need

It is important that we are reaching every student and that we are providing accessibility resources, online tools, and even using appropriate language. It is important to remember that not every disability is visible or listed in an IEP. The more accessible that you make your teaching the more students you will make comfortable and feel safe and included in your classroom.