Instructional Accessibility

Instructional Accessibility ensures all students can participate and succeed by reducing barriers in teaching and course design. Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive communication, and proactive planning, instructors provide multiple ways for students to engage, access materials, and show knowledge. This approach meets legal responsibilities, fosters equity, and strengthens learning for the entire classroom community.

Foundations of Accessible Teaching

Accessibility benefits everyone — good design supports all learners, not just those with disabilities.
Barriers are environmental, not individual — structures, policies, and design choices create obstacles.
Equal access is required — a legal and ethical responsibility in higher education.
Disability is diverse — visible or invisible, and part of human diversity and culture.
Use inclusive language and mindset — avoid ableist terms, challenge assumptions, and reflect on biases.

Instructional Strategies

Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to build accessibility into course design from the start. *See below
Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate knowledge (writing, projects, multimedia, group work).
Question the need for strict timed tests; use Canvas quiz “moderate” settings to extend time.
Provide flexible deadlines and extensions through Canvas “assign to” feature.
Share course templates, consistent structures, and accessible file formats to reduce barriers.
Continuously improve course design based on feedback and evolving best practices.

Course Accommodations & Access KSU

Course accommodation letters are the official notification to instructors; they are not retroactive.
Access KSU provides a centralized portal for faculty to view and manage accommodations.
Faculty can add teaching assistants or co-instructors to view accommodations and upload exams.
Students with flex plan accommodations can request deadline or attendance adjustments through Access KSU.
Communication with students should be private, collaborative, and flexible in style.

Accessible Course Materials

Caption all videos using Kaltura Reach or professional services.
Provide PowerPoint slides and other lecture materials digitally, preferably before class.
Use headings, styles, and alt text in documents and slides for screen reader compatibility.
Partner with library course reserves for accessible copies of readings instead of scanned PDFs.
Use Canvas modules to organize content with context for students.

Communication & Inclusive Culture

Build strong connections, show empathy, and treat students as partners in learning.
Invite private conversations about needs and use anonymous feedback to adapt teaching.
Reinforce course information consistently (Canvas announcements as well as email).
Show grace and flexibility while recognizing disability as culture and diversity, not deficiency.
Promote proactive accessibility and encourage connection with SAS as part of shared responsibility.

Campus Partners

Digital Accessibility Team
Support for testing and editing technology and content for better accessibility.
Email: equalaccess@kent.edu
Web: /digitalaccessibility

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Instructional Accessibility

Campus Partners

Mailing Address

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