COVID-19 has forced students to adapt to a new set of challenges as institutions transition to remote learning and programming. Students with disabilities or extenuating financial circumstances at home are facing additional barriers to access as students’ needs evolve during the shift to virtual programming.
Review the following virtual student programming accessibility checklist to ensure that students can connect with the appropriate resources to succeed:
This resource is part of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Initiatives in Higher Education Resource Center.
Partner with your Student Access Services office or an equivalent office to select at least one designated staff member to answer questions/concerns from students regarding accessibility and to connect students with resourcesConfirm your institution’s website and programs are not programmed to block common accessibility tools, such as screen readers and auditory toolsSend out an incoming student survey 3 to 4 weeks before programs begin that asks whether students need to register for disability services or anticipate any access issues with virtual programsSend a follow-up email to all students who request disability services that highlights resources available through your institution and detailing the contact information of the dedicated staff memberMake information on accessibility resources available on your orientation webpage and at the beginning of all presentations and eventsSend an accessibility checklist or one-pager to all faculty and staff presenting to students. An example of University of Washington’s accessibility checklist can be found here.Provide scripting for staff to incorporate a…