Instructional Materials

Providing equal access and opportunity for all students is a shared responsibility. One of our primary goals is to support faculty by advocating responsibly for accessible learning environments, promoting universal design for learning, and by removing informational, physical, and attitudinal barriers. Here are some things for faculty to keep in mind while developing course materials:

  • Accessibility is not the same as disability. Course materials must be accessible for all students, regardless of disability status.
  • Students have a right to privacy, and are not required to disclose any disability. Never single out a student in front of others by discussing a perceived or disclosed disability, accommodations, or DSS status.  Provide time during office hours or in a private setting to meet with the student.
  • Students should be encouraged to seek accommodations or discuss needs early in the semester. Include an Accessibility Statement in all course syllabi. Feel free to utilize the sample statement below.
  • Training and resources are available to faculty seeking to improve the accessibility of course materials. Please contact the Accessibility Services Analyst, or reach out to the Center for Teaching & Educational Technology (CTET) for more information.

Syllabus Accessibility Statement:

"Course Accessibility: The instructor of this course strives to ensure all materials are WCAG 2.1-compliant, and accessible to all students. If you experience any trouble accessing course materials, please contact the instructor as soon as possible, so the issue can be addressed. If you have a disability and would like to seek or utilize accommodations, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) as early as possible in the semester. You may also discuss any disability accommodations with your instructor, via email or during office hours."