General Recommendations

In addition to accessibility standards discussed in the programming lab accessibility rubric, these recommendations will make it easier for Disability Services to provide an accommodation if a blind student signs up for your class.

1. Try to save all source files to one folder on D2L. This may include .doc, .pdf, .txt or any text based files (including code files which are text based), any videos, images, etc. This will make it easier for Disability Services to convert any of these files to an accessible format when needed.
2. If there are any images that can be converted to tactile images, and the student will benefit from that, this should be discussed with Disability Services in advance.
3. Instructors should prepare a syllabus early to allow students the option of beginning to read materials before the course begins and to allow adequate time to arrange for alternate formats, such as books in audio format or in Braille. Having at least a week's time will give Disability Services enough time to convert any documents and be prepared for the student.
4. Instructors should try to keep their content clean and uncluttered, avoid unnecessary jargon and complexity, and try to keep as much as possible in text-based format.
5. Narrated lectures and other media files should be introduced with a short text statement specifying what content they contain; for example, audio only, video and slides, or slides only. This description helps students know they have accessed all of the lecture components.
6. Instructors should consider extended deadlines for quizzes or programming assignments.
7. New textbook selections should consider accessible online content a top priority. Karen Sorensen has provided some details on the (in)accessibility of publisher content.