The suggestions provided below are meant to assist students with disabilities in the classroom. However, these strategies, based on the principles of Universal Design, may by extension, benefit all students in the classroom.
- Provide students with a detailed course syllabus. Make it available before classes begin, if possible. Clearly spell out expectations (grading, material to be covered, due dates) at the start of the course. This is very helpful for students with disabilities who may need time to arrange appropriate support services (i.e., audio versions of books, enlarged print, interpreter services, etc.).
- Include in the syllabus a statement that your class accommodates students with disabilities and invite students to meet with you early in the semester to discuss their needs.
- For materials posted on Brightspace, run them through Panorama to ensure accessibility. This will assist students who need to use a screen reader program to access the information.
- Select video clips or films that have closed captioning. This will assist students who may be Deaf or hard of hearing.
- Encourage students to use campus support services (such as tutoring and workshops) available through the Academic Resource Center (ARC) located on the second floor of Daum Hall.
To learn more about universal design and advising/teaching students with disabilities, please visit the University of Washington's Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT) Center. They offer a wide range of resources on topics such as: