Message to Faculty Spring 2021
As we prepare for another semester in a Hy-Flex model, we would like to remind you that Disability Support Services is available to support you in ensuring that your course remains fully accessible to students with disabilities. We invite you to contact us consult regarding accessibility and the specifics of your course format.
While accommodations are individual to a student, there are some general guidelines that may assist in designing an accessible course. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that is intended to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Some strategies to keep in mind include:
- providing the syllabus early;
- ensuring courses are digitally accessible;
- recording lectures (including captions/transcript);
- sharing PowerPoint slides, in advance when possible;
- providing a space for students to share class notes;
- providing varied means of presenting information (audio, visual, etc.);
- employing various forms of assessment;
- being flexible with due dates, when possible;
- providing opportunities to obtain support and feedback, such as virtual office hours and checking in with students on a regular basis, or submitting an early draft of a research paper for feedback.
We also wanted to share these excellent resources:
Excellent article regarding barriers to learning, as well as accommodations and strategies to improve learning access. ECAR Study of the Technology Needs of Students with Disabilities, 2020: https://er.educause.edu/blogs/2020/6/ecar-study-of-the-technology-needs-of-students-with-disabilities-2020
COVID 19 Resources for Faculty
https://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/covid-19-resources-for-faculty.html
Examples of UDL in Higher Education
http://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_examples
The staff from TLTC, who are supporting faculty through this transition to Hy-flex instruction, have tools and suggestions for making your online content accessible. Their website (https://www.shu.edu/technology/hyflex-teaching.cfm) is very useful! If you need additional assistance, please contact your instructional designer and/or register to attend one of their workshops.
Additionally, the blog on the SHU Center for Faculty Development has several entries entitled, “Aha! Moments: Hybrid/Remote Teaching Tips Fall 2020” which contain insights from faculty and tips for making the most of the online/hybrid experience: http://blogs.shu.edu/centerforfacultydevelopment/blog/.
We know that no matter how well designed an academic experience is, accommodations
may still be necessary. Students are able to request updated letters of accommodation
for their Spring courses and are expected to share those letters with you directly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. We want
to support you and our students during this challenging time.
Best,
DSS Staff
Angela Millman
Director, Disability Support Services
[email protected]
Nicole Bartolotta
Assistant Director, SO campus
[email protected]
Diane DeLorenzo
Secretary & Testing Coordinator – SO campus
[email protected]
Carolyn Corbran
Assistant Director, IHS campus
[email protected]