Innovation through Integration: Rebranding Accessibility for Higher Ed

Antonia Levy & Christopher Leydon CUNY IT Conference 2015

Outline

1.  Diversity and Inclusivity at CUNY

2.  Universal Design in Learning (UDL) as a framework for addressing diversity

3.  The principles of UDL with examples

4.  Helpful Resources & References

Accessibility Campus facilities are not the only places of public accommodation in the University. Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) •  Websites & Web Content •  Forms (admissions, human resources, etc.) •  Databases & Applications •  Library Resources •  Learning Management System (LMS)

Diversity and Inclusivity CUNY is a diverse institution that serves a diverse population of students. Diversity is an asset, particularly in intellectual pursuits. Disability is one of many aspects of our diversity and, as such, contributes to the variety of perspectives..

Diversity and Inclusivity “Considerations include level of ability to move, see, hear, read, learn, and process information; stature; age; race; ethnicity; culture; socio-economic status; learning style and preference; dexterity; native language; intelligence; and gender. … Everyone has different abilities that are likely to change over the course of a lifetime.” (Burgstahler 2008: 7)

Diversity and Inclusivity Additional considerations for CUNY: •  First generation college students •  Adult / returning students •  Underprepared students •  English language learners •  Working / professional students •  Family / caregiver responsibilities •  Mobile access for websites and LMS

Universal Design (UD) Originally developed for commercial products and architectural design with the intention to “design for all” beyond mere accommodations.

Design should be equitable & flexible, simple & intuitive,

tolerant & accessible to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation.

Universal Design in Learning (UDL) Making all aspects of education accessible to the widest possible range of users.

Inclusive for a variety of life experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, learning preferences, concentration levels, etc.

UDL v. Accommodations Accommodation means offering a reactive adjustment or modification to make an environment accessible to an individual with a disability.

UDL is a proactive approach which seeks to make participation in an inclusive setting possible for everyone, from the start.

Principles of Universal Design 1. Equitable Use Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Guidelines:

•  Provide same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.

•  Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users. •  Make the design appealing to all users. •  Provision for privacy and safety should be equally available.

Principles of Universal Design 2. Flexibility in Use Design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Guidelines

•  Provide choice in methods of use. •  Accommodate right- and left-handed

access and use. •  Facilitate user’s accuracy and precision. •  Provide adaptability of the user’s space.

Principles of Universal Design 3. Simple and Intuitive Use of design is easy to understand, regardless of user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills. Guidelines

•  Eliminate unnecessary complexity. •  Be consistent with user experience and intuition. •  Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. •  Arrange information to be consistent with its importance.

Principles of Universal Design 4. Perceptible Information Design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. Guidelines

•  Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information

•  Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations

Principles of Universal Design 5. Tolerance for Error The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Guidelines

•  Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors

•  Provide fail-safe features •  Discourage unconscious action in

tasks that require vigilance

Principles of Universal Design 6. Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. Guidelines

•  Allow users to maintain a neutral body position

•  Use reasonable operating forces •  Minimize repetitive options •  Minimize sustained physical effort

Principles of Universal Design 7. Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, and use, regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.. Guidelines

•  Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for seated or standing user

•  Make reach to all components comfortable for seated or standing user

•  Accommodate variations for hand and grip size

Innovation through Integration Integrating Universal Design in Learning (UDL) principles is

an innovative approach to both meeting the legal mandate

of accessibility and ensuring equality and inclusivity. Raise awareness and the workflow will follow.

Helpful Resources & References

Helpful Resources & References

Information Technology

http://goo.gl/DTj54w

Helpful Resources & References

Web Accessibility Guidelines http://goo.gl/GZwn7F

Helpful Resources & References

Instruction, incl. curriculum

and assessment

http://goo.gl/vw5QmO

Helpful Resources & References Student Services

http://goo.gl/ff32Ov

Helpful Resources & References

Physical Spaces http://goo.gl/tSr5rJ

References Burgstahler, S. E. (2008). Universal Design in Higher Education. In: Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice. Ed. S. E. Burgstahler & R. C. Cory. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. 1-20. DO-IT: Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology: http://www.washington.edu/doit/ (accessed December 2, 2015)

Thank you! Christopher Leydon Student Services Coordinator CUNY School of Professional Studies christopher.leydon@cuny.edu Antonia Levy Instructional Technology & Multimedia Manager CUNY School of Professional Studies antonia.levy@cuny.edu