All students benefit from an organized, well-written and complete syllabus. They are also better equipped to plan their semester if they have a clear idea of their educators’ expectations, the demands of their courses and the due dates of their assignments. With these tips you can make your course and syllabus accessible to the greatest number of students.
Some students use assistive technology to adapt information into a usable format for their learning needs. Some examples of assistive technology are:
Screen readers: These read aloud information on a computer screen, such as written text, or the description of an image provided through alternative text or Alt Text.
Screen enhancement software: This allows users to magnify the computer screen or change the contrast to make the content easier to see.
Including an accessibility statement as part of your syllabus gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your willingness to provide reasonable accommodations in your class for students with disabilities.
The following is a sample accessibility statement from the University of Toronto:
“The University provides academic accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with the terms of the Ontario Human Rights Code. This occurs through a collaborative process that acknowledges a collective obligation to develop an accessible learning environment that both meets the needs of students and preserves the essential academic requirements of the University’s courses and programs.”