Share slides before class
Post your slides to D2L before the lecture. Students can follow along, take notes, and review later.
1 minExecutive summary
Students must receive accessible materials and timely accommodations. Align your syllabus, LMS content, media, and assessments with UCATT and DRC guidance.
- Use Brightspace templates and theLMS checklist.
- Caption Panopto/Zoom recordings within 3 days and provide transcripts.
- Respond to DRC accommodation letters promptly, documenting adjustments.
- Offer multiple ways to engage, including accessible labs and group work.
If you only do one thing:post slides or notes before class and caption your next recorded lecture.
Quick wins (5–10 minutes each)
Four high-impact actions you can do today. Each links to guidance from the source.
Caption your next video
Upload to Panopto, enable auto-captions, then scan for errors in names and numbers.
5 min per 10 min videoUse heading styles in documents
Apply Heading 1, 2, 3 from the Styles menu instead of making text bold. Screen readers need structure.
2 minReply to accommodation letters
Confirm logistics with the student within 2 business days. Document agreements in Brightspace.
10 minBrightspace essentials
Course shell setup
Start with UCATT’s accessible template, structure modules with headings, and set default font sizes.
Brightspace checklistYuJa Panorama
Automatic alternative formats for course documents—audio, EPUB, braille, and more.
Panorama guideAssessments
Use question pools, avoid timed-only exams, and configure extended time per letter.
Brightspace helpDiscussions & group work
Provide alternate submission formats and encourage descriptive subject lines.
Pedagogy checklistMedia workflow
Follow UCATT’s decision tree for captions, transcripts, and audio description.
- Panopto: enable machine captions, edit for accuracy, request professional captions for high-stakes content.
- Zoom: enable live captions and save transcripts for asynchronous review.
- YouTube/VoiceThread: upload captions or use third-party caption files.
Reference theMedia & Captioning guide.
Inclusive pedagogy playbooks
STEM labs
Provide tactile diagrams or 3D prints, describe visuals verbally, and pair students intentionally to support note taking and lab navigation.
Writing & discussion-heavy courses
Offer collaborative documents with heading styles, ensure comment text has sufficient contrast, and provide clear deadlines/time estimates.
Experiential & field learning
Share itineraries early, confirm transportation accessibility, and plan for interpreters or captioners in mobile settings.
Support & escalation
DRC Instructor Portal
Receive accommodation letters and coordinate support plans.
Open portalUCATT consultations
Book time with instructional designers for course reviews.
Visit UCATTAccessibility office hours
Discuss testing, alternative formats, or emerging tools.
Request sessionTraining & community
- Accessible Teaching Essentials (monthly, UCATT).
- Panopto caption editing labs (bi-weekly).
- Inclusive pedagogy learning community (semester-based).
Track upcoming events on thetraining calendar.
Learn from the source
We curate guidance—these organizations set the standards for accessible education.
Universal Design for Learning
- CAST UDL Guidelines– The framework
- Understood.org: UDL Intro
Accessibility Standards
- W3C WCAG 2.2– Web content
- Section508.gov– Federal rules
- ADA.gov Guidance– Title II
Teaching Resources
- Accessible Campus– Canada
- AHEAD– Disability services
- WebAIM Resources