Semester Start Accessibility Reminders for Instructors
As you start the new semester, keep accessibility in mind! Creating course materials that are accessible helps all students in your classes, including students with disabilities. If you have questions or would like additional support, email us at DigitalAccessibility@colorado.edu.
Required Steps:
- Make sure your course syllabi are accessible. For new syllabi, start with the accessible syllabus template (.docx) or the Google Doc version of the accessible syllabus template. To remediate an existing syllabus for accessibility, consult our accessible Word document guide or contact us to schedule a consultation.
- All syllabi should contain CU Boulder’s required disability accommodation statement.
- If you have students requesting accommodations through Disability Services, respond to accommodation requests in a timely manner and follow guidance from Disability Services.
- In your syllabus, list all digital software and tools that students will have to use in your class (including online proctoring tools like Proctorio, messaging software like Microsoft Teams, etc.). This helps students communicate with you in advance about any accessibility barriers they have encountered with any of those services.
- Note whether students will need to watch any video content for your class in the course syllabus. This helps students request any accommodations they will need for your course in advance of deadlines.
Go Above and Beyond For Your Students:
- Review guidance about accessibility best practices for remote instruction.
- Review and implement recommendations from the accessible Canvas content guide.
- If you are going to use Zoom, learn about Zoom accessibility best practices.
- Proactively caption video content used in your courses by correcting the automated captions in Canvas Studio, Zoom Cloud, or YouTube. Email captioning@colorado.edu for consultation or training support.
- Learn about implementing Universal Design teaching practices in the classroom.
- Investigate the accessibility of your digital publisher-generated content using our E-Text Accessibility Evaluation Guide.
- Consult CU Boulder’s resources on accessibility best practices.
If you would like to learn more or have questions about digital accessibility, please contact the Digital Accessibility Office at DigitalAccessibility@colorado.edu.