Tips and Resources for Providing an Accessible Online Course Blackboard Ally and Beyond
During a recent University System of Maryland online gathering , our Assistant Vice Provost jointly presented with College Park about tips and strategies for digital accessibility.  We work in partnership with DoIT, and directly with Instructional Technology, beyond our collaboration and communication with faculty and the Faculty Development Center.  We are broadly sharing resources campus-wide to refresh awareness, including:

Tips for Creating an Accessible Online Course (from Educause)
which is also posted on  SDS's Information for Faculty Resource website (link). and

Faculty Accommodation Guidelines/FAQ for Remote Instruction (link). 

These postings supplement and complement ongoing work with DoIT's Instructional Technology office, their department supports Blackboard, Ultra, Collaborate, Ally (Accessibility information linked here) and more.  UMBC's DoIT has a strong and enduring association with Educause that informs the drive for inclusive excellence online. The collaboration between Student Disability Services, students with accommodations, Instructional Technology and faculty/Faculty Development began when course content started  to shift online and continues today.

Faculty can learn more about Instructional Technology's web-based  PIVOT training here. The Planning Instructional Variety for Online Training was mentioned during this week's online Student Town Hall.  Additional FAQ information and technology-based training options are also available through DoIT.

Voicethread training, and Universal Design for Learning is being promoted by Intstructional Technology via this link. (Lots of captioning provided via this app during URCAD - it's not just for faculty!)

On a broader scale, UMBC is active with the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).  The next Maryland meeting includes collaboration with IT and instructional Technology Departments to continue on the path of inclusive excellence.


A  gentle reminder - Accessibility and Disability Services remains a resource for anyone fielding a UMBC-related accessibility question or concern.  ADS and Student Disability Services are also available for accommodation questions and intakes during this period of telework, and distance learning, including if there is a change in the need for accommodation. Details can be found here:

Faculty, staff and student employee accommodation information (link)
Academic (Student) Accommodation/SDS link

Accessibility Concerns may be reported to our office via this link at any time.  Office staff can be reached via 410-455-5745 and slazar@umbc.edu during regular business hours. 

Photo of Sign reading You Got This Next to a laptop by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash
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Facilities Management and the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services are hosting a review of recent, current and potential construction projects that enhance accessibility, improve the physical environment of UMBC, and benefit the entire community. There are new projects on the horizon, and your ideas, suggestions and feedback will inform the process for UMBC's continued participation with the AccessMD Program. 

Please RSVP on the event page linked here.  ASL interpretation will be provided. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodation should contact the organizer, slazar@umbc.edu, as soon as possible. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide reasonable accommodation. 

If you have any remaining questions or suggestions prior to the discussion contact Celso Guitian in Planning and Construction Services via cguitian@umbc.edu / 410-455-5578 or Stephanie Lazarus, ADA/Section 504 Coordinator via slazar@umbc.edu / 410-455-5745. If you cannot attend, but have ideas for additional projects, please reach out to us, we want to hear from you!

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Each year on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is honored as the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.

More than 1 billion people in the world have a disability. At fifteen percent (15%) of the world’s population, persons with disabilities account for the world’s largest minority. Furthermore, one out of every seven people is affected by disability. 

Working toward an accessible future is everyone's responsibility. We must work together to create a future which insists that people are not excluded due to their health impairments. Report barriers when you encounter them via our accessibility concern form here: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/ and work with us to overcome barriers.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' message is linked below.


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When Nobel Laureate Jose Saramago wrote the novel Blindness in 1995, he highlighted how losing sight can bring out the best (and worst) in people. Technology has evolved  since those days before smart phones and ubiquitous personal technology.  Today, the drive for ideal inclusive technology is advancing to assist people with disabilities in all aspects of daily life, not just work and school. This progress, not unlike the book's quest to triumph over adversity, is a quest to overcome privilege toward universal design.   For the uninitiated these tools might be hiding in plain sight.  A broad sampling of this progress from several major developers include:

Google apps that create accessibility in the digital world and beyond, such as: 
  • Live Transcribe (link), which provides speech captioning  
  • Lookout, which helps people with visual impairments learn about their surroundings.

Additionally voice guidance in Google Maps helps people with visual impairments get to their destinations with more confidence with this linked article.

Explore Wakana Sugiyama's experience with this linked video.
 

 Microsoft's accessibility supports include:  
Apple's embedded assistive technology include:
  • Voiceover, color filters and Magnifier for accessing visual content
  • LiveListen for assistive listening
  • FaceTime for ASL communication
  • Voice Control and Switch Control as mobility options.
UMBC's Blackboard learning management system has Ally as a support for accessible online course materials.  Instructional Technology has training for faculty and staff posted on their myUMBC site.   

Thumbnail image:  Black and white photo of sculpture depicting a line of four squatting humans with each person's hands covering the eyes and ears of the person in front of them.


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Universal Design for Learning, Accessible Content and Blackboard Ally is a one-hour session on Tuesday November 5, 2019 at noon, which includes lunch if you RSVP, and it also has an online option via Blackboard Collaborate.  Details are here: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/76798

Additional course offerings next week can also increase accessibility of course materials, such as the adoption of Open Educational Resources, during which faculty share their experience with OER, use cases and resources.

We want more accessibility in course design, and we hope to see you there!

Accompanying thumbnail image:  hand holding sign stating "we want more"
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https://youtu.be/DAS7SacuRHY

The captioned video is three and a half minutes covering her experience and spectacular journey from hating recess to loving the wind in her hair. The transcript is available here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/brief/318333/minda-dentler

As we raise awareness about the intersection of Disability with campus life, UMBC has an Adaptive Sports Committee, which works with students and also hosts adaptive sports events like wheelchair basketball (see postings here: https://www.facebook.com/umbcadaptivesports). If you, or your student group are interested in participating, reach out to the organizer via yomiyuf1@umbc.edu for more details.
]]> When Minda Dentler was a baby she contracted polio, which paralyzed her legs. Adopted by an American family, she grew up watching other kids run and jump. It wasn't until she was at university... https://youtu.be/DAS7SacuRHY https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/87777/guest@my.umbc.edu/36a9319b23e9f417567a5d3c46b5ee1a/api/pixel accessibility achilles adaptive athletics basketball bicycle bike dentler disability handicap iron man marathon minda polio project ravens sports wheelchair woman Office of Disability and Access Resources https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/xxlarge.jpg?1571698256 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/xlarge.jpg?1571698256 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/large.jpg?1571698256 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/medium.jpg?1571698256 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/small.jpg?1571698256 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/xsmall.jpg?1571698256 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/087/777/3053a3b179d096c7f76aead279287163/xxsmall.jpg?1571698256 2 0 false Mon, 21 Oct 2019 19:38:00 -0400 Tue, 22 Oct 2019 09:27:09 -0400 Make your PowerPoints Accessible w/Instructional Technology Be an Accessible Content Ally with your PowerPoints!

Are your PowerPoint presentations accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload PowerPoint presentations into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same opportunity to access the materials, based on an individual's abilities. 

Instructional Technology is conveniently offering this online, one-hour course on November 13th at noon.  Click on the Visit Website button below to register through myUMBC.

Microsoft PowerPoint is widely used to distribute content and information. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often faced with an array of challenges when accessing PowerPoint presentations. According to the Quality Matters rubric for assessing courses, “course design [and content] should reflect a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners, ensuring they can access all course content and activities.” 

Join us to learn how you can make your PowerPoint Presentations more accessible. Remember: accessible content is good content! 

Objectives
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office through UMBC's Office 365 license 
  • Utilize headers, formatting tools, and text styles rather than stylizing text
  • Modify alt text on images and shapes for screen-readers
  • Explain the importance of layout stylization and its impact on accessibility, like creating table headers, or splitting text into multiple columns 
  • Review accessibility through the Read Aloud, Check Accessibility, and Ally tools   

About Ally
Ally is a tool used for instructors to receive feedback on the accessibility of their content, coupled with instructions on how to improve the accessibility of their content. Additionally, Ally automatically creates alternative versions of files which allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. To learn more about Ally, visit our extensive FAQ collection. 

Accessible Content Ally Badge
Instructional Technology will be awarding the Accessible Content Ally Badge to instructors who complete all of the following trainings:
  • Making Word Docs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PowerPoints Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PDFs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Any Ally Orientation -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
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Are your Microsoft Word documents accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload Word docs into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same opportunity to access the materials, based on an individual's abilities. Come see what this is about with Instructional Technology's training on Thursday October 31st at 11:30 in ENG 102.  Follow the link below to reserve your space and get it on your calendar.

Microsoft Word is widely used for document creation and distribution. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often faced with an array of challenges when accessing Word documents. According to the Quality Matters rubric for assessing courses, “course design [and content] should reflect a commitment to accessibility and usability for all learners, ensuring they can access all course content and activities.” 

Join us to learn how you can make your Word documents more accessible. Remember: accessible content is good content! 

Objectives
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Update to the latest version of Microsoft Office through UMBC's Office 365 license 
  • Utilize headers, formatting tools, and text styles rather than stylizing text
  • Modify alt text on images and shapes for screen-readers
  • Explain the importance of layout stylization and its impact on accessibility, like creating table headers, or splitting text into multiple columns 
  • Review accessibility through the Read Aloud, Check Accessibility, and Ally tools   

About Ally
Ally is a tool used for instructors to receive feedback on the accessibility of their content, coupled with instructions on how to improve the accessibility of their content. Additionally, Ally automatically creates alternative versions of files which allows students to choose the type of file they want that best suits their needs. To learn more about Ally, visit our extensive FAQ collection. 

Accessible Content Ally Badge
Instructional Technology will be awarding the Accessible Content Ally Badge to instructors who complete all of the following trainings:
  • Making Word Docs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PowerPoints Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Making PDFs Accessible -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
  • Any Ally Orientation -- 1 training OR 1 webinar
]]> Are your Microsoft Word documents accessible to every student in your course? Instructors routinely upload Word docs into their course, but this doesn't mean that every student has the same... https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/instructional-technology/events/73354 https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/87429/guest@my.umbc.edu/f928941fcd55c0c9c7e928cb89738f6f/api/pixel accessibility ally blackboard disability microsoft word Office of Disability and Access Resources https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/original.jpg?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xlarge.png?1565792941 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/large.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/medium.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/small.png?1565792941 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xsmall.png?1565792941 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/480/1109171419a1b66ae0d9168429adfb61/xxsmall.png?1565792941 Office of Accessibility & Disability Services 2 0 false Wed, 09 Oct 2019 01:57:56 -0400 October is Disability Awareness Month Celebrate the diversity of disability
National Disability Awareness Month is a national campaign held in October that raises awareness about issues for people with disabilities, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of Americans with disabilities.

NDAM's roots go back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with various types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Awareness Month."

Americans with disabilities make up almost one-fifth of our population. Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the 41st Present George H.W. Bush on July 26th 1990.  There have been huge strides in accessibility and inclusion. People with disabilities still face discrimination and lack of understanding. 

However, the fight is not done.

The Presidential Proclamation of 2015 states: “America is at its strongest when we harness the talents and celebrate the distinct gifts of all our people.  This October, as we observe the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let us pay tribute to all who fought for better laws, demanded better treatment, and overcome ignorance and indifference to make our Nation more perfect.  In their honor, and for the betterment of generations of Americans to come, let us continue the work of removing obstacles to employment so every American has the chance to develop their skills and make their unique mark on the world we share.”

Disability Awareness Events:
Oct 1 All Day MP 212 - Open House with Office Accessibility & Disability Services
Oct 7 at Noon, MP 222 - Mission Possible! Disability & Accessibility Scavenger Hunt
Oct 14 at Noon, Online: Make Your PDFs Accessible
Oct 23 at Noon, UC 310 - Campus Accessibility Project Update and Discussion
Oct 25 at Noon, Online - Make Your PDFs Accessible
Oct 30 at Noon, Sondheim - Trick or Treat: Accessibility Walk, Tap, and Roll
Oct 31 at 11:30 ENG 102 Make Your Word Documents Accessible 

We hope to see you there!
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Diagnosed four years ago, Greta Thunberg has not let autism slow her down in her advocacy for people around the world to do their part in slowing down, or indeed ending, climate change.  She has organized student strikes, addressed Swedish Parliament, sailed across the Atlantic on a carbon-neutral sailboat, and most recently spoken in front of the U.S. House of Representatives and the United Nations.  Her ability to raise awareness about acting responsibly to end climate change has been very, very successful.  Additionally, her experience has also demonstrated possibility to others with autism and disability, as representation matters, not just during Disability Awareness Month, which starts tomorrow. Learn more about her work here:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/greta-thunberg-schoolgirl-climate-change-warrior-some-people-can-let-things-go-i-cant


https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/


Greta's global quest continues the legacy of people with a disabilities making the most of their circumstances, standing up and speaking up for initiatives that benefit communities, nations, and the world. Below are links to people with disabilities whose focus on ability has made a difference:

Helen Keller: avoiding war and preserving peace
Stella Young:  on respect and avoiding Inspiration Porn
ADAPT has spoken up for affordable health care and Medicaid
Senator Tammy Duckworth: preserving the ADA 

Feeling inspired?  If you or someone you know is a UMBC student with a disability, we are looking for a few good student (GPA of 3.1 or better is ideal) to join UMBC's chapter of DAPi, an international honor society.Reach out to them through the linked website below.  

Additional information about Disability Awareness Month events on campus is listed under the Events tab above and summarized here:   https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/accessibility/events/60435
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