Digital Accessibility 101: Principles and Practices
What is digital accessibility, and why does it matter in your course? If a student couldn't access your materials, would you know what to do -- or how to fix it? Join this session to learn the foundational principles of digital accessibility, legal context, and core practices. We'll share tips for creating accessible images and Blackboard content, and where to find training support.
Session Objectives
Explain the importance of digital accessibility in higher education.
Describe basic steps faculty can take to improve course accessibility.
Define alternative text and best practices for writing descriptive alt text
Review accessibility settings available in Blackboard courses and organizations
Whether you're building a new course or updating old materials, this virtual session will give you practical steps to get started.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (12 pm - 12:50 pm)
Design Accessible Courses: Leverage UDL and Quality Matters Standard 8 for Content Remediation and Inclusive Learning Experiences
Creating accessible and inclusive courses requires thoughtful consideration of diverse learning styles and strategies that foster engaging learning experiences. The foundational concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—providing multiple means of Representation, Action and Expression, and Engagement—are strongly supported by the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Rubric, specifically General Standard 8: Accessibility and Usability.
Session Objectives
Explain alignment between QM Standard 8 and the three core principles of UDL.
Apply remediation techniques for text and images (QM 8.3, 8.4) after identifying course barriers with a course accessibility report from Anthology Ally.
Develop a "plus-one" action plan to implement UDL by modifying one course component to offer flexible learning options.
By proactively reviewing QM Standard 8 and using UDL's core principles, you can move beyond accessibility compliance to intentionally building an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 (12 pm - 12:50 pm)
Create your Digital Accessibility Action Plan
Whether you are beginning or continuing your journey to create or remediate accessible content, this session will help you define your personalized action plan to improve digital accessibility in your course. Participants will leave with clear next steps to implement digital accessibility best practices.
Session Objectives
Identify technology tools like Anthology Ally for creating or remediating digital content
Describe 3 easy fixes for common PDF accessibility issues identified by Ally
Recall strategies for creating or remediating PDF files to improve accessibility
Create an action plan to support accessibility goals in your course, including appropriate technologies
In this session, participants will have the chance to create an action plan that reflects on the changes they have already made and identifies next steps or resources to keep building an inclusive digital learning environment.
Register for Free NDLW Events
This year's NDLW events take place November 3-7, 2025. All sessions are free to attend, but require registration via USDLA.
Connect with Instructional Technology
As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology, please consider the following options:
Check our extensive FAQ collection & Supported Technologies
Follow the Instructional Technology & DoIT myUMBC groups
In 2019-20, approximately 21 percent of undergraduate students and 11 percent of post baccalaureate students reported having a disability (National Center for Education Statistics, Fast Facts, 2023). Disability Awareness Month offers an opportunity to increase awareness about the variety of disabilities students may experience and help break down misconceptions.
Inclusive Experiences for All
Disability awareness includes addressing physical environments and improving accessibility in buildings, classrooms, and public spaces to ensure all individuals can navigate and participate fully. This might involve installing ramps, widening doorways, adding signage, or improving lighting. The Office of Accessibility & Disability raises awareness about the lived experiences of people with disabilities and highlights services for faculty, staff, and students at UMBC.
Instructors play an important role in recognizing the diverse needs of students with disabilities while striving to promote equity and access for all. This includes creating inclusive learning experiences for students with disabilities and might involve providing assistive technologies, flexible teaching methods, or individualized support plans.
Creating more accessible courses also requires consideration of diverse learning styles and approaches that result in engaging learning for all students. Strategies grounded in Universal Design for Learning principles can leverage technology in ways that help all students succeed. Key practices that support accessible course design include the following.
Universal Design for Learning
One of the most impactful ways instructors can support students is by using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines, a framework that aims to provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression for learners. UDL benefits all students, not just those with disabilities, because it offers flexible ways learners can access content and demonstrate knowledge.
UDL is a key practice that supports accessible course design. Instructors can get started in any of the following ways:
QM’s Accessibility and Usability Resource Site
Anthology Ally for Remediation, Alt Text
Attending disability awareness workshops or collaborating with the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) can provide instructors with the tools to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities in the classroom.
Save the dates!
Join Instructional Technology for upcoming digital accessibility events:
References
(Image designed by vectorjuice on Freepik)