Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

On this page:

• Introduction
• General Course-Level Attributes and Requirements
• Online and Hybrid Courses
• Face-to-Face and Hybrid Courses
• Additional Considerations
• Resources and Tools
   

Introduction

To ensure compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), accessibility standards for courses offered in various modalities (online, hybrid, and face-to-face), it is essential to consider this comprehensive set of course-level attributes and requirements.
 

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General Course-Level Attributes and Requirements

1. Accessible Course Syllabus
   • Provide in accessible formats (e.g., HTML, accessible PDFs)
   • Include information on disability services and accommodations
2. Accessible Learning Management System (LMS)
   • Ensure LMS is compliant with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards
3. Alternative Text Descriptions
   • Include alt text for all images, graphs, and charts
   • Provide long descriptions for complex images
4. Captioned Multimedia
   • Provide closed captions for all video and audio content
   • Offer transcripts for audio-only content
5. Text-Based Materials
   • Ensure all PDFs, Word documents, and other text materials are accessible (e.g., tagged PDFs, structured headings)
6. Accessible Presentations
   • Ensure PowerPoint and other presentations are accessible (e.g., alt text for images, accessible slide layouts)
      

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Online and Hybrid Courses

1. Keyboard Navigation
   • Ensure all content can be navigated using a keyboard
2. Accessible Discussions and Forums
   • Provide accessible discussion boards and forums
   • Use platforms that support screen readers
3. Interactive Content
   • Ensure interactive content (quizzes, forms, simulations) is accessible
   • Use tools that are compliant with accessibility standards
4. Consistent and Clear Navigation
   • Use a consistent layout and structure for course navigation
   • Provide clear instructions for accessing and interacting with content
5. Accessible Assignments and Assessments
   • Ensure all assignments and assessments are accessible
   • Provide alternative formats for assessments when necessary
      

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Face-to-Face and Hybrid Courses

1. Classroom Accessibility
   • Ensure physical classroom spaces are accessible (e.g., ramps, accessible seating)
2. Assistive Technology
   • Provide assistive technology as needed (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers)
3. Lecture Accessibility
   • Ensure that lectures are accessible (e.g., use of microphones, captioned videos)
   • Provide lecture notes and materials in accessible formats
4. Accessible Communication
   • Ensure all communication, both in-person and digital, is accessible
   • Use accessible tools for course-related communications (e.g., email, announcements)
      

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Additional Considerations

1. Training and Support for Faculty
   • Provide training for faculty on accessibility standards and best practices
   • Offer ongoing support and resources for maintaining accessibility
2. Regular Accessibility Audits
   • Conduct regular audits of courses to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards
3. Student Feedback Mechanism
   • Implement a system for students to provide feedback on accessibility issues
   • Act on feedback to improve accessibility
4. Policy and Procedure Documentation
   • Develop and maintain documentation on accessibility policies and procedures
   • Ensure all faculty and staff are aware of and adhere to these policies
      

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Resources and Tools

• WCAG Guidelines
• Accessible Educational Materials (AEM)
• Disability Services Offices: Provide support and resources for accommodating students with disabilities