Assuring Accessibility of Instructional Methods and Materials

When students with disabilities are enrolled in a class, the instructor should ensure that classroom presentations, readers, handouts, exams, and websites are fully accessible.

Classroom presentations—Students with some kinds of disabilities can take notes more easily if provided with a double- or triple-spaced outline of each lecture before it begins. While writing information on the chalkboard, instructors should read aloud what they are writing. In addition, the information on the chalkboard should be typed and distributed to students who cannot read it from the board. When using audiotapes, overhead projectors, or presentation tools, (Microsoft PowerPoint or Blackboard) instructors should provide copies of all files and/or alternative versions of the material in accessible form (a Microsoft Word file). All videos used in class should be captioned.

Class Readers—Text reproduction in readers should be of exceptional quality, so that they can be easily read by students with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Remember that these materials may be scanned in electronically by optical recognition software, which allows the material to be enlarged or converted into audio formats or other appropriate alternative media. You can make these processes easier by just providing any available electronic sources. California State law stipulates that publishers shall provide electronic materials to students (see CA67300-67302). At the beginning of each term or as early as possible, students who cannot read printed text should be given information about books and articles that are included in the course reader, so that the materials can be acquired in electronic form.

Handouts/Exams—Students with some disabilities will need to receive all handouts at the beginning of the term or as early as possible, so that they can arrange to have the text converted to their required format (Braille or e-text). If requested in an accommodation letter from DSP, instructors should provide exams in accessible formats (large-print or electronic). DSP can provide assistance in providing alternative formats (such as Braille). Contact Jim Gammon at (510) 642-0518 or jgammon@berkeley.edu.

Websites—For information on creating a "universally accessible"
website, see:

webaim.org
webnet.berkeley.edu/accessability.php
facultyguide.berkeley.edu/technology/faq_18.html

Simple rules to follow are: Use meaningful text alternatives for graphical information that is conveying a message. If you must use Java/Flash or any other graphical programming modes, please be sure that the materials are accessible to screen readers and keyboard navigation. Caption all videos. Provide visible text for all sounds. Be sure that all the links and controls on the page are labeled uniquely and meaningfully.

University of California, Berkeley is committed to providing accessible web content. For a description of campus policy see:

acads.chance.berkeley.edu/technology_access.shtml