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Program

Accessible Learning and Teaching

Time limit: 14 days

Spots remaining: 18

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Full program description

Course Title:

Accessible Teaching and Learning: Foundations for Inclusive Course Design

Course Description:
This self-paced, asynchronous course introduces foundational principles and practical strategies for creating accessible and inclusive learning environments in higher education. Designed with faculty in mind, the course emphasizes small, sustainable changes that remove barriers to learning and benefit all students.

The course begins with a brief orientation to the history of disability rights and disability culture in the United States, including the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Participants will explore the implications of the 2024 update to ADA Title II, which reaffirms that digital learning environments must be accessible and equitable—fueling a renewed national focus on inclusive teaching practices in higher education.

Throughout the course, participants will learn practical steps for improving accessibility in Canvas, Microsoft 365, and course materials, using the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to guide change. Interactive examples, reflection prompts, and UMKC-specific tools are provided to support implementation.

While the course can be completed in approximately one hour, participants are encouraged to take their time. Each cohort is asked to complete the course within two weeks of enrollment.

Faculty who complete the course will receive a digital badge to recognize their commitment to accessible, inclusive teaching.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the historical and legal foundations of accessibility, including the ADA and its Title II interpretation

  • Identify common barriers in digital and classroom learning environments

  • Apply accessibility best practices to course design, documents, and multimedia

  • Use UMKC-supported tools to improve accessibility in Canvas and Microsoft 365

  • Reflect on disability as a dimension of diversity and design with inclusion in mind

  • Commit to at least one specific improvement to enhance accessibility in their teaching

Course Structure

  • Module 1: Disability, History, and the ADA
    An overview of disability rights, disability culture, and the ADA’s relevance in higher education today

  • Module 2: Barriers and Opportunities
    How design choices create (or remove) access barriers for students

  • Module 3: Quick Wins for Accessibility
    Practical, everyday strategies for accessible course materials in Canvas and Microsoft tools

  • Module 4: UMKC Tools and Support
    Campus resources, accessibility tools, and who to contact for help

  • Final Activity:
    Reflective prompt + short knowledge check to earn your badge