Scheduled at 4:15 pm in Colorado I-J on Wednesday, November 13.
#39827Speaker(s)
- Sonya Woods, Lead Accessibility Consultant, Penn State
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
In this session, we’ll delve into real-world examples, best practices, and practical strategies for seamlessly integrating UDL options into course design. By doing so, we aim to minimize the need for special accommodations and empower both students and instructors in an inclusive learning environment.
Abstract
Are you interested in Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Do you want to create accessible course content? Have you ever wondered how these concepts intersect or differ? For the past decade, I have been an accessibility practitioner and a UDL advocate, co-authoring and facilitating courses on accessible practice and UDL. In my day-to-day work I collaborate with course designers to integrate accessibility into online courses, empowering student success.
A persistent question I encounter is: “What can be done in course design (before the course even opens) to set instructors and students up for success and reduce the need for special accommodations?”
A key ingredient of UDL is providing options, but it’s crucial to understand that in practice, less is more. Too many options or the wrong options can create new barriers and be counterproductive. This presentation will use real-world examples to illustrate best practices for implementing options that empower both students and instructors. The goal is to enhance success and minimize the need for visits to the Student Disability Resources office.
Join this session to explore practical strategies for designing accessible courses that support all learners through a thoughtful use of options in course materials, courseware, assignment deliverables, and student-instructor interactions. Discover how a thoughtful use of options can preemptively address accessibility needs, avoid common UDL pitfalls, and foster an inclusive learning environment from the outset.
Keypoints
- Thoughtful use of options in course design can preemptively address accessibility needs.
- Misapplying UDL principles by providing too many options or the wrong options can create new barriers.
- I have collected many great real world examples to help people use UDL options effectively.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Sonya Woods
Sonya Woods has been with Penn State since 2008, serving as an accessibility consultant and training coordinator for Penn State World Campus since 2013. Currently, she leads the accessibility team within World Campus Learning Design. Her role involves providing guidance, training, documentation, and resources to help staff and faculty create accessible course content. Sonya also conducts testing on third-party websites and technologies using assistive tools like screen readers and magnification software. As an advocate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive design, she actively contributes to the Accessibility Users Group, fostering a community of practice for sharing accessibility knowledge across various design units at Penn State. Sonya holds a master’s degree in Workforce Education from Penn State and is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).