Top Ten Tips for Creating Accessible Courses Beth Case Program Manager for Digital, Emerging, and Assistive Technologies University of Louisville

#1: Plan ahead Many barriers to accessibility can be easily prevented by considering accessibility when you design your course and your materials. Ask yourself: How could a blind/deaf/mobility impaired student access this material or do this assignment?

#2 : Syllabus statement Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact a staff member in BCTC's Disability Support Services (DSS) office. The DSS address is and the phone number is Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor or

#3 : Alt text

Screen reader demo

Alt-Text practice How would you describe this picture if: 1)It’s a website for a hotel where peacocks roam. 2)It’s for a photography class. 3)It’s for a zoology class in a section talking about distinguishing male and female peacocks.

#4 : Use “Styles” in Word

#5 : Use row and column headings UnitChaptersAssignmentPoints Unit 11-3Quiz 1100 Unit 24-6Quiz 2100 Unit 37-8Quiz 3100 Unit 49-10Quiz

#6 : Use descriptive links Incorrect: Click here to read the syllabus. Correct: You can find more information in the syllabus.

#7 : Alternatives to PowerPoint Not always possible to make them accessible. Consider another method to convey information. Make alternate version in Word.

#8 : Transcripts and Captions Audio only – Verbatim transcript Video – Verbatim, synchronized captions

#9 : PDFs Documents: Create in Word, then save as PDF. Articles: Try to get as HTML or accessible PDF. Articles: If you only have an inaccessible PDF, use OCR software to convert.

#10 : Review publisher materials Many publisher websites and materials are not accessible. Tell publishers that accessibility is vital.

Bonus: Use your resources Veronica Miller Disability Support Services