Making distance learning courses accessible to students and instructors with disabilities: A case study

Abstract

Worldwide, distance learning programs offer opportunities for education and career enhancement for those who have access to a computer and the Internet. However, some potential students and instructors who have access to these technologies cannot fully participate because of the inaccessible design of courses. These individuals include those with visual and hearing impairments. The University of Washington Distance Learning program and the campus unit that provides computer access for students and instructors with disabilities teamed up with DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology), a national center that promotes the use of accessible technology, to improve the accessibility of the University's distance learning courses. The authors of this article discuss their ongoing efforts as well as lessons learned so that others might benefit from their experiences. They also provide an overview of access challenges and solutions for people with disabilities, legislation, accommodation and universal design approaches to accessibility, and standards and guidelines.