Welcome to the Fall 2023 Semester!
On behalf of the Universal Design Center (UDC), we warmly welcome you to the start of a new academic year. As the leaves begin to turn and the crispness of fall settles in, we are reminded of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for us in this academic journey.
The Universal Design Center remains committed to promoting an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Our mission is to ensure that our campus remains adaptable and accommodative for everyone, regardless of ability or background.
The Universal Design Center is not just a service; it is a community. Our success is dependent on each one of you embracing and promoting the principles of Universal Design in your respective departments and spheres of influence. By doing so, we are ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Please mark your calendars for our Inclusion by Design Summit on November 3rd. This event will be a confluence of ideas, experiences, and innovations in the realm of accessibility.
Lastly, we urge you to remember: every time you choose inclusivity, you make a difference. Let’s continue to collaborate and make our college a shining beacon of accessible and inclusive education.
For any queries, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to drop by ELITE or send us an email at udc@montgomerycollege.edu. Let’s make this semester the best one yet!
Elevating Inclusivity: The Universal Design at Montgomery College
In the diverse landscape of MC, approximately 20% of our student population grapple with a disability. The call for robust accessibility measures has been heard, yet the pace of transformation remains uneven. At MC we are breaking barriers with innovative measures as we strive to achieve a deeper sense of belonging for our students and employees.
For students with disabilities, the road to academic success is often laden with hurdles. From outdated facilities to gaps in technological support, the challenges are manifold. Moreover, misunderstandings and biases, often stemming from lack of awareness, can unintentionally ostracize these students.
A revealing study from 2015, led by Barbara Hong, elucidates this predicament. Many students, upon revealing their need for academic accommodations, felt undermined by the very educators meant to uplift them.
Strategies for Inclusivity at Montgomery College
Championing Flexible Educational Practices: The times demand adaptive education. Montgomery College strives to provide synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities, ensuring accessibility for all. But our mission goes beyond mere online sessions; our materials aim for universal accessibility.
Prioritizing Holistic Staff Training: We believe in a proactive, informed campus community. Our comprehensive training programs empower our staff, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and genuine support.
Enhancing Campus Support Services: The UDC is not just about meeting standards; it’s about setting them. From tailored support services to interactive workshops, we’re dedicated to understanding and addressing our students needs.
As we forge ahead, MC stands firm in its commitment to redefining academic inclusivity. Together, let’s envision and enact a campus where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, ensuring every student thrives in an environment designed for all.
Joint Dear Colleague Letter from the DOJ and DOE
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a letter regarding the Departments’ ongoing efforts to address barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in online services, programs, and activities that colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions make available to students and the public. The letter can be found at OCR’s Digital Accessibility webpage and DOJ’s Disability Rights Cases page. Read Joint Dear Colleague Letter from the DOJ and DOE.
Start the Semester with Accessibility in Mind
Ensuring an accessible learning environment should be a priority as we start a new semester. A few steps taken during the initial weeks of the semester can lead to a positive experience for our diverse student body. Use this checklist to stay ahead:
Instructional Materials:
- Confirm that all course materials are available and accessible.
Video Reviews:
- Double-check any videos you’re employing this semester to ensure the accuracy of their captions.
- Remember, ELITE and UDC are always available for assistance or guidance.
Syllabus Distribution:
- Distribute your accessible syllabus to students in both print and digital formats.
- Highlight the implemented accessibility tools and welcome students to share feedback or concerns.
Digital Housekeeping:
- Keep your Blackboard or other learning platforms tidy by ensuring only current semester files and modules are visible.
- Guide students on where to locate essential resources, assignments, and reading materials.
Content Descriptions:
- Emphasize the importance of providing detailed descriptions for any new images or links you integrate as the semester progresses.
Ally Integration:
- Utilize Blackboard Ally to offer alternative formats of course materials.
- Promptly tackle any accessibility concerns or issues students bring to light.
Ongoing Education:
- Advocate for upcoming training sessions centered on accessibility.
Open Door Policy with the UDC:
- Foster a culture where students and faculty feel comfortable approaching the UDC with any questions or feedback about accessibility.
Ensuring accessibility from the beginning lays the foundation for an inclusive learning experience throughout the semester. Let’s make it a priority! All the best as you navigate this exciting academic period.
Universal Design 101: Fostering Access & Inclusion
Demystifying Universal Design
Confused by the term “universal design” and its implications? Today, let’s unravel its true essence and its significant impact on the world around us.
What is Universal Design?
According to the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, universal design refers to the innovative planning of environments so that they can be accessed, understood, and used to the fullest extent by all individuals, irrespective of their age or abilities. This approach encompasses inclusive or barrier-free design, focusing on diverse needs and abilities.
Why Is It Essential?
The essence of universal design lies in the creation of environments that seamlessly cater to the diverse needs and abilities of children, parents, seniors, individuals with illnesses or disabilities, and others. This thoughtful approach ensures everyone’s needs are met comprehensively.
The Pillars of Universal Design
The concept, pioneered by Ronald Mace, a wheelchair user, architect, and industrial designer, rests on seven fundamental principles developed in 1997:
- Equitable Use: Ensuring the design is beneficial and appealing to individuals with varied abilities.
- Flexibility in Use: Accommodating a wide array of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: Ensuring the design’s ease of use and understanding for all users.
- Perceptible Information: Effectively conveying necessary information to the user.
- Tolerance for Error: Minimizing hazards and the adverse consequences of unintended actions.
- Low Physical Effort: Ensuring the design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with minimum fatigue.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Providing appropriate size and space for all users.
The Imperative of Universal Design
Universal design stands as a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility. Accessible and inclusive community spaces like schools, libraries, and parks ensure everyone’s complete and equal participation.
As the world grapples with an aging population, the relevance of universal design, catering to emerging mobility, vision, and hearing challenges, will only amplify. It is crucial for ensuring that everyone can continue to be an active member of their community and realize their fullest potential.
Join the Universal Design Movement
Ready to contribute to creating a universally accessible and designed world?
Join MC’s Universal Design Center (UDC) in working together in designing a college community for everyone. Your involvement and support are paramount in achieving this essential goal. Together, let’s make a significant difference today, ensuring that environments, products, and communications are accessible and understandable to everyone, transcending age, ability, or status.
“MC’s UDC is steadfast in promoting universal and inclusive design, ensuring comprehensive access and understanding for all. Join us in this meaningful journey. Together, let’s design a world for everyone.” Dr. Paul Miller, Co-Chair of MC’s UDC
Examples of Universal Design: The Curb-Cut Effect
Universally designed spaces and products, such as sidewalk ramps, automatic doors, and flat panel light switches, permeate our daily lives, enhancing accessibility for everyone.
The “curb-cut effect” (see image below) refers to the idea that designs and innovations that are initially meant to benefit individuals with disabilities can end up benefiting a much broader group of people. The term comes from the actual curb cuts (or curb ramps) that are built into sidewalks to make them accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs. Although curb cuts were designed with wheelchair users in mind, it turns out they also benefit parents with strollers, workers with carts, travelers with luggage, and numerous other people.
In a broader sense, the curb-cut effect refers to the concept that when you create an environment that is accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, everyone benefits. This idea is central to the philosophy of universal design, which argues for creating products, buildings, and environments that are as accessible as possible to all people, regardless of their age, ability, or status.
The curb-cut effect can be observed in many other design adaptations and technologies as well. For example, features such as closed captioning and voice-activated virtual assistants, originally created to assist people with hearing or visual impairments, are now widely used and enjoyed by people without such impairments.
New Law Affects Accommodations in the Classroom – Review and Respond
A modification to the procedure of the College’s Equal Education Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy (41002) is being considered at this time. The College community is invited to review the proposed changes and provide feedback by visiting the P&P webpage, where such proposals are posted from time to time (scroll to the bottom). Feedback must be submitted by close of business on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Background
In May 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed into law HB923, legislation that addresses several higher education topics, including accommodations for religious beliefs. The new law requires “reasonable alternative accommodations for missing an examination or other academic requirements due to an excused absence… if the student’s sincerely held faith-based or religious belief or practice affects the student’s ability to take an examination as scheduled or meet any other academic requirement.”
Montgomery College has provided such accommodations to students for some time and those have been codified in our Procedure 41002CP.
The new legislation also requires colleges to provide space on campus for students to accommodate faith-based or religious practices. Montgomery College has had serenity spaces on campuses for some time.
What is new
The law requires a grievance procedure to report noncompliance with the law.
Proposed changes
The changes in the draft (starting at line 282) create a process to report noncompliance and, more importantly, clarify how students should request an accommodation, how a faculty member should consider the request, and add an appeal process for students if their request is denied. Please note that there are several other minor changes (at lines 87, 206, 226, 252, 269, and 276).
Your feedback will be reviewed by the President’s Cabinet and others, and then final changes will be recommended to the president. Recall that changes in policy are taken to the Board of Trustees for its consideration. Changes in procedure are addressed by the president.
If you have any questions, please contact planning@montgomerycollege.edu.
Implementing Universal Design on Campus
In this era of profound transformation, MC is in the throes of unprecedented change. Now more than ever, the College community is evolving and adapting to align with global shifts, multifaceted trends, and the unique needs of a contemporary cohort of students.
Unforeseen global occurrences such as the pandemic, burgeoning mental health concerns, and an intensified call for diversity, equity, inclusion, and sense of belonging are intertwining with the possibilities of emergent technologies and innovative learning methods, steering a storm of transformation. This change paves the path for a redefined commitment from MC to holistically support students, enhancing the overall campus ambiance for the better.
Holistic Approach for a Comprehensive Student Experience
These circumstances collectively contribute to an amplified emphasis on holistic design, a paradigm focusing on crafting environments that are universally accessible and functional for everyone, beyond boundaries of age, capability, or status. This approach is gaining traction, leading to modifications and continued upgrades of outdated infrastructure to align with the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act and to optimize their usability and efficiency, making them more appealing to students.
A core element of this transformative journey is the integration of student well-being, diversity, equity, inclusion, and technological advancements on campus.
Student Well-being
The mental and emotional welfare of students has ascended as a paramount concern, with numerous students grappling with mood disorders and depression. The impetus is now on academic institutions to bolster their focus on the health and well-being of their students, carving out a more supportive educational environment. Check out the SHaW center to see how MC is supporting students’ well-being.
Amplifying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
There is a surge in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion to render a more balanced, nurturing, and inclusive campus environment. Efforts are concentrated on crafting comfortable and inclusive spaces for all students, significantly augmenting their mental, social, and physical welfare. Visit MC’s Student Life to learn more.
Technological Infusion
The incorporation of innovative technologies is revolutionizing the learning landscape, offering students enhanced access to information and more effective learning methodologies. Despite certain challenges, technology is fostering a more cohesive, integrated, and comprehensive educational experience. Visit the Digital Learning Centers to learn more about MC’s technological supports.
Innovative Design Strategies for a more Inclusive MC
Emphasizing Inclusive Design
Crafting a learning environment that is universally accessible and inclusive is fundamental. Initiatives like revamping the TPSS library space to ensure seamless navigation and accessibility demonstrate a commitment to tackling inclusivity and accessibility challenges head-on.
Fostering Community Building
Designing spaces that bolster social interaction and community building play a critical role in enhancing students’ sense of belonging and self-belief. Projects that involve students in the design process, like the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Activities Board, ensure the creation of spaces that truly resonate with the student community, reflecting their values and aspirations.
Boosting Collaboration
Spaces that stimulate collaboration and interaction are pivotal in enriching the educational journey. MC is embracing design elements that encourage students to converge, collaborate, and innovate together, further enriching their learning experience. Check out MC’s STEM Ambassadors as an example of collaboration.
Establishing Multi-Functional Learning Environments
Ensuring flexibility in learning environments is key to adapting to the rapidly evolving needs of students and educational paradigms. MC is focusing on creating adaptable, multi-functional spaces that cater to a diverse range of learning styles and requirements providing experiential learning opportunities to students. Check out the MBI Cafe as an example of this work.
Enhancing the Overall Experience
MC is channeling efforts into revamping and renovating campus facilities to provide an elevated, inclusive, and holistic student experience. By integrating various elements like sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and enhanced programming, campuses are transforming into spaces that not only fulfill academic needs but also contribute to the overall growth, well-being, and development of every student.
Embracing these innovative strategies unequivocally signals MC’s unwavering commitment to transcending traditional boundaries, paving the way for the development of facilities and spaces that holistically support and nurture every facet of a student’s life on campus.
Fall Inclusion by Design Summit
On November 3, 2023, Montgomery College’s Universal Design Center (UDC) will host it’s bi-annual Inclusion by Design Summit.
This summit is envisioned as a concentrated space for productive discourse, designed for those who believe that education, in all its facets, should be accessible to everyone.
Participants can look forward to a day filled with Interactive Workshops. These sessions, meticulously curated, will delve into the nuances of inclusive design practices, offering practical takeaways. The Speed Session, meanwhile, promise to be both enlightening and efficient, catering to the modern professional’s pace, and offering insights on creating environments that welcome all.
But the summit isn’t just about learning; it’s also about connecting. Attendees will have opportunities to expand their professional circles, meeting peers and experts equally passionate about driving inclusivity in academic and work environments.
A highlight promises to be the segment with our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jingrong Pearl Xie – an individual with deep roots in the inclusive design movement, who will share Experiences, Barriers, and Challenges for Engaging International Students in STEM.
The UDC mission with this summit is clear: to spread inclusive design practices that integrate seamlessly into various educational environments, paving the way for a future where every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, has an equal seat at the educational table.
Empowering Instructors with Practical Tech Tools for Universal Design (UD) & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Enhancing Education with Tailored Technological Approaches
MC has always prided itself on fostering a culture of inclusivity. Our instructors stand at the forefront of this endeavor. With the growing emphasis on Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our educators are armed with tools to make classrooms more accommodating. Here are some actionable technological implementations that our instructors can employ to cater to the diverse needs of their students.
A Quick Dive into UD and UDL:
In essence, UD aspires to create environments, products, and services that everyone can use, irrespective of their abilities. UDL, an extension of UD in education, focuses on tailoring instructional materials and methods to the individual needs of students.
MC’s Instructor-Driven Tech Recommendations:
Interactive Content Creation: Leverage Tools to create content that offers varied modes of representation, such as videos, animations, and interactive quizzes.
Flexible Lecture Recording: Record and share lectures, allowing students to revisit lessons at their own pace or access them if they missed a class.
Dynamic Presentation Tools: Utalize platforms that allow presentations to be more engaging with real-time quizzes, polls, and interactive discussions embedded within.
Incorporate Captioning and Subtitles: Take advantage of software that automatically captions lectures, this benefs both the hearing impaired and those for whom English is a second language.
Customizable Assignment Deadlines: Consider the use of flexible deadlines, accommodating students with varied schedules and needs.
Diverse Assessment Methods: Evaluate students through multiple avenues like oral presentations, multimedia projects, and collaborative assignments.
Accessible Document Formats: Utallize universally accessible document formats and provide training on creating such content, ensuring all students can access and engage with materials.
Feedback and Annotation Tools: Leverage tools that allow real-time feedback on student assignments, helping them guide their students more effectively.
Virtual Office Hours: Utilize TEAMs to hold virtual office hours, making faculty more accessible to online and distant learners.
By utalizing these methods, MC reiterates its commitment to an inclusive learning environment. We understand that when our educators are equipped, our students flourish. We continue to urge instructors to share their experiences, novel ideas, and feedback, ensuring that we keep evolving in the right direction.
Learn more about tools and resources to support your efforts.
MC’s Commitment to Web Accessibility
Efforts aligned with Federal mandates to ensure digital inclusivity.
Upholding its commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment for all, MC articulates its dedication to Web Accessibility through its Policy 66004, Information and Communication Technology Accessibility. This policy not only showcases the College’s commitment to making IT resources accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities, but also solidifies its obligation to remain compliant with relevant Federal laws.
With the rise of digital platforms in education, WordPress websites hosted on the MC Blogs server play a significant role. Hence, it’s imperative that these sites adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA. This globally recognized standard ensures digital content is accessible to individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
Leading by example, the Web Team in OIT, spearheaded by Tim Lantz and Marc Bolea, is diligently striving to align the main College website with the WCAG guidelines. But the initiative doesn’t stop there. The College is empowering all web administrators by providing them with essential tools to ensure their sites are equally compliant.
A major step in this direction is the introduction of the “Site Improve” platform to the College’s web administrators. This dynamic tool not only identifies accessibility challenges but also points out other website improvement areas, such as broken links and typographical errors.
To ensure seamless adoption of these accessibility practices, the College is organizing a special orientation session. The session, led by Accessibility Analyst, Seyi Odumosu, will focus on familiarizing participants with web accessibility and the strategies to address WCAG criteria. Moreover, a detailed walkthrough of the “Site Improve” platform will be presented, enabling administrators to identify key focus areas and monitor their progress.
Nell Feldman, a prominent figure leading this initiative, has received accolades for her exemplary leadership in ensuring web accessibility compliance. Reinforcing the importance of this drive, the US Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights, recently highlighted their intent to intensify enforcement against higher educational institutions that don’t prioritize digital accessibility. Their “Dear Colleague Letter on Online Accessibility at Postsecondary Institutions” further spells out these expectations.
The College’s decision to invest in Site Improve emphasizes its proactive approach to addressing potential compliance risks. As the College’s Director of ADA Compliance notes, “With leaders like Nell at the helm and the unwavering commitment of the College community, we are well-positioned to champion web accessibility.”
Purchasing Technology: Navigating the Digital Landscape
In our current era of rapid digital evolution, MC is committed to staying abreast of technological advancements. Whether it’s hardware, software, or innovative solutions, the demand for technology is surging across various departments.
Why Consult the Office of Information Technology (OIT)?
The OIT is here to help guide this digital transformation. It’s not just about buying technology; it’s about ensuring that every purchase aligns with our college’s vision of student and employee empowerment, data protection, and seamless user experience. Before you even think of making a purchase, we recommend contacting OIT. Not only do they have the expertise to guide you, but they are also the gatekeepers ensuring that each request matches the College’s strategic direction and standards.
Steps in the Technology Acquisition Process:
Initial Consultation with OIT: Begin by discussing the business case and filling out either the Software or Hardware Request Form. It’s essential to verify if the College already possesses a similar solution to your need.
Materials & Risk Review: The IT Security and Compliance team steps in at this juncture, ensuring that the proposed technology adheres to security and accessibility standards.
Types of Assessments:
- Security Assessment: Ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Accessibility Assessment: Ensuring every member of the College community can use the technology without barriers.
Estimated Timing: Anticipate a feedback window of 15 business days after the IT Security and Compliance team receives the necessary documents. This timeline doesn’t include potential vendor processing times, which can sometimes stretch to 30 days.
Assessment Report: This detailed report will encompass the findings, recommendations, risks, and possible remediation actions.
Legal Review: The Procurement Office collaborates with the Office of General Counsel to ensure that any contracts protect Montgomery College’s interests.
Contract Award: Once everything checks out, the Procurement Office will finalize the purchase with a purchase order, signaling the vendor to commence work.
Purchasing technology is no small feat. It’s a journey filled with procedures, assessments, and collaborations. However, with the OIT by your side and the processes laid out, Montgomery College ensures that every tech acquisition is strategic, safe, and value-driven. Remember, it’s not just about the technology; it’s about enhancing the MC experience.
Navigating the Future of Inclusive Education at the Inclusion by Design Summit
On November 3, 2023, the Universal Design Center (UDC) successfully hosted the much-anticipated Inclusion by Design Summit, an event dedicated to fostering inclusive practices in education. With more than 160 participants from 50 different institutions, this summit was not just a meeting of minds but a collaborative opportunity, aiming to steer the course of inclusive education towards a brighter future.
The day was marked by a series of interactive workshops that provided the attendees with in-depth insights into inclusive design practices. These hands-on sessions were designed to not only impart knowledge but also to refine the participants’ skills in creating accessible digital and physical learning environments.
Participants were also treated to rapid, yet profoundly insightful, speed sessions. These quick-fire presentations were a testament to the event’s commitment to keeping the discourse dynamic and engaging, ensuring that every moment was an opportunity for growth and learning.
The highlight of the event was the guest speaker session, where Dr. Jingrong Pearl Xie, an esteemed expert in the field, shared her extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences. This discussion was not only enlightening but also inspiring, reinforcing the collective commitment to inclusive design.
The UDC’s mission to embrace and champion inclusive design practices was palpable throughout the summit. By providing the necessary tools and knowledge, the summit empowered each participant to integrate these practices into their respective domains.
The success of the Inclusion by Design Summit has paved the way for the next bi-annual event, which will be held on April 12, 2024, coinciding with Grilled Cheese Day! This quirky alignment serves as a reminder that inclusivity can be celebrated in all facets of life, even in the simplest of pleasures.
Join us as we continue to shape the future of inclusive education. With the collective effort of educators, designers, and technologists, we can ensure that inclusivity remains at the forefront of instruction and design. Together, we are not just designing for the present but are actively navigating towards a more inclusive future.
Universal Design in Architecture: A Case Study from MC’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
As MC continues with its significant construction projects at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the principles of Universal Design (UD) in architecture and how they are being integrated into contemporary educational environments.
Universal Design: An Overview
Universal Design in architecture is a concept that emphasizes creating buildings and spaces accessible and functional for everyone, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. It’s about considering the diverse needs of all users from the outset.
Applying UD Principles: The Catherine and Isiah Leggett Building
The ongoing construction of the Leggett Building provides an interesting case study. While the current focus is on asphalt paving and landscaping, the bigger picture includes ensuring ease of access and navigation for all students and staff. Features like wide corridors, ramps alongside stairs, and tactile indicators for the visually impaired will significantly contribute to a universally accessible environment.
Library/Resource Center Renovation: A Model of Inclusivity
The renovation work at the campus library in the Resource Center is another key area where UD principles are relevant. Renovations will address the needs of a diverse student body by incorporating adjustable lighting for those with vision impairments, ergonomic furniture for better accessibility, and intuitive layouts that help everyone navigate the space with ease.
In Conclusion
The integration of Universal Design in the ongoing and future projects at MC is not just about compliance with standards; it’s about building an inclusive community where everyone’s needs are recognized and met. As these projects develop, they stand as a testament to the college’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Our Achievements in Campus Accessibility and Inclusion
At MC, our journey towards creating a more accessible and inclusive campus has been marked by continual progress and dedication. Over time, we’ve implemented a series of initiatives that reflect our deep commitment to supporting every member of our campus community.
Evolution of Our Campus Infrastructure:
Initially, our focus was on making physical spaces accessible. This led to the installation of ramps and automatic doors across campuses, a crucial step in ensuring our buildings were welcoming to all. Additionally, we enhanced the navigability of our pathways, ensuring they remain clear and accessible.
Classroom Enhancements for Inclusivity:
As we evolved, our attention turned to the learning environment. Classrooms were outfitted with adaptive furniture, including adjustable desks and seating, to accommodate students of varying abilities. We also embraced technological advancements, integrating assistive technology, to support all students.
Digital Accessibility and Online Resources:
With the digital age, we recognized the need to make our online presence inclusive. MC’s website is continuously audited (e.g., annual 10 page audit) and improvements are made frequently to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring it is accessible to all users. Moreover, we are enhancing our digital materials with features like alternative text for images and user-friendly navigation, making online learning and resources more accessible.
Cultural Shift towards Inclusivity:
Led by the Universal Design Center (UDC), awareness and inclusivity became a cornerstone of our approach. We launched extensive training programs on Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Accessibility, fostering a campus culture rich in empathy and understanding. Additionally, our diversity and inclusion workshops, offered through the Office of Equity and Inclusion and ELITE have played a vital role in educating our community about various needs and promoting inclusive communication practices.
Feedback-Driven Continuous Improvement:
Central to our progress has been the input from our community. The establishment of the UDC, has been instrumental in guiding our efforts. We’ve maintained open channels for feedback, ensuring that our initiatives are responsive and meet the needs of our community. As we continue to learn, improve, and adapt, our aim remains steadfast: to make MC a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 Released by W3C
In a significant advancement for digital accessibility, the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and the Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AG WG) have proudly released the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 as a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Recommendation. This latest iteration enriches the existing framework with nine new Success Criteria, building on the 17 added in WCAG 2.1 and those established in WCAG 2.0.
WCAG 2.2 focuses on enhancing web content accessibility for a broader spectrum of disabilities, including visual, mobility, hearing, and cognitive impairments. These additional criteria emphasize improving navigation, content discovery, and functionality operation through multiple input methods, not just keyboards. This version also ensures that webpages are predictable in their functioning and assists users in avoiding and correcting errors. Moreover, WCAG 2.2 introduces ‘Stories of Web Users,’ a resource providing real-world context to the Success Criteria.
Sachin Pavithran, Executive Director of the U.S. Access Board, lauded the W3C’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of industry consensus standards that are both practical and unambiguous. He praised the W3C and AG WG for their inclusive and transparent approach in developing these guidelines.
Marking the end of the WCAG 2 series, WCAG 2.2 represents the culmination of years of dedicated effort. Attention now shifts to WCAG 3, which is currently in draft form and aims to evolve into a W3C Standard in the coming years.
The AG WG’s mission extends to ensuring web content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Access Board has been instrumental in the development of WCAG 2.0 and its subsequent versions, contributing to supportive materials and testing rules that align with federal standards. Board Accessibility Specialists play a key role in ensuring web content is universally accessible.
A notable integration of these guidelines is seen in the Board’s Revised Section 508 Standards, which incorporate WCAG 2.0 to guarantee that information and communication technology (ICT) used by federal agencies is accessible to people with various disabilities. These standards apply to all digital documents and non-web applications.
In support of Section 508, the Board offers technical assistance, expert advice via email (508@access-board.gov), free webinars on best practices, training, and resources in collaboration with the General Services Administration. All these efforts are geared towards creating an inclusive digital landscape, ensuring equal access for all, including those with disabilities.
Modified from the US Access Board artcile titled “W3C WCAG 2.2 Now Available“
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
GAAD is a unified day where we think, talk, and learn about digital access and inclusion.