Accessibility

The focus of the accessibility module was to make sure that when we create content online that we assure it is accessible by ALL students. We must ensure that all content gives universal access to all and is in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

In my career, I have created many powerpoint presentations, google slides and updated websites without the information I have learned in this module. Ensuring access for all is morally correct, a smart way to provide access to a wide range of people, and it is the law. People with hearing, vision and physical impairments often struggle to access valuable information imperative to their success. It is a truly important step in the process of adequately providing access to resources. Section 508 clearly outlines requirements necessary to achieve this goal. Everyone has the opportunity to participate equally when accessible design is implemented with fidelity.

iNACOL standards that have improved after completion of the accessibility module:

• Domain 1: Mindsets

• Competency 1: New vision for teaching and learning

• Standard B: Value collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance student learning.

Providing information to all stakeholders is an important task. We often do not know the challenges and barriers people face to access information so taking the added step to make sure all content is accessible provides opportunities to a wider range of students. This increases the dissemination of information more reliably and allows information to flow freely regardless of your means of comprehension.

• Domain 3: Adaptive Skills

• Competency 3: Communication

• Standard B: Establish and maintain open communication channels, online and in person, with students, educators, and other stakeholders to support student learning.

Ensuring all information is shared with stakeholders remains an important aspect of progressive movement forward. Creating a website that conveys important school information is an emerging skill that became a strength after learning about section 508 and the necessary technology requirements. I feel confident in my learned ability to provide alternative text for all photos, closed captioning for all videos, and a transcript of the recording in multiple languages.

• Domain 4: Technical Skills

• Competency 1: Data Practices

• Standard E: Continually evaluate technologies, tools, and instructional strategies to ensure their effectiveness.

By following the data trail, we can achieve and understanding regarding the effectiveness of technological tools and strategies in regards to advocating for student achievement. At times, we can become enamored with the bells and whistles for certain programs and not the programs ability to increase student achievement. Meeting with students and staff regularly to collect, analyze and review data can systematically produce pathways to consistently provide students and staff with innovative and well researched resources. After completing this module, I am more prepared to assure that content I use to instruct students and teachers will be accessible to all students by making the necessary additions to any technological content I use to deliver information. The Blended Learning Teacher Competency Framework helped me to understand my responsibilities for the dissemination of information in regards to technology. The framework is a document that will serve me well into the future. It is a valuable resource for people like myself who consistently update website information.

Equity equals accessibility for ALL students. I am now more aware of the different accessibility needs of all students trying to learn world-wide. From this point, I will strive to embrace the idea that I will need to make changes to my materials. This aligns with iNACOL Domain 1 Mindset, Competency 2: Orientation toward change and improvement, Standard A : Embrace change and model it for others. I will strive to provide closed captions for my videos and make my documents and PDFs more accessible to readers. I will begin to expose other staff at my site when I lead by example. I believe this work will create positive conversations with colleagues and lead to more further change in education.