Dear Colleagues,
Happy mid-term! Academic Affairs is launching an important initiative to align all our course materials provided online with federal accessibility regulations by the April 24, 2026, deadline set by the Department of Justice. Additional information about this new rule can be found on the ada.gov website. This initiative is not only a legal requirement but also a reflection of our commitment to helping students from all backgrounds and with different abilities be successful.
As educators, we share the responsibility of making our course materials accessible to all students. Over the next three semesters, we will be rolling out specific areas of accessibility that must be addressed in any course materials provided online, particularly through Canvas.
Throughout this process, you will be asked to address specific areas in your course materials. We recognize this may present challenges and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
To support you, we will provide:
● A guide on the area of accessibility addressed;
● Training sessions and workshops;
● One-on-one consultations; and
● Tools, as available, for automated accessibility checking.
Random course audits will be conducted to measure our progress and identify areas needing additional support.
Please note all materials supplied through textbook companies that have been vetted through ETLC and approved for inclusion in Canvas meet the requirements.
Watch for follow-up communications from ETLC with detailed information and resources. Your commitment to this initiative is crucial in ensuring a supportive learning experience for all our students.
Thank you for your dedication to excellence in teaching and for your support in this important endeavor.
