Organizational and Practical Information

Educational organizations need to put in place an approach to accessibility that benefits all faculty and students. By adopting and publicising your approach to accessibility through a strong policy you can ensure your organization’s commitment is understood and is a top priority. The recently launched ASPIRE project is looking at company accessibility policies and many examples of how you might go about this are available at this useful resource together with guidance and advice.

Internally it makes sense to have an accessibility advocate or team who can provide a focal point for all communication and activity on campus – someone who is understanding of the legal requirements affecting all aspects of accessibility and who appreciates the technical and non-technical issues that affect your approach. Most importantly this person would have the ability to influence policy and decision making.

Resources

IFLA Guidelines: Library Services to Persons with Dyslexia

These guidelines offer guidance to all IFLA members worldwide in developing and implementing library services to persons with dyslexia. Included are examples and suggestions on how to recognize library visitors with dyslexia as well as ideas on how to approach them. These guidelines are intended as a tool for both trained and less experienced library staff who are responsible for serving persons with reading and learning difficulties. 

Tips for Teaching Staff for Inclusive Practice 

JISC, who provide digital solutions for the UK education and research sectors, offer a number of useful resources for educators including Tips for Teaching Staff for Inclusive Practice which include:

  • Maximise Resources Online
  • Make Presentations Meaningful
  • Make Documents Easy to Navigate and Understand
  • Provide Alternative Media but make it Accessible
  • Use Hyperlinks for Multiple Support Options
  • Provide Opportunities for Self-Assessment

Ten Top Tips to make your University Accessible to all Learners

Jisc also publish this very useful article to assist educators prepare accessible materials for their students.