Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, Ed.D.’s Post

This research article explores common digital accessibility barriers relating to PDF files and Moodle course pages. Some of the common accessibility errors include a lack of alternative text on meaningful images, hard-to-read text, and redundant non-descriptive links. Please check out the full article for more information. #accessibility https://lnkd.in/g48xZadU

Did you know that ensuring that online spaces are accessible to all is not just a matter of inclusivity but also a legal requirement? ➡️ Explore our guide to ADA Compliance for Higher Education and dive into the essentials of making online educational resources accessible to students with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/eXZEtShT

For a limited time, access all four courses in our flagship Access for Everyone series for less than $50 per month. This bundle includes the following courses: Access for Everyone, Accessibility Basics - This introductory course gives an overview of the three categories of accessibility and how they apply to a realistic scenario. Access for Everyone, Physical Accessibility - This gives practical steps that you can take to make your organization accessible so that your employees and customers can get in and get it done. Access for Everyone: Digital Accessibility - This will show you how to achieve accessibility of everything that comes to the user electronically, starting with accessible content. Access for Everyone, Cultural Accessibility - This will teach you how to incorporate accessibility into your organization's culture so that differences become ordinary. To get in on this limited-time offer go to: https://lnkd.in/gXr5i-MA #RealLifeAccess #Disabilities #Accessibility #DisabilityMatters #Accessible #AllAccessPlan #AccessForEveryone

Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the US have a disability?  Ensure your website is accessible to everyone, and our new learning platform, AudioEyeQ, is here to help! AudioEyeQ is a free, online, and accessible learning platform that offers expert-led courses to help you master the latest accessibility requirements and best practices. Whether you're new to accessibility or looking to deepen your knowledge, our self-paced training can guide you through every step. Get started at audioeye.com/learn. Transcript: Did you know 1 in 4 people in the US have a disability? You can reach more people in this community with the help of AudioEyeQ, a totally free, online, and accessible way to learn about accessibility. Our self-paced accessibility training platform is built to help you learn the latest accessibility requirements and best practices to make your website more accessible for everyone. Explore courses like The Foundations of Accessibility, which features expert-led instruction in videos—Welcome to AudioEye’s CPACC Preparation Course. Web accessibility makes good business sense. Take charge of your website's accessibility and make sure it works for the 1.3 billion people globally with a disability. Sign up for free at audioeye.com/learn. #Accessibility #WebAccessibility #InclusiveDesign #DigitalInclusion #AccessibleWeb

Want to learn more about accessibility? AudioEyeQ is here to help you master the latest accessibility requirements and best practices. Sign up today - audioeye.com/learn

Designing Online Courses for Students with Disabilities A recent report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice reveals six critical strategies for enhancing accessibility in online education. With insights from practitioners and advocates, the report offers actionable recommendations to ensure that online courses are designed with all learners in mind. Key strategies include: 1. Transparent Access to Resources: Proactively connect students with disability services and ensure clear communication about available support. 2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Embed UDL principles to accommodate diverse learning needs and reduce the need for additional accommodations. 3. Centralized Systems: Use consistent technology platforms to streamline access to course materials and communication. 4. Continuous Improvement: Establish feedback channels for ongoing assessment and adjustment of accommodations. 5. Institutional Oversight: Form accessibility committees to monitor and improve disability services. 6. Engaged Faculty: Train and support faculty in implementing accessible course design and accommodations. By incorporating these principles, institutions can create more inclusive online learning environments that support the success of all students. Explore the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gQYKFCuk #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign

Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities at BLE Preference Academy   At BLE Preference Academy, we believe every child deserves an education that empowers them to reach their full potential—no matter the challenges they face. That’s why our Special Education Department is dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities through personalized strategies, inclusive teaching practices, and a nurturing virtual environment. Our Approach to Special Education We understand that every learner is unique. Our educators work closely with families to create tailored learning plans that address each student’s individual needs. These plans incorporate evidence-based strategies, assistive technologies, and flexible learning structures designed to build confidence and foster academic success. Key Components of Our Program: 🔹 Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs): We design learning pathways that align with each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals, ensuring a truly customized educational experience. 🔹 Inclusive Virtual Environment: Through our virtual platform, students engage in a supportive and collaborative community that values diversity and promotes belonging. 🔹 Expert Support: Our special education professionals and trained educators provide consistent guidance and encouragement, empowering students to overcome barriers to learning. 🔹 Assistive Technology: From text-to-speech software to visual aids, we leverage innovative tools to help students learn and communicate effectively. Building Skills for Life At BLE, we focus on more than academics. Our program equips students with skills like resilience, problem-solving, and self-advocacy that will serve them beyond the classroom. By fostering a growth mindset, we help students develop the confidence to embrace challenges and celebrate their progress. Partnering with Families We believe education is a partnership. By collaborating with parents and guardians, we create a strong support system that ensures every child feels understood, valued, and empowered to succeed. Our Mission At BLE Preference Academy, we’re redefining what’s possible for students with learning disabilities. Together, we’re proving that no challenge is too great when the right support is in place.  Let’s create a world where every student has the tools to succeed, no matter their learning journey. #BLEPreferenceAcademy #SpecialEducation #InclusiveLearning #K12Education #StudentSuccess #VirtualLearning #GrowthMindset #EducationInnovation

Could you use help finding accessible textbooks? Here's info about a free webinar sponsored by AHEAD- Association on Higher Education and Disability. #AccessibleTexbooks #AHEAD #FreeWebinar

As a small (but mighty) organization that helps individuals who experience disabilities find quality jobs, Griffin-Hammis Associates struggled to find the right solution to help them expand their delivery of engaging training offerings. So many of the solutions Griffin-Hammis Associates found and researched required a development team, or an arduous undertaking of training—both options that weren’t appealing or an option for them. Griffin-Hammis found that other products on the market had an exorbitant pricing structure coupled with a learning arc that was too steep, and many had a one-size-fits-all approach. They found software products that did some of the things they wanted to do, but not all, and integration was a nightmare. In addition, as an organization that works directly with and supports people with disabilities, choosing a software product that prioritized accessibility was a must. Not many products on the market integrated accessibility automatically. If you've read this far... spoiler alert: they chose CourseArc! When we say CourseArc is intuitive and built with accessibility-first, we mean it! Read on to learn more about how this small organization reached its training goals. https://lnkd.in/e95kcPKe #CourseArc #DesignBuildEducate #Accessibility #CaseStudy #LMS #LearningAndDevelopment

I've been thinking through the points made in this article since I first came across it a few months ago. As someone very interested in teaching and instructional design, I have always also has an interest in the challenging areas of higher ed that instructional design/teaching cannot address - pedagogy is not a panacea. This article argues that UDL (Universal design for *learning*) is often discussed in the complete absence of accessible physical spaces. Here, the focus is on sensory overwhelm for neurodivergent students. This is an issue that I know (only in retrospect) affected me in college quite a bit. "Before a student can engage with a UDL curriculum, their sensory and social needs must be met by the built environment in which in-person learning takes place. Ironically, although UDL is inspired by universal design principles from architecture, it overlooks the relevance of built or sensory environment for learning, and how that environment facilitates or does not facilitate social integration for disabled students." I definitely have to think about how to address this point when I teach about UDL. https://lnkd.in/eGd6EFQv