CETCI/OAA Workshop Series on Creating Accessible Learning Environments
Body
The CETCI team is thrilled to partner with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations again to present our workshop series focused on building inclusive learning environments that support students with formal accommodations. Over these four sessions, we'll explore the accommodation process as well as effective pedagogical and technical strategies that make our classrooms more accessible to learners of diverse abilities. We’ll also discuss how these approaches not only support students requiring specific accommodations but also enhance the learning experience for everyone in your course.
The workshops in the series are:
Understanding Accommodations: A Workshop by the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations
(Online over Zoom)
The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) staff will provide a comprehensive overview of Pacific's accommodation process. Participants will learn about the importance of accommodations, what accommodations are and are not, faculty responsibilities, how OAA evaluates reasonableness of accommodations, and how to address concerns. The session will walk faculty through the entire process, from initial student requests to practical implementation steps, including guidance on available support resources. The workshop will also cover the legal foundations of accommodation requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and Pacific's obligations to our students.
The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) staff will provide a comprehensive overview of Pacific's accommodation process. Participants will learn about the importance of accommodations, what accommodations are and are not, faculty responsibilities, how OAA evaluates reasonableness of accommodations, and how to address concerns. The session will walk faculty through the entire process, from initial student requests to practical implementation steps, including guidance on available support resources. The workshop will also cover the legal foundations of accommodation requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and Pacific's obligations to our students.
From Accommodation to Inclusivity - Classroom Accommodation Requests as Opportunities to Teach More Inclusively
(Online over Zoom)
Responding to student requests for accommodations can be daunting, especially when they require changes to the way we do things in our classrooms. However, many common (and some not-so-common) accommodation requests can actually improve learning for all students. In fact, accommodations that request alternative ways for students to engage (e.g., participation, presentations, exams and other assessments, etc.) present an opportunity for us to consider multiple ways that students might engage with course content, each other, and their own learning. At this workshop, we will look at some examples of accommodation requests and discuss how adjusting our practices and habits to meet these accommodations can make our teaching more effective and inclusive.
Implementing Student Accommodations in Moodle
(Online over Zoom)
Many students benefit from extra support when using Moodle. Some require additional time or attempts to complete quizzes, tests, or assignments, while others may need printed materials. This workshop offers faculty practical guidance on using Moodle to meet the needs of students with formal accommodations and create a more inclusive course site. Participants will learn how to set up extra time and attempts for tests and assignments, create printed versions of exams, and configure quizzes and assignments for accessibility. The session will also cover simple strategies and tools to help students improve focus and access course materials using assistive technologies.
Creating Accessible Course Materials: From PDFs to Presentations
(Online over Zoom)
Having accessible digital materials, from presentation slides to PDFs, is essential for ensuring all students can fully engage with course content. This workshop equips faculty with practical strategies for designing materials that meet accessibility needs and support diverse learning needs. Participants will learn how to identify and create accessible documents, presentations, and other multimedia content. They will also explore how to use tools like headings, alt text, and captions to enhance accessibility.
Click on the links above to register for individual workshops or go to our website to see the full list of sessions:
If you have any questions, please send a message to edtech@pacificu.edu and we will be back in touch shortly! Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing you at our series!
*If you’re interested in attending a session but are unable to join us, we’d appreciate it .
________________________________________________________
The Center for Educational Technology and Curricular Innovation
The Center for Educational Technology and Curricular Innovation (CETCI) supports °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ faculty, staff, and students in creating effective, engaging, and inclusive learning environments. The Center also facilitates conversations, events, and workshops that promote innovative teaching practices and provide opportunities for faculty and staff to share their successes with the Pacific community.
Publication Date