For this post, Eric Mueller from the Center for Students with Disabilities has joined the LTC Instructional Resources blog as a guest author.

Since 2002, students enrolling in at least one online class has increased 22% according to the Journal of Post-Secondary Education and Disability (2011). Due to this increase in online enrollment, it is imperative that faculty and staff understand the unique needs of all student learners, regardless of abilities.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the UW-W Learning Technology Center’s 2014 Summer Institute, and I presented on Online Accessibility and Universal Design. During this presentation, I was able to demonstrate and promote the valuable components of Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design of Learning (UDL).

Participants in the 2014 Summer Institute also experienced disability simulations, and I demonstrated specific assistive technology that students at UW-Whitewater are utilizing to make online content accessible (ZoomText and Kurzweil 3000) and provided tips in creating accessible documents for students.

To view Eric’s presentation on Online Accessibility and Universal Design given at the 2014 Summer Institute, please watch the video below.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the UW-W Learning Technology Center.