What are the best ways to provide equitable opportunities for students with disabilities at your institution?

1 Universal design for learning

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework that guides the design of learning environments, materials, and activities that are accessible and engaging for all learners, regardless of their abilities, preferences, or backgrounds. UDL is based on three principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement. By applying these principles, you can create courses that offer students with disabilities multiple ways to access information, demonstrate their learning, and interact with you and their peers. For example, you can use different formats and modalities to present content, such as text, audio, video, images, and graphics. You can also provide students with different options and tools to complete assignments, such as writing, speaking, drawing, or using assistive technology. Moreover, you can foster students' motivation and interest by offering them choices, feedback, and support.

2 Reasonable accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications that are made to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access and opportunity to participate in higher education. Reasonable accommodations are based on the individual needs and documentation of each student, and they do not lower the academic standards or expectations of the course. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are extended time for tests, note-taking services, alternative formats for materials, sign language interpreters, or captioning. To provide reasonable accommodations, you need to collaborate with the disability services office at your institution, as well as with the students themselves. You should also communicate clearly and respectfully with the students about their accommodations, and respect their privacy and confidentiality.

3 Inclusive pedagogy

Inclusive pedagogy is an approach to teaching and learning that recognizes and values the diversity of students' identities, experiences, and perspectives, with the goal of creating a sense of belonging and community in the classroom. This goes beyond just accommodating students with disabilities; it is about empowering them to contribute to the learning process and to feel valued and respected. To do this, teachers should create a positive and supportive learning climate, use diverse, relevant examples, cases, and materials that challenge stereotypes and biases, encourage critical thinking and reflection from students, and provide opportunities for student voice and agency. With these strategies in place, equitable opportunities for students with disabilities can be provided at any institution while also enhancing the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning.