Checklist for Course Compliance

Checklist for Course Compliance with ADA, Section 504, and Section 508

 General Requirements

• ALL digital and electronically housed material required for the course is accessible upon its introduction into the course, regardless of whether or not a student with a disclosed disability or accommodation is present in the class.
• DSPS-approved requests for accessible course materials are honored within acceptable timelines (generally these are spelled out on the accommodation request documents). SEE SPECIFIC ELEMENTS BELOW for steps to take to facilitate such requests.
• Instructors are familiar with the Rights and Responsibilities for themselves and their students, especially confidentiality requirements.

Classroom

• Lighting is bright and diffuse (poor lighting can impact both low-vision and hearing-challenged individuals, as well as lower energy levels and attention for all students).
• Room/furniture layout allows free movement around classroom for those with mobility devices. Contact Facilities or file an Online Work Order via their webpage for assistance if needed.

Videos

• All videos used in the class are closed-captioned upon their introduction into the course. See the closed-captioning page for guidance in obtaining closed captioning.

Textbooks

• E-book versions of textbooks are available in accessible formats. When considering a textbook, check with the publisher to see if it supplies an accessible e-book format. If the publisher does not make one, contact DSPS to see if that office can locate an accessible version of the e-book from other sources. NOTES: for many students with and without disabilities, e-books are a much more accessible, functional option than print text, so it is usually well worth the time to locate an accessible e-book text. HOWEVER, e-books housed within some Learning Management Systems can cause technical interface problems with screen readers. Contact DSPS for assistance.
  

Handouts

• PDFs, including syllabi, are in accessible formats. For help with formatting/reformatting PDFs, see our webpage on Accessible Documents.
• Syllabi include the college's policy statement regarding accommodations and the instructor's request to students to identify themselves to the instructor if they need accommodations. Access the Faculty Information Packet through the link on the Faculty and Staff webpage for the most current policy statement.
• MSWord documents, including syllabi, are set up in advance in accessible formats so that they are already accessible in their electronic versions. For help, see our webpage on Accessible Documents.

Powerpoint Presentations

Size of font and images, and contrast between font and background, is sufficient to needs of low-vision audience members.

Websites (course home sites AND supplemental sites)

Note: the learning management system currently in use at the college, Blackboard, meets accessibility requirements. The  guidelines and checklists linked below are to be used in assessing teacher-created materials, including materials uploaded to Blackboard, as well as any websites and other online materials housed outside of Blackboard.

 

Distance Education Accessiblity Guidelines 2011 (730.168 KB)
The most recent version of Accessibility Guidelines from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO). While the title refers to Distance Education, these guidelines are applicable and appropriate as a reference for use with any content delivery modality.

 

Accessibility Checklist, Distance Learning Committee

 

Accessibility Checklist Defined

 

Accessibility Checklist Examples & Definitions

Discipline-Specific Materials

Examples: art supplies, lab supplies, technological equipment, computers, tablets, etc.
In many cases, adaptations can be made that will allow a student to participate fully in the class alongside their peers. Consult the student and the DSPS office to strategize options, and check our Teaching Strategies and Further Resources for Teachers pages.