Free Blackboard webinars for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Monday, 14 May 2018
The sixth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is taking place this Thursday 17 May.
As outlined on their website, the purpose of GAAD is ‘to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion and people with different disabilities’.
A number of events have been scheduled, including free webinars by Blackboard, offering colleagues the opportunity to learn more about inclusive practices to support those with disabilities (students and staff alike). Many of the topics covered align with our Policy on Inclusive Practice in Teaching & Learning, and so will be of great relevance for academic and professional colleagues working closely with students.
If you can’t attend the live webinars, register online and you’ll be sent a recording after the session.
The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team have recommended Session 2 and 3 in particular as follows:
Session 2: Accessibility: EU Standards and Teaching Excellence, 17 May, 11.00am
Presenter: Robert McLaren, Manager, Assistive Technology Policy, PolicyConnect
The profile of accessibility and inclusive practice in higher education is growing rapidly. This webinar sets out the policy context for the present movement toward accessibility for all. Universities and colleges have begun to strengthen their practice in this area, in response to both regulations and positive incentives to improve the quality of the courses they provide.
Session 3: An Ally for Inclusive Derby, 17 May, 1.00pm
Presenters: Claire Gardener, Senior Learning Technology Adviser, and Laura Hollinshead, Learning Technologist (Curriculum Development), University of Derby
This presentation will provide an overview of the contribution made by the Technology Enhanced Learning team in the Inclusive Derby initiative at the University of Derby. It will outline the challenges we faced to raise awareness of how technology supports inclusive learning and teaching practices as well as how we tried to move the dialogue beyond changes to DSA funding to all areas of inclusive practice. Join us to learn about the technological enhancements the University of Derby has made to improve the accessibility of Blackboard for all users.
There are many other sessions covering a wide range of subjects – visit Blackboard to view the full schedule and register for the sessions of interest.
The University’s Policy on Inclusive Practice in T&L
As previously announced, our new Policy on Inclusive Practice in Teaching & Learning launched in January. The Policy provides greater clarity to the institutional commitment to an inclusive approach, as set out in the Curriculum Framework and Teaching & Learning Strategy.
The aims are to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of our teaching and learning practices by embedding key adjustments, which will:
- benefit all learners;
- reduce the need for adjustments to teaching materials for individuals;
- enable all learners to participate fully in their learning.
Please refer to the Policy when preparing teaching and learning resources, in addition to the 'top tips' and additional supporting materials with practical advice to help.
Further information on the support services we offer our students is available on our Disability Support webpage.
Staff Disability Network
Our newly-launched Staff Disability Network is an inclusive support network open to all staff with a range of disabilities, impairments and/or mental health conditions, as well as non-disabled staff with an interest in disability issues.
The core principle of the network is one of equality – its aim is to promote inclusivity for all colleagues, with an emphasis on cultivating a supportive and inclusive community for all members of staff. Though in its infancy, the network is ambitious and aims to play an active role in driving culture change at the University, through raising awareness of disability-related issues and building a network of allies.
The network is open to new members and is happy to provide advice and guidance to colleagues wanting to learn more about disabilities. Please email staffdisability@reading.ac.uk to find out more.