Gaining Online Accessible Learning through Self-study 2
Project Description:
The Internet has transformed education today. Unfortunately many students, faculty, and staff members with disabilities are unable to access educational opportunities and services because they are not always able to gain access to Web-based content. Many resources, tools, and models of system reform for postsecondary education currently exist, yet the problem persists. This project proposes an innovative solution to an issue of inequity, widely felt in postsecondary education.
This project will capitalize on the products of an existing FIPSE-funded project and focus on motivations of top administrators to choose to engage in self-study and continuous improvement on web accessibility. This project will:
(a) Develop 2 important blueprints (i.e., Blueprint for Aligning Institutional Web Accessibility with Regional Accreditation, and Blueprint to Support Institutional Adoption),
(b) Disseminate, and
(c) Increase institutional adoption. To achieve this, a 6-member consortium will work together to secure a minimum of 45 institutions to utilize the materials and to plan for sustainability. The Consortium leader is the National Center on Disability and Access to Education. The other 5 Consortium members are: (1) the regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; (2) the regional compact, the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education; (3) an education collaborative, the Southern Regional Education Board; (4) the Michigan Community Colleges Association; and (5) WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind).
A rigorous plan for formative and summative evaluation with a minimum of 45 postsecondary settings will ensure that project materials produce the intended results. Sustainability will be built into the fabric of the project and aggressive dissemination will focus on adoption of project materials in postsecondary settings and with accrediting entities.
Keyword(s):
Web Accessibility, Higher Education, Policy
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Legislators/Policy Makers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
