Legal Obligation | Origin: EL111
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Assistive Technologies for the Online Learner --> Legal Obligation
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
When creating or presenting material, the faculty member must always keep this at the forefront of what is completed or presented.
We already provide close captioning in our lectures and record them for later reference by all of our students, but I learned about the legal acts and laws passed that make these actions so important.
it is our obligation to provide a certain level of privacy and professionalism
I learned that accessibility isn’t an add-on, it’s part of quality and safety, just like hand hygiene or medication reconciliation in nursing. The module reframed my role: many disabilities are hidden, IDEA supports stop at high school, and in higher ed students must self-identify under ADA/504. That means my design choices can either remove barriers or create them. I’ll front-load accessibility by auditing my shell before the term: captions/transcripts, clear headings and alt text, and keyboard-only navigation. I’ll keep dates stable, post a “Start Here” with weekly top takeaways, and chunk major projects into milestones with rubrics and exemplars. Live sessions will always have an asynchronous path, and speaking tasks will have a written option. It’s also required that instructors monitor accessibility and the implementation of approved accommodations throughout the term, verifying captions function, links and documents remain accessible, due dates and instructions stay consistent, and that students can actually use course tools, documenting outreach and coordinating with Disability Services when barriers appear. I’ll also offer brief 1:1 check-ins to problem-solve early.
I learned that its important to know what to expect from the students with disabilities. The need to be properly informed is paramount.
I learned that as an online instructor, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure all course materials are accessible to students with disabilities, in compliance with laws like the ADA and Section 508. I intend to apply this by regularly checking my content for accessibility, using tools like alt text, captions, and accessible document formats, so that every student has equal access to learning.
It is the obligation of instructors to ensure appropriate accommodations are made for students with disabilities. Federal law requires that accommodations be provided for students with disabilities. While this isn't a new concept to me, this module has deepened my understanding. Accessibility is essential to ensuring that all students, regardless of their disabilities, have the opportunity to succeed. It is the responsibility of the instructor to know these laws.
I learned that there is a lot of legislation in place to help people with disabilities, but instructors need to be diligent to apply these things in the classroom to come alongside students with disabilities.
It is important for online instructor to remember that their institution is by law responsible for making sure that all materials meet U.S. federal law standard.
Comment on Heidi STREETMAN's post: I agree. Sometimes students could have benefitted in the course if they had made arrangements about their accommodation.
Instructors have a duty to accommodate students with disabilities
I was made aware that it is the responsibility of the online instructor to know these laws.
There is a lot to consider regarding students overall but especially those with disabilities. It's important and essential that we identify students with disabilities and consider their needs when we are developing the course and the type of content that will be utilized.
A very necessary discussion of the legal ramifications involved with providing learning for students with disabilities.
Closed captioning with lectures.
I have often dealt with many students who are in need of ADA accommodations, however, most of the time, students do not apply for the accommodations as per ADA requirements, I am free it’s more of a hassle, more so due to the fact that students are uninformed as to what the process is to apply for accommodations. The intent behind the ADA was to remove learning barriers that may exist.
on the other hand, I have also had many students who properly file their ADA paperwork seamlessly, and the process works smoothly. Depending on the teaching platform you use, accommodations are usually pretty easy to apply toward individual students within your LMS.
Great reminders about learning and adhering to state and federal guidelines with regard to reasonable accommodations and promoting accessibility for all students.
I have a friend that is deaf and am very aware of the ADA. He always requests videos with closed captioning and it had made me think of the class in the same way. Also, all websites are suppoed to be ADA compliant as well.
Providing for learning assess and the ability for students with learning disabilities equal access under the ADA.
