To fulfill the obligations of ADA and 504, there are some requirements that every institution must meet. They must allow for students with disabilities to have equitable access to information and to the chance to be successful at the institution. Luckily, UD and UDL help to create equitable space for those opportunities. One cannot forget that the goal is to create an equitable learning environment to give each student a chance to be successful, not to ensure their success. This will be hard for students leaving the k-12 environment as many were "helped" along to assure the school was in compliance. As an institution, it is our responsibility to define the difference and assure access to accommodations for those students who request them. And we must remember that each individual comes with unique requirements. We cannot have a one size fits all solution.
We have been reviewing our processes at the school for handling disability accommodation requests and I know this course will help with this effort. We offer courses online, so universal design is important to us, especially inside our learning management system.
Accommodations give those that need it an opportunity to be successful the same way as other students.
People that are deaf do not just have to have deaf friends. People that know sign language will be able to befriend them also.
Accommodations help students with disabilities show off their true skills, so it is important to be mindful of the different accommodations that different students may need.
There is no one size fits all. That is why each accommodation must me individually reviewed and must apply to the disability.
Providing accurate support needs to be given on a case by case basis. Not every student with similar disabilities will benefit from the same acomodation. It is imperative you know your student and their personal needs in order for them to have the best access to success.
It's important to note that the specific steps and procedures can vary depending on the educational institution or employer and the relevant disability laws in a particular country. The goal of the accommodation process is to create an inclusive and accessible environment that allows individuals with disabilities to fully participate and succeed in educational and work settings.
I like a training that asks us to "Think Outside the Box" and "make a little noise." I feel empowered after this module to think through how I can best advocate for students seeking accommodations in a creative and personalized way.
Accomodations need to be tailored to the needs of the student.
I learned that it may be easy to make a distinction between access and success in the classroom, defining those terms becomes more difficult!
I found the concept of Universal Design interesting, I didn't know there was a term and philosophy for the majority of architecture that we interact with. I think it is a good reminder that certain things benefit the whole population rather than just folx with disabilities and that making accommodations for folx with disabilities does not detract from an able bodied person.
Very informative .The purpose of providing accommodation is to provide equal access to those with disabilities. Very interesting to learn about the universal design ! Street curbs, door handles, wide door frames and lowered desk space.
Accommodations should provide access not an advantage to those who need them.
I found the section on comparing access to success to be very thought provoking. I think I have often found myself trying to find a solution that will guarantee success, rather than focusing on supplying equal access. I guess that would put me in the "over-accommodating" category.
Comment on Rebecca Erlinder's post: This is informative and imperative to know!
Interesting enough that an architect designed the Origins of Universal Design. In 1980, architect Ron mace patent (UD) to provide a concept toward the extent of possibilities for those that need them, making it possible for more immediate access to places and products.
It was really interesting to learn about Universal Design and how to use it with the people with disability.
We focus on equal access and the opportunity to participate fully at post-secondary institutions. Accommodations can be seen as a means, but not an actual end. This does not mean accommodations enhance success for students (even though we should hope they are successful).
I will begin to understand and take notice of universal design, in order to implement my course design to give better access to as many people as possible
