Digital Accessibility Training and Support for Facilitators

One of the Core Value areas guiding Case Western Reserve University is Inclusiveness and Diversity. Our Digital Accessibility Policy promotes compliance with relevant local, state, and federal regulations, laws, and guidance.

Digital accessibility standards ensure that everyone can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with information on the internet, regardless of ability. At Case Western Reserve University, this means our websites, social media accounts, applications and content available online—including images, videos and documents—need to meet specific guidelines relating to how elements look, sound and interact. 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) promote access for students using the web or web applications using assistive devices, so our websites and other online content must be built properly for those devices to access all the information correctly. 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a scientifically valid framework utilized to advance educational content and instruction meets the needs of all learners. (Source: Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008). UDL provides flexibility in the manner information is presented, and in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills. 

Digital accessibility professional development demonstrates a personal commitment to providing an equal experience for students faced with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive and neurological disabilities or impairments. We acknowledge that digital accessibility is an iterative process that requires support, knowledge, and skills training.

By engaging in this process, we improve the user experience, drive innovation, and grow through unity and transparency. Your efforts toward creating more accessible content build a more inclusive environment for everyone at Case Western Reserve.