Course Roadmap to Equity Digital Accessibility Summer Camp (Session 1)

Join us for the Course Roadmap to Equity (CoRE) Digital Accessibility Summer Camp -- the hands-on companion to UMBC's self-paced training.

What does it actually look like to make a STEM course accessible when your content is dense with equations, data tables, and lab diagrams? How do you handle accessibility in a world languages course where audio and script are central to instruction? What about fine arts, where images aren't decoration -- they are the content? 

Digital accessibility isn't one-size-fits-all, and the challenges you face in your discipline or role are worth more than a generic checklist. With the fall semester on the horizon, there's no better time to audit your course materials, tackle the accessibility issues that have been on your list, and build practices that will carry forward. UMBC's goal of an 85% Blackboard Ally score across all courses by the end of 2026 means every improvement counts -- and every course matters.

Objectives:

• Apply accessibility concepts from CoRE to course content, documents, and materials specific to your discipline or role. Sessions are customized to specific disciplines. Please sign up according to your field of study.

• Identify and prioritize accessibility issues in your own materials using Blackboard Ally.

• Explore accessibility strategies for discipline-specific content types, including images, documents, audio, video, and data-rich materials.

• Collaborate with peers through small group discussions and breakout activities focused on shared challenges.

• Develop a concrete action plan for implementing accessibility improvements for the fall semester.

This three-hour virtual session uses a flipped format: participants complete the specific content before the event, so our synchronous time together is reserved for going deeper -- with discipline-specific discussions, guided hands-on activities, and small group breakouts where you can work through the challenges specific to your course.

CoRE DA Summer Camp is also a pathway to a digital accessibility microcredential. Participants who complete their CoRE modules and submit the optional activities become eligible to earn that credential, recognizing their commitment to accessible course design.

About the Summer Camp

• Sessions are customized to specific disciplines. Please sign up according to your field of study.

  • Session 1: June 3 (12 PM - 3 PM): Fine Arts & Humanities

  • Session 2: June 10 (12 PM - 3 PM): STEM & Social Sciences

• This workshop is synchronous via Google Meet. Breaks are scheduled. Space is limited for personalized support and hands-on opportunities via breakout rooms. 

• Please have access to a recent Blackboard course or instructional materials with appropriate content to explore (images, documents, presentations, video).

This event will be facilitated by staff from Instructional Technology.

Before You Attend — Required Pre-Work

This workshop uses a flipped model, which means the session time is reserved for hands-on practice and discussion rather than introductory content. To participate, you will need to:

1. Enroll in CoRE — Review the FAQ to learn how to self-enroll. If you need help, please open an RT ticket.

2. Complete CoRE Modules 1 and 2 (Strive for 85 and Accessible Images) before the event date.

If you haven't enrolled yet, plan for approximately 90 minutes to complete the pre-work. Participants who arrive without completing the modules will not be able to take full advantage of the session. Other modules are recommended, depending on the type of content you use in your course and the accessibility priorities for your instructional materials.

Joining the Session

To RSVP, click "Sign Up" in the myUMBC event. Registered participants will receive a calendar invitation from the event host at least one week before the event. The calendar invitation will include the meeting link.

At least 5 registrations are needed for this session to proceed as scheduled. The session will be recorded.

Prior to the Event

1. For the best viewing experience, we recommend using Chrome, Brave, or Firefox (most recent updates). Closing unnecessary browser tabs will help conserve your bandwidth.

2. If this is your first time joining one of our webinars, please review the requirements to use Google Meet. Learn how to connect your audio & video, change/blur your background, and use reactions. You can also review accessibility support including live captions.

Please note: UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. If you would like to request accommodations (e.g., ASL interpreters, captioning, wheelchair access, etc.) for this event, please notify us at least two weeks prior to the event. Requests received after that time cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to make arrangements for program access. Please contact the event host (instructionaltechnology@umbc.edu) with your specific request and be sure to include the event title, date, and time.