Accessibility, UDL & Quality Matters: Your Blueprint for Inclusive Teaching and Quality Course Design

Practical steps to make content accessible and inclusive

As part of the 19th annual National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), Instructional Technology will offer a series of sessions that underscore the importance and context of digital accessibility, how to create your own digital accessibility action plan, and how proactively using Quality Matters General Standard 8 (Accessibility & Usability) with the core principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can support course accessibility and inclusive teaching practices.

Monday, November 3, 2025 (12 pm - 12:50 pm)

Digital Accessibility 101: Principles and Practices

What is digital accessibility, and why does it matter in your course? If a student couldn't access your materials, would you know what to do -- or how to fix it? Join this session to learn the foundational principles of digital accessibility, legal context, and core practices. We'll share tips for creating accessible images and Blackboard content, and where to find training support.

Session Objectives

Explain the importance of digital accessibility in higher education.
Describe basic steps faculty can take to improve course accessibility.
Define alternative text and best practices for writing descriptive alt text
Review accessibility settings available in Blackboard courses and organizations

Whether you're building a new course or updating old materials, this virtual session will give you practical steps to get started.

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (12 pm - 12:50 pm)

Design Accessible Courses: Leverage UDL and Quality Matters Standard 8 for Content Remediation and Inclusive Learning Experiences

Creating accessible and inclusive courses requires thoughtful consideration of diverse learning styles and strategies that foster engaging learning experiences. The foundational concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—providing multiple means of Representation, Action and Expression, and Engagement—are strongly supported by the Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Rubric, specifically General Standard 8: Accessibility and Usability.

Session Objectives

Explain alignment between QM Standard 8 and the three core principles of UDL.
Apply remediation techniques for text and images (QM 8.3, 8.4) after identifying course barriers with a course accessibility report from Anthology Ally.
Develop a "plus-one" action plan to implement UDL by modifying one course component to offer flexible learning options.

By proactively reviewing QM Standard 8 and using UDL's core principles, you can move beyond accessibility compliance to intentionally building an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Thursday, November 6, 2025 (12 pm - 12:50 pm)

Create your Digital Accessibility Action Plan

Whether you are beginning or continuing your journey to create or remediate accessible content, this session will help you define your personalized action plan to improve digital accessibility in your course. Participants will leave with clear next steps to implement digital accessibility best practices.

Session Objectives

Identify technology tools like Anthology Ally for creating or remediating digital content
Describe 3 easy fixes for common PDF accessibility issues identified by Ally
Recall strategies for creating or remediating PDF files to improve accessibility
Create an action plan to support accessibility goals in your course, including appropriate technologies

In this session, participants will have the chance to create an action plan that reflects on the changes they have already made and identifies next steps or resources to keep building an inclusive digital learning environment.

Register for Free NDLW Events

This year's NDLW events take place November 3-7, 2025. All sessions are free to attend, but require registration via USDLA.

Connect with Instructional Technology

As always, if you have any questions about teaching, learning, and technology, please consider the following options: