ADA Compliance in Online Courses: Free Tools and Resources for Creating an Inclusive Environment for Both Students and Instructors

Presenter Information

John Huss, Northern Kentucky University
Shannon M. Eastep, Northern Kentucky University

Publication Date

2021

Abstract

Online courses must be accessible to students with disabilities, yet instructor training in accessible design is often an afterthought, leading to legal vulnerability and a breakdown in the learning partnership between student and instructor. Based on feedback from faculty members who shared their familiarity with expectations from the American Disabilities Association (ADA) and Section 508 of the Workforce Rehabilitation Act, as well as challenges and perceived barriers, this session demonstrated free tools, practical suggestions, and important design tips for bringing all courses into compliance., even for those instructors with less than sophisticated technological expertise.

Author Biography

Dr. John Huss is a professor of education at Northern Kentucky University, where he teaches foundations of education and action research courses. His interests include middle level education, pedagogy of humor in teaching, and online learning.

Shannon Eastep is an instructional designer, lecturer, and distance learning coordinator for the College of Education at Northern Kentucky University. Her role is to design and support online and hybrid classes for the College. She has been working in the field of instructional design and technology for 18 years.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.