FYS Instructor Workshop August 2017 Accessible Education Abigail Nelson Assistant Dean for Accessible Education and Student Support FYS Instructor Workshop August 2017

Overview Big picture/framing Tips for inclusive design Issues particular to first-year students with disabilities Questions/discussion

Social Justice Lens May Conference, AHEAD 2017 Disability services in higher education: Shift away from medical; compliance models Social model: access is a civil right, focus is barriers, inclusive design My journey at Bates We are all responsible for facilitating access. What can we do to work toward inclusion and reduce the need for individual accommodations?

Tips for Inclusive Design Benefits all students! Use Accessibility Statement in syllabus Assess potential barriers Use multiple methods: assessment, engagement, knowledge Use 12pt or larger for documents, sans serif font (Arial, Helvicata, etc) Ensure all readings are available in accessible formats Provide regular feedback and corrective opportunities Avoid cold-calling; asking students to read aloud; consider peer review Provide clear instructions orally and in writing Ensure clear line of sight to instructor

Sample Syllabus Statement “Bates College is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with Abigail Nelson, Assistant Dean of Accessible Education and Student Support, to begin this conversation or request an official accommodation. You can find more information about the Office of Accessible Education and Student Support, including contact information, here: http://www.bates.edu/accessible-education/. If you have already been approved for accommodations through the Office of Accessible Education, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.”

First-Year Students with Disabilities: Rights/Responsibilities are very different in college Lots of variation in experience May be hesitant to disclose: stigmatizing experience in HS; not wanting to be a burden; “I want to try it without accommodations first” May not have access to previous accommodations or supports (ex: study guides, memory cards, teacher notes) Varying levels of self-advocacy and empowerment *New for fall: Accessibility Advisor role, optional orientation sessions

Abigail Nelson 207-786-8397 anelson2@bates.edu Questions? Abigail Nelson 207-786-8397 anelson2@bates.edu