Universal Design Champion

Submit your Universal Design Champion Application [Word] by Friday, May 31 at 5 pm.

Purpose of the Universal Design Champions

The purpose of the Universal Design Champions is to help instructors learn about Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, develop relationships with instructional designers, and become acquainted with universal design for learning (UDL) strategies to design course materials that meet the needs of all students. The program will provide instructors with information and strategies to create accessible instructional materials (Canvas pages, videos, slides, and documents) that meet the WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. By implementing these standards into course materials, faculty can better engage all students enrolled in their courses.

Selected Champions will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore the Universal Design for Learning framework
  • Meet and network with TWU partners dedicated to improving course accessibility
  • Revise course content to meet WCAG 2.1 in a course
  • Discuss issues of universal design and accessibility in a supportive environment
  • Provide additional support to advance universal design and accessibility awareness at TWU

What's in it for you?

  • A $500 stipend for those who complete the program
  • Universal Design strategies to create accessible instructional materials (Canvas pages, videos, presentations, and documents) that meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards
  • Access to the Universal Design Online content Inspection Tool (UDOIT) for your courses
  • A Universal Design Reviewed badge for all courses that meet the WCAG 2.1 Standards
  • Opportunities to use and enhance the Universal Design Toolkit
  • Enhanced instructional design assistance supporting your courses
  • Campus recognition via CD3 newsletter, and a Universal Design lapel pin.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

All instructors are eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected with the expectation that they will continue in service at the University for at least one academic year after the conclusion of the program.

Selection Criteria

  • Interest in making your course materials accessible to all students
  • Interest in sharing universal design and learning strategies with others and enhancing awareness of universal design for instructors
  • Description of how the Universal Design Champions program can support improvements to course access and usability
  • Need to teach at least one online or hybrid course

Time Commitment

Applicants who are chosen to participate will be required to do the following:

Program requirements September 2024 - April 2025.

  • Complete a UDOIT Instructor training
  • Attend two training sessions: Making Documents and Presentations Usable by all Learners and Making Video and Audio Content Usable by All Learners
  • Attend 6 out of 8 virtual monthly meetings
  • Revise a hybrid or online course to meet WCAG 2.1 Standards
  • Provide training to faculty within your department, college, or at a CD3 hosted event
  • Review the Universal Design Toolkit and help create demonstrations

Questions

If you have any questions, contact us at 940-898-3409 or email.

Page last updated 1:57 PM, May 3, 2024