Online Learning

As an instructor or service provider, you may be seeking resources regarding accessible learning and Universal Design for Learning principles. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) allows you to engage your students in learning the course content without singling out those who may need individual accommodations. The creation of an accessible learning environment mediates barriers by enhancing access for all learners through the form of design flexibility. This module will teach you ways to proactively provide an inclusive online class.

Historically, decisions impacting communities, especially communities with marginalized identities, are not part of the decision-making dialog. Relevant, useful, and sustainable programming must be centered on the needs and experiences of community members.

One of many barriers to successful postsecondary outcomes for deaf people is the impact of negative attitudes and biases. Deaf people encounter negative attitudes and biases across many settings. This, along with “the historical trend of low expectations” have served as a persistent barrier to advancement in both school and the workplace. To ensure people interacting with deaf individuals don’t create additional barriers or inadvertently maintain barriers created by others, it is important to examine oneself and how one views deaf people. Understanding that there are factors pervasive across all levels of the system that inhibit deaf people from reaching their full potential can guide us to ensure equitable opportunity for deaf success — ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Deaf people are not all the same. While some deaf people may have similar or shared experiences, deaf people are a highly diverse population. This module introduces experiences of deaf people by deaf people, discusses the concept of intersectionality, and responds to commonly asked questions.

Effective accommodations make it possible for deaf individuals to both receive and convey information in a manner that is equitable to other people in the setting — making it possible for deaf people to participate in a manner that promotes inclusion. In this course, participants will learn how to plan and provide accommodations for each setting, circumstance, and interaction — ultimately making it possible for deaf people to participate in a manner that promotes inclusion, and benefits everyone involved.

Deaf people are highly diverse in language usage, identity, race, ethnicity, and in terms of additional disabilities. Acknowledging and honoring diversity among deaf people is central to building positive interactions and relationships. This is especially true when it comes to understanding effective communication. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) explains regulations regarding effective communication are intended to ensure people, including deaf individuals, are able to communicate with, receive information from, and convey information in a manner that is equally as effective as to people without disabilities.

Understanding root causes is an important step for moving beyond temporary solutions to address the underlying factors of educational inequities for deaf people. Through the use of situational examples and critical thinking exercises, this module demonstrates that systemic changes require an intensive analysis to create sustainable long-term change.

While research affirms the benefits of summer programs for all youth, less information is available on the effectiveness of summer programming for deaf youth.  This course seeks to increase the availability of summer programs by providing this information for professionals - educators, transition counselors, and vocational rehabilitation professionals - who facilitate youth programs.

In three one-hour modules, Start and Build a Mentoring Program for Deaf Youth uses evidence-based research, real-world examples, and useful resources ready for immediate implementation.

Developing Accessible Work Based Learning Programs is a short course that provides information and practical resources about accessible employment opportunities for deaf youth.

Note Taker Training is a self-guided training that defines the role of the note taker and provides note taking strategies that enable student note takers to provide accurate, comprehensive classroom notes for deaf students

With the rapid shift to online learning, it is more essential than ever to expand your teaching toolbox to make online classes fully accessible — especially for students who are deaf or have diverse educational needs. 

In three one-hour modules, Instructional Strategies for Deaf Student Success uses evidence-based research, real-world examples, and useful resources ready for immediate implementation.