Our last article outlined how stronger accessibility training for educators is needed to support students with disabilities in the classroom. In this article, we discuss educator training beyond the classroom. Increased training for teachers and other staff could help them fully support students outside of class.
AODA Resources
Resources on issues of accessibility and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Stronger Educator Training is Needed
Our last article explored how educator training makes school accessible to some students with disabilities. In this article, we discuss how stronger educator training is needed to support students with disabilities in the classroom.
Accessibility training for educators
The AODA does not yet have an education standard. Two committees are making recommendations about what an education standard should include. In the meantime, educational institutions must follow the rules in the Information and Communications Standards that apply to other organizations. In addition, there are also rules just for educational institutions. All educational institutions must provide accessibility training for educators.
All educational institutions must provide accessibility training for educators. Educational institutions include:
Accessible Online Learning
In our last article, we explored different kinds of information that schools and school boards can post online. Now, we will discuss how educational institutions can make their online lesson content accessible to learners with disabilities. Many schools now offer courses and programs online. It is important for people who design online courses to make sure that every learner can benefit from them. Here we outline some guidelines for accessible online learning.
What School Information Should be Available Online?
The AODA does not yet have an education standard. Two committees are making recommendations about what an education standard should include. One issue that an education standard should address is access to information. Educational institutions should be required to make all information available to all students, parents, teachers, and other workers in schools. For instance, schools and school boards could post information on accessible websites. Students, parents, teachers, or visitors with disabilities can read online school information on accessible computers or phones.