This guide provides a brief overview of the main terms related to universal access and it includes links to departments and resources at Rice.

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Term

ACCESSIBILITY

Digital accessibility is the degree to which digital content can be accessed and used by as many people as possible, regardless of ability.

The OIT Learning Environments team supports digital accessibility in an array of information and communication technology including Canvas, electronic documents, video captions, web pages, and more.
“A11y” is a numeronym for “accessibility” where the 11 letters between “A” and “Y” are replaced by the number “11.”
In other words, be an ally by improving a11y!
Search “a11y” in the Rice Knowledge Base for guides about topics like headings, alt text, descriptive links, color contrast, closed captions, tables, and more.

ACCOMMODATION

A process by which arrangements are made to enable students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities to participate equally in the environment and activities of a particular class or university life in general.

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) ensures compliance with the ADA and coordinates all reasonable accommodations including academic, housing, dining, parking, special events, and more.
The DRC provides a statement for your syllabi about reasonable accommodations.
Visit the DRC website for more information about disability and accommodation.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

A framework for proactively designing digital and physical environments and adopting inclusive teaching and learning practices that meet the vast array of individual learner needs.

UDL is student-centered and promotes multiple modes of representation, engagement, and action.
UDL puts the emphasis on universal access and not so much on ability.
Visit the CTE website for more resources and events.
Visit the CAST website for more information.

Attribution

All icons, Noun Project

Accessibility by mikicon
Button Click by andriwidodo
Brain by Ami