Syllabus Statement

Student diversity comes in all forms, but disability is often overlooked.

UCLA student Maddy Ruvolo & quote: Disability is diverse & people with disabilities have other important identities.

We should include a statement on our syllabi that recognizes disabilities in our classrooms and points students to additional support.

Read the three statements here and consider how their language and tones might impact students. They are also pasted below.

Photo credit: Ford Foundation

Example Statement #1:

Students with Disabilities
Students requiring accommodations must provide the instructor with verification from the Center for Accessible Education (CAE) as soon as possible.

Example Statement #2:

Accommodations

To help me better foster your success, please contact the Center for Accessible Education (CAE) if you need—or suspect you may need— accommodations as soon as possible.

Regardless of whether you are registered with the CAE, please let me know if you have ideas for cultivating a learning environment more conducive to your success.

Example Statement #3:

Accessibility

Regardless of disability status, we all have access needs from time to time. Access needs are anything you require of your community or environment in order to participate fully, healthfully, and meaningfully. Please complete this anonymous Access Needs Survey.

I value diversity in learning modalities, approaches, and access needs. To help me better foster your success, please let me know if you have ideas for cultivating a learning environment more conducive to your learning. If any resources are inaccessible, please let me know and I will provide alternative formats.

Some helpful tools include:

Otter Transcription/Captioning

Text-to-speech (Chrome extension)

Speech-to-text tools: Google Docs Voice Typing feature (under File)

Zamzar document to audio file converter (listen to your course readings while commuting!)

Pomodoro time/task management tool

Canvas Immersive Reader (Chrome extension for web viewing)

I have structured this course to reduce the need for CAE accommodations. This includes:

24-hour time periods for exams

Some flexibility and choice in assignment topics and activities

Contact the Center for Accessible Education (CAE) if you need—or suspect you may need—additional adjustments as soon as possible. The CAE is located on the A-level of Murphy Hall in room A-255. Please call (310) 825-1501, TTY/TTD: (310) 206-6083, or visit the CAE website contact form.

Join the Disabled Student Union for community, support, and advocacy.

Here is an accessibility map of campus.

Module 2 Contents