Retrofitting Basics with UDL in Mind
OKLIS Virtual Session
Preparing for the ADA Compliance Deadline
Natasha Brand - Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College
Objectives
Introduce Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
Demonstrate how AI tools can help faculty retrofit courses for accessibility.
Provide actionable steps for faculty new to AI and digital accessibility.
Why Accessibility Matters
Compliance
ADA digital regulations require accessible digital content.
Inclusivity
Accessibility supports ALL learners, including those with disabilities.
Impact
Improved learning outcomes and engagement for diverse student populations.
Challenges in Retrofitting
Time constraints for faculty.
Lack of familiarity with accessibility tools.
Identifying and addressing barriers in existing course materials.
Introduction to UDL Principles
Engagement:
Multiple ways to motivate and involve students.
Representation:
Present information in diverse formats.
Action & Expression: Allow students to demonstrate learning in varied ways
UDL:�Easy Start Tips
Instructor: Add a video introduction to your course
Student: Option to add video response to Discussion posts.
Content: Create accessible materials: by adding captions and transcripts to videos, or audio book options.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Organized under four principles:
Percievable
Operable
Understandable
Robust
WCAG:�Easy Start Tips
Avoid using color to convey meaning
Avoid using color to convey meaning
Provide additional alternatives for images and media. Add Alt text, and captions, or transcripts.
Role of AI in Retrofitting
Why AI?
Speeds up accessibility audits
Simplifies retrofitting tasks
AI Tools
Accessibility checkers: Blackboard Ally, Yuja Panorama, MS Word Accessibility Checker
Captioning: Otter.ai, YouTube Studio
Screen-reader optimization: ReadSpeaker
AI:�Easy Start Tips
Create quizzes for your class or for an individual student
Create closed captions for a video
Create a rubric or a study guide for your students
Practical AI Applications
Content Accessibility
Detect contrast issues, missing alt text, and improper headings.
Video/Audio
Automatically generate captions and transcripts.
Course Navigation
Ensure screen-reader compatibility.
Personalized Learning
Adaptive quizzes based on student needs.
Retrofitting Workflow
Audit
Use AI tools to identify accessibility gaps
Prioritize
Address critical barriers first
Revise
Apply UDL principles to redesign materials
Test
Validate with accessibility checkers and student feedback
Repeat
Accessibility is an ongoing process
Benefits of Retrofitting
Compliance:
Meet regulatory requirements
Student Success:
Improved engagement and outcomes
Inclusivity:
A course that works for everyone
Resources
Q&A
Thank you!
Natasha Brand
natasha.brand@neo.edu