Office of Inclusive Design

Classroom Accessibility

Creating an accessible classroom benefits all students, not just those with formal accommodations. 

  • Provide accessible digital materials (screen-reader compatible PDFs, EPUB 3 formats, editable text)
  • Ensure materials can be resized, navigated without a mouse, and accessed onlineShare slides, readings, recordings, and assignments asynchronously whenever possible
  • Use multiple learning formats (text, audio, video, visuals)
  • Use microphones during lectures, especially in large classrooms
  • Caption recorded lectures, videos, and assigned media
  • Provide transcripts whenever possible
  • Use live captioning tools in Zoom or Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Ensure online recordings have clear audio quality
  • Use high color contrast and large readable text in presentations
  • Add alt text/image descriptions for visuals
  • Verbally describe important visual content during lectures
  • Provide large-print or braille materials when applicable
  • Provide clear grading criteria and assignment expectations
  • Reduce unnecessary ambiguity in course instructions
  • Offer flexibility with deadlines when possibleInclude trigger/content warnings for sensitive material
  • Ask students if they need accommodations not formally provided through DRS
  • Ensure classroom layouts are wheelchair accessible
  • Remove floor hazards such as loose cords
  • Encourage scent-free classroom environments
  • Make spaces welcoming and accessible for diverse learning needs
  • Respect students’ names and pronouns
  • Create an inclusive classroom culture for students of all identities and backgrounds
  • Encourage participation without placing pressure on students to disclose disabilities or personal experiences

 If you need any additional support or resources, please contact the Office of Inclusive Design (asuwoid@uw.edu)