Universal Design of Academic Departments

The group of individuals pursuing higher education is becoming increasingly diverse with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, learning style, age, disability, and other characteristics. High-tech careers are potentially open to individuals with disabilities because of advancements in assistive technology that provide access to computers. However, the inaccessible design of facilities and software, curriculum, web pages, and distance learning courses continue to erect barriers.

Everyone who qualifies to take courses within your department and anyone who is qualified to teach them should be able to do so. The following publications feature guidelines and a checklist for making your department accessible to all.

• Equal Access: Universal Design of an Academic Department
  A checklist for making postsecondary departments welcoming and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.
• Equal Access: Universal Design of Computing Departments
  A checklist for making computing departments welcoming and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.
• Equal Access: Universal Design of Engineering Departments
  A checklist for making engineering departments welcoming and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.