Faculty Specific Questions

Do I need to make all my course materials accessible, even if I don't have students with disabilities?  

Yes. Creating accessible materials from the start follows universal design principles that benefit all students. Additionally, you may have students with undisclosed disabilities or temporary impairments, and proactive accessibility ensures everyone can access content without delays. 

Does this mean I have to redesign my whole course? 

No. You don't have to start over. Begin by making your most-used documents and BrightSpace content accessible. Focus on small steps, like using heading styles, adding alt text to images, and checking for color contrast. 

What tools can help me check my materials? 

Use the built-in accessibility checker in Word, and PowerPoint. Use the Ally Accessibility checker in BrightSpace (is there an Ally Accessibility Checker available, check this) to see your course accessibility score and get support in fixing issues. 

How do I know my Brightspace accessibility score? 

Click on the Ally Accessibility Report in your Brightspace course to see the accessibility score. To see specific steps, read the Ally Accessibility Step-by-Step article on ????  (is this accurate to HCC?)

What is the College goal for Brightspace accessibility? 

The College Brightspace accessibility goal is 90%.  

Who is responsible for making a Brightspace course accessible? 

The instructor of the course is responsible for making the Brightspace course accessible.  

What if I use publisher or third-party content? 

You're still responsible for ensuring it's accessible. If it's not, try to find an alternative or contact the vendor to request an accessible version. 

Will this affect my academic freedom? 

No. You retain full control over your content. Accessibility is about ensuring all students can access and understand that content. 

What should I do about videos I want to use in my courses? 

Ensure all videos have accurate closed captions or attached transcripts. For content that is primarily visual, you should provide audio descriptions. 

A student has requested an accommodation. What's my responsibility? 

Work with Disability Support Services to implement approved accommodations. Provide materials in accessible formats promptly and maintain confidentiality about the student's disability status.