About Resources for Educators

What is the Educators’ Accessibility Resource Kit?

It is an online platform that provides common tools and resources to assist educators and universities in making their programs, courses and instruction more accessible. It responds to the goals and requirements of Section 16 of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Who are the project partners?

• Council of Ontario Universities
• University of Guelph
• University of Toronto
• York University
• Government of Ontario, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario

How was it funded?

The Government of Ontario, through the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, provides direct funding for the development of the Educators’ Accessibility Resource Kit through the EnAbling Change Partnership Program. The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and the university partners on the project provide in-kind contributions to its development. COU is appreciative of the funding provided by the provincial government and would like to thank the University of Guelph, the University of Toronto and York University for their partnership in this project.

Why it was created?

To minimize duplication of efforts across the sector and to build on the success of the Accessibility Toolkit and the Customer Service Training Tool, Ontario universities agreed to work collectively to gather and develop resources.

What are the goals of the Educators’ Accessibility Resource Kit?

• Provide a variety of approaches to support faculty across the postsecondary education sector in incorporating accessibility into their teaching practice.
• Strengthen the culture of accessibility across the Ontario university sector.
• Build capacity and readiness for AODA compliance in the university sector.

Why should educators implement it?

Just as there is no single way to teach, people learn in a variety of ways; using different instructional methods will help meet the needs of the greatest number of learners.¹ Accessible course and program design and accessible instruction improve student learning, reduce the work associated with arranging for individualized and specialized accommodations, and may positively impact student engagement and course evaluations. Being trained in Accessible Education is important for all educators for universities to be in compliance with Section 16 of the IASR.

Who provided oversight for the project?

The Project Advisory Group is made up of senior administrators who provide guidance and strategic oversight. Members of the group review materials and approaches to ensure that all project outcomes and deliverables are practical and viable.

Membership includes:

• Associate Vice-President, Academic, University of Guelph
• Vice-President Human Resources and Equity, University of Toronto
• University Secretary and General Counsel, Office of the Counsel, York University
• Co-Chairs of the COU Reference Group on Accessibility for People with Disabilities
• President of Algoma University
• Director, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, Ministry of Community and Social Services

How were the resources developed and gathered?

The Educators’ Accessibility Resource Kit was developed through a collaborative process. Experts working in teaching and learning offices and centres for students with disabilities, as well as those responsible for implementing the AODA at Ontario universities, provided valuable input into its development. Research and best practices in accessible teaching and course and program design are used by the Working Group for the Educators’ Accessibility Resource Kit.

¹Nilson, Linda B. Teaching at Its Best: A Research-Based Resource for College Instructors. 3rd Edition. John Wiley and Sons, 2010.