Research Project: Accessibility of Online Teaching for ACE-BC

Additional support became essential with the pace and continuous evolution to online learning needs. Accessibility/Disability services personnel and ACE-BC were lacking sufficient resources to conduct vital research in response to the ever-changing technologies and increasingly complex landscape.

Thanks to the support from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, additional funding has been targeted to address these challenges and identify best practices for ensuring equitable access is achieved. The key points and focus of this research project are:

1. Identify the approaches to accessibility in the context of transitioning to online teaching used by the institutions in British Columbia
2. Identify the gaps in online teaching that impact students with mobility, sensory, and print disabilities
3. Develop a list of suggestions that address accessibility challenges to institutions participating in the project

Surveys to relevant stakeholders in the system, in conjunction to the academic and grey literature review are currently underway. At the same time testing of accessibility as well as assistive technology within various learning management systems and other online platforms, is being conducted.  A report of the findings and guidelines are expected in May 2021.