Faculty Resources for Accessibility

Students with Disabilities

Husson University reasonably accommodates those who request accommodations and provide evidence of a disability. Such efforts are in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. In order to request disability-related services at Husson, students must self-identify to the Disability Services office within the Center for Student Success, and they must provide appropriate and up-to-date documentation to verify their disability or special needs. Notice to other departments, faculty or staff, does not constitute self-identification to the University. After the accommodations have been approved, the student must notify the instructor by providing the accommodation plan. Depending upon the nature of the request, the instructor may then coordinate with Center for Student Success to fulfill the plan. If you have any questions regarding reasonable accommodations or need to request disability-related services, please contact the Center for Student Success, located in Peabody Hall room 208, or call (207) 992-1934, or e-mail studentsuccess@husson.edu.

• Prepare class learning materials such as PowerPoints slides that can be distributed in advance, such as on Canvas. This helps all learners, even those not eligible for accommodations such as those for whom English is a second language. 
• Consider the contrast of text and background. Lower contrast text such as white text on a grey background, while may be possible for some to read, is challenging for students with low vision. 
• If using videos, ensure they are captioned. 
• When creating content in Canvas, use the accessibility checker to create accessible content. 
• Describe complex images like flowcharts and info-graphics with text. 
• Face the class when speaking. Speaking toward the white-board can be challenging for many students. 
• Welcome accommodation notification letters from students without judgment. Remember that accommodations can be adjusted if they cause a fundamental alteration of your course outcomes. If clarification is needed, contact Accessibility Services. 

OER Accessibility Checklist

Adapted from BC Open Textbook Accessibility Toolkit

Web Accessibility Principles 

From WC3 for accessibility standards for websites, online tools, and web applications. 

Evaluating OER for Accessibility

Husson University's library offers additional resources and support to faculty to learn more about developing, evaluating, and curating Open Educational Resources. 

Accessibility Services is a part of the Center for Student Success (CSS) in Peabody 208. Testing Accommodations are outlined in a student’s Accommodation Plan provided to you by individual students. The logistics of accommodated test taking can vary by course, professor, or department. If a student’s testing accommodations can best be met in the Center for Student Success, here is the expected procedure for faculty.

Upon receiving the notification email, please respond by answering the following:

If paper-based exam:

1. Will you be dropping off the test or emailing?
2. How would you like the testing materials returned: pick up here in Peabody 208 or scanned?
3. How long is the test/quiz for all other students?
4. Do you allow calculators, notes, or scrap paper?

If using Examplify/ExamSoft:

1. Please send a password and let us know if you put a time limit in the system.
2. If not, how long is the test/quiz for all other students?
3. Do you allow calculators, notes, scrap paper, or any other object or material?

Additionally, will there be lecture following this test? If so, by what time must the student return to class?

If pertinent information is not included, we cannot proctor the exam properly.

• Please drop off all testing materials at least 24 hours prior to the exam time.
• Please pick up all testing materials at least 48 hours following the exam time.
• If an exam is scanned we will keep the hard copy in a secure location for one year.

Center for Student Success Responsibilities

As soon as we know about an exam/quiz:

• The professor is notified.
• Once a test is dropped off, we will keep it in a secure location until pick up.
• Will aid the student in any technical issues that arise to the best of our ability.
• Will ensure testing accommodations provided align with current plan.
• Will ensure the integrity of the testing space and requirements.

Accessibility Services Page on EagleConnect: Policies and Procedures

The above link takes Husson students and Faculty to the Eagle Connect page (requires login). Here, policies, procedures and testing guidelines are clearly outlined.