The UCLA Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and our campus partners are working to enhance digital accessibility resources for instructors to elevate all students’ learning and align with UCLA and UC commitments to inclusive excellence. Practicing digital accessibility involves creating online content that allows everyone to access and engage with instructional materials, including those who use assistive technology.
Digital Accessibility in Practice
Heading Structure
- Use built-in heading tools in Word, Google Docs, and Bruin Learn:
- H1 = Main Title
- H2 = Subsection
- H3, H4 = Subtopics
Descriptive Links
- Create clear links that indicate where the link will direct the user.
- Open links in the same window.
Images with Alt-Text
- Add alt-text to all images.
- Describe complex visuals with text & link to data tables.
Media
- Upload videos to Bruin Learn for captioning via Kaltura.
- Check captions for accuracy.
Color Contrast & Fonts
- Use high contrast colors.
- Choose clear, sans serif fonts.
Tables
- Use headers for rows and columns.
- Tables are for data only.
Getting Support: Resources and Training
Educational Innovation Grants
The TLC’s Catalyst Grants (Tier 3) program provides funding to support activities such as full or partial course (re)design, curricular improvements, as well as major reforms of teaching strategies to improve student engagement and learning — including enhancing digital accessibility of courses. Visit the Catalyst Grants (Tier 3) program page for more information on funding guidelines and proposal requirements.
Accessibility by Design Learning Community
April 13–May 24 | Zoom and in-person sessions
Applications open early February
The TLC will host the Accessibility by Design Learning Community to support UCLA instructors of record in improving the accessibility of their digital course materials. The six-week workshop will provide hands-on training, individualized instructional design support, and access to UCLA’s accessibility tools and media workflows to support instructors update and improve key instructional materials.
Training Events from UCLA Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP)
The UCLA Disabilities and Computing Program (DCP) provides in-depth resources to the UCLA community on digital accessibility. They offer Zoom trainings throughout the fall on topics including digital accessibility basics, digital accessibility testing, and more. See the full list of options and register on the DCP events page.
Online Training Module in Bruin Learn
This course provides detailed guidance to help UCLA instructors make digital materials accessible, along with additional background on accessibility in the context of teaching and learning. This course serves as a professional development resource for those interested in learning more about accessibility. Self-enroll in the online module in Bruin Learn.
Using the Bruin Learn Ally Tool
The Ally tool makes Bruin Learn content more accessible by generating alternate formats of class material, such as electronic Braille, audio, or HTML. It also indicates the accessibility level of documents uploaded to Bruin Learn and provides feedback on improving their accessibility. Learn about Ally.
Accessibility check: Sourcing Course Readings
Learn best practices for finding accessible versions of your course readings.