[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Features built for people with disabilities have a funny habit of becoming everyone’s favorite features. Take captions<\/span>, for instance<\/span>. I will absolutely binge an entire season of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Ted Lasso\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>with captions on<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>not because\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I’m<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>hard of hearing, but because I refuse to miss a single\u00a0<\/span><\/span>pun<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Originally, c<\/span>aptions were designed for\u00a0<\/span><\/span>d<\/span>eaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Now\u00a0<\/span><\/span>they’re<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the unofficial house style for anyone watching TV in a quiet room, a loud gym, or a public\u00a0<\/span><\/span>space<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>where narrating\u00a0<\/span><\/span>one of Ted\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>d<\/span>ad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>jokes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>out loud<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>might<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>raise questions.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Or take talking\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>your phone. Every time you ask Siri to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>set<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a timer instead of typing it in like some kind of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>neanderthal<\/span>, you’re using tech that was originally built for people with mobility disabilities as an alternative to keyboards and pointing devices. Turns out \u201chands-free\u201d appeals to more than just accessibility<\/span>;\u00a0<\/span><\/span>it also appeals to people whose hands are full of groceries, toddlers, or\u00a0<\/span><\/span>kittens<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2026\/07\/cat-paw-on-computer-mouse-300×225.jpg” alt=”close up of white cat paw touching black computer mouse” title_text=”cat paw on computer mouse” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n To me the pattern is\u00a0becoming\u00a0clear:\u00a0design for the people who need it most, and it ends up serving everyone.\u00a0North Carolina State University educators originally defined Universal Design as\u202f”a design concept that recognizes, respects, values and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability in the design of all products, environments and information systems.”\u00a0The original\u202fSeven Principles of Universal Design were developed by NCSU educators for physical spaces. These principles were later adapted for use in education and are now known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL).\u00a0So, what\u00a0does\u00a0this mean for your Canvas course site?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Think of digital accessibility like elevators and curb cuts. They were built with specific needs in mind, but now\u00a0benefit\u00a0parents with strollers, travelers with rolling suitcases, and anyone\u00a0who’s\u00a0ever been grateful not to haul a box up a flight of stairs. Accessible course materials work the same way: they\u00a0don’t\u00a0just support students with\u00a0disabilities,\u00a0they give all learners more flexible, inclusive ways to engage with your content.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s\u00a0a\u00a0simple place to\u00a0start:\u00a0use clear headings and structured layouts when building pages in Canvas. Headings and structure help screen readers navigate your content,\u00a0and they also\u00a0might\u00a0help every student skim for what they need before a deadline (you know\u00a0we’ve\u00a0all been there).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prioritizing digital accessibility\u00a0isn’t\u00a0just about meeting\u00a0legal standards and institutional policy, though it does that too.\u00a0It’s\u00a0a statement about equity, academic excellence, and student success.\u00a0It’s\u00a0proactive inclusion that raises the bar for everyone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And practically speaking? Removing barriers tends to make things faster and smoother for all users. Visit the CFC Accessibility guide<\/a> – Learn about the Basic Fours and download the Course Digital Accessibility Checklist<\/a> to help you review commonly utilized digital resources, such as Canvas, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint for accessibility.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Accessible design\u00a0isn’t\u00a0a detour from\u00a0good\u00a0design. It usually\u00a0<\/span>is<\/span><\/i>\u00a0good\u00a0design.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLearn More<\/span><\/h1>\n