Projects and Partnerships
The Office for University Accessibility works collaboratively with many departments in order to identify, implement, and support accessibility in centralized services. Some highlights of these partnerships and related projects are highlighted below.
Accessible Course Design and Universal Design for Learning
The Office for Instructional Design (OID) provides support and development to faculty in a variety of ways including course design or redesign services. The OII Instructional Design Team is experienced in assessing how people learn, meeting the needs of a changing and diverse student body, and managing complex design processes and other projects. OII helps faculty deliver the highest quality instruction within well-constructed learning environments. OII support faculty in creating accessible courses and utilizing principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support a wide range of learners.
Accessible Technology and Online Environments
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides leadership and technical support in the areas of Information Technology Accessibility Resources, including web accessibility and content accessibility. This leadership includes development and implementation of accessible Ohio University websites, and training to web content contributors, as the university migrates to a new web content management system through a multiyear process. Additionally, OIT retains primary accountability for the implementation and support of the Information Technology Accessibility Policy 04.001 and manages exceptions in consultation with the ADA/504 Coordinator.
Department Assessment for Inclusion and Accessibility
The initial project for the PACDAP Leadership Implementation Team was to create a department self-assessment tool for the university community to reflect upon its departments’ understanding and readiness in incorporating accessibility and inclusion within its programs, services and physical environment. The tool asked open ended questions in five areas: training, communication, policies and procedures, service response management and physical barriers. The Office for University Accessibility utilizes the results of the assessment to strategically identify and implement systemic changes to support accessibility as well as working with individual departments to act on their goals.
OHIO/Athens Partnership
Ohio University and the City of Athens enjoy a collaborative and fruitful partnership in many areas, including sharing joint vision in making our community more accessible and inclusive for all persons in our community. Because there are shared pathways, roads, intersections and sidewalks, members of the community may bring accessibility issues and barriers to the attention of the City of Athens or the University ADA Coordinator.
Athens City Form for Forwarding Accessibility Concerns
Ohio University Form to Report Accessibility Barriers
Many people affiliated with Ohio University live in the greater Athens County area. In order for emergency personnel to be aware of special considerations, persons with disabilities or special circumstances may choose to voluntarily register with the Alert Athens County Emergency Management System.