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Module 3 - Session 3

ACCESSIBILITY ACROSS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments

Module 3 - Session 3 Program Cover - Various photographs of students learning in school

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 3: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to prepare educators to intentionally design and offer inclusive learning experiences for all students across all learning environments.

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on meeting the needs of students with disabilities across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 3 – Session 3: Accessibility Across Learning Environments.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 3 in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 3. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. What does it mean for educational materials and resources to be accessible?

  2. How can I improve accessibility in my classroom?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Explain the importance of understanding learner variability when designing content across learning environments.

  2. Use the POUR model to evaluate existing and future digital content decisions for all students, particularly those with disabilities.

  3. Identify web accessibility considerations that can provide the appropriate adaptations/accommodations to ensure equitable access across all learning environments.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on increasing accessibility for students across learning environments.

Young girl on laptop in living room with headphones on

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 3.3.1 – Reflect on Accessibility.

If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ

Dive into our Module 3 – Session 3 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 3 – Session 3 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 3 – Session 3 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Introduction to Web Accessibility 

Synopsis: This website provides a review of the importance of web accessibility in meeting the needs of all people and in assisting access and participation. 

Format: Website

Time: 12 minutes  

Web Accessibility Perspectives – Compilation of 10 Topics/Videos

Synopsis: Learn about the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations.

Format: Video

Time: 8 minutes

Making Web Accessibility Easier 

Synopsis: Experts explore some of the simple ways to make tech more accessible.

Format: Podcast

Time: 13 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.3.2 – Evaluate Accessibility Using a POUR Checklist.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.3.3 – Developing New Content With Accessibility in Mind. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Education Resource Library 

Topic: Case studies, district plans, message boards, online courses, podcasts, resource collections, school plans, videos, and web-based content for supporting students with disabilities

Format: Resource Library

Time: Varies based on user interaction

 

Intensive Intervention & Virtual Delivery 

Topic: Research-based practices to support students across learning environments (virtual, in person, hybrid)

Format: Multiple Resources

Time: Varies based on user interaction

 

Free Online Resources for Students / Tech Tool Library 

Topic: Collection of edtech tools for classroom use with an accessibility lens 

Format: Resource Library

Time: Varies based on user interaction

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on how to increase accessibility across learning environments. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore high-leverage practices for teaching students with disabilities across learning environments.

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