The University of New Mexico
IL-58: Universal Design

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is described by nonprofit education research and development organization CAST as “a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible, inclusive, equitable, and challenging for every learner.” UNM Academic Technologies has incorporated UDL into Canvas, its online Learning Management System (LMS) available to students across the institution. Canvas is designed to be inclusive, with a goal of ensuring that every student can access and engage with course materials effectively. Canvas integrates numerous accessibility features into the LMS that are available to and beneficial for all learners.  

Ally is an accessibility tool within Canvas that allows students to download alternative formats of common file types. Ally automatically creates alternative file formats that are appropriate for a range of needs and devices (structured PDF for assistive devices, HTML and ePub for mobile devices, MP3 for audio, electronic braille for braille readers, etc.).

Kaltura offers a range of accessibility tools designed to make video content in UNM courses more inclusive and accessible. These include:

1. Closed Captions: Automatically generated or manually added captions make video content accessible to students with hearing impairments.
2. Transcripts: Text versions of video content allow students to read along or refer to information in the video.
3. Keyboard Accessibility: Users can control the Kaltura video player with their keyboard.
4. Screen Reader Compatibility: Kaltura allows users to access video content and controls with their screen reader

Microsoft’s Immersive Reader provides text-decoding support for students with learning challenges such as dyslexia, promotes independent reading, and enables instructors to better address the unique learning needs of their students. Immersive Reader allows the user to:

• Change font size and text spacing
• Change the contrast between the text and the background color
• Support understanding of spelling and grammar by splitting words into syllables
• Highlight verbs, nouns, adjectives, and sub-clauses
• View a picture dictionary
• Increase reading speed with line focus
• Convert text-to-speech (both male and female voices)
• Translate content into different languages

Additionally, the UNM Center for Teaching and Learning published the updated Online Learning Excellence Framework in spring 2024. There are 18 Foundational Elements that should be present in all online courses at UNM, including Element 11 Accessibility. Course materials must meet minimum standards for web accessibility. This includes:

• Images have alternative text.
• Weblinks and document attachments use descriptive text.
• Document files are screen-reader compatible, text-recognizable.
• Course pages use heading structures for ease of navigation via keyboard.
• Tables each have a title and summary description.
• Videos have accurate closed captions.
• Color contrast is used appropriately.
• Transcripts are present for audio files.