Course Accessibility

It is the policy of the University of New Orleans (UNO) to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), ADA Amendments Act of 2008 ("ADAAA"), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The University of New Orleans is committed to providing access to information and services through its technologies and equipment, in an equally effective and integrated manner, regardless of a user's physical or developmental abilities or impairments.

On 5/19/2023, the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Department of Education jointly issued a Dear Colleague Letter reminding colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions to ensure that their online services, programs, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. While the letter is directed to colleges and universities, it truly applies to any state agency that relies on their websites and third-party online platforms to provide services, programs, and activities to members of the public including learning platforms, podcasts and videos, and third-party platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. The letter reiterates that Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act require public entities to provide equal opportunities to people with disabilities in all their operations and highlights recent web accessibility enforcement activities and technical assistance.

Accessibility Quick Guide

North Carolina State University has compiled a useful guide to common online learning management software and their accessibility characteristics. We thank the IT staff at NC State for their permission to link to this guide.

Inclusive Syllabi and Diversity Statements

These are examples of diversity statements for syllabi compiled and worded by UNO's Diversity Engagement Center. Feel free to use some of these statements in your course syllabi. These are just examples, please feel free to edit or adapt them for your individual course.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

UNO recognizes that our individual differences can deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us, rather than divide us. Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate during class meetings. Because the class will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, every member of this class must show respect for every other member of this class. If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from UNO’s community or if you have a need of any specific accommodations, please speak with the instructor early in the semester about your concerns and what we can do together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community.

Safe Space Statement

I am part of the Safe Space community network of UNO faculty/staff/students who participated in the on campus workshop and am available to listen and support you in a (as much as possible) safe and confidential manner. As a Safe Space Ally, I can help you connect with resources on campus to address concerns you may face that interfere with your academic and social success on campus as it relates to issues surrounding sexual orientation/gender identity. My goal is to help you be successful and to maintain an accountable and equitable campus.

LGBTQIA+ Equality Statement

I am firmly committed to diversity, creating and maintaining an inclusive community, and equality in all areas of campus life, including specifically members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In this class, I will work to promote an anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. I recognize that discrimination can be direct or indirect and take place at both institutional and personal levels. I believe that such discrimination is unacceptable and I am committed to providing equality of opportunity for all by minimizing any and all discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimization. The success of this policy relies on the support and understanding of everyone in this course. We all have a responsibility not to participate in or condone harassment and discrimination of any kind.

Preferred Name & Gender Pronouns

Course rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by a chosen name and/or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.

Accommodation Options

Caption your multi-media

All video media, including narrated PPTs, must be captioned. CTI recommends using our Canvas-integrated Panopto video system for all video. Panopto can generate automatic captions. Find out more about having Panopto generate automatic captions for your videos.

For live meetings, CTI recommends using Zoom's auto-caption feature.

For further information on the obligation to make media accessible, please contact the Office of Disability Services.

Set extended times for quizzes and assignments

The Canvas Learning Management System has settings options to allow extra time on quizzes and assignments for students needing those accommodations.

Office of Disability Services

For further help with accessibility, please contact:

Office of Disability Services
Earl K Long Library, Room 126E
Phone: 504-280-7284 or 280-7327
Website: https://www.uno.edu/disability-services