Online learning can be a powerful enabler for students with disabilities; however, their ability to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by technology is often impeded by a lack of accessibility within online courses and technology systems.

Accessibility problems in online courses are multifaceted, and resolving them relies on assistance and cooperation across different areas of expertise. Faculty members, academic departments, disability support providers, academic computing staff, and others are all impacted by problems in online accessibility. They need to work together in order to make sure all students are served effectively.

The Center for Accessibility in Distance Education (CADE) has a dual mission. Its primary focus is on helping faculty and staff work together to make online learning accessible to students with disabilities. CADE also plans to examine different models for making online learning accessible with a view to evaluating best practice in this sphere.

CADE aims to fulfil the first part of its mission by providing tools and resources for faculty and staff. The new Accessibility in Distance Education (ADE) Web site is an example of the kind of work we are undertaking in this area. The ADE site explains accessibility problems that students with disabilities are likely to encounter in navigating Web-based resources, and shows faculty members how they can address and resolve these problems. At the same time the site shows faculty members how to work with the available support services within their institution to ensure that requests for accommodations are appropriately resolved.

Another major resource originating in CADE is UMUC's national telecast scheduled for April 22, 2004, "Untangling the Web: Making Online Teaching and Learning Accessible." Offered through PBS Adult Learning Service, this live event will focus on the problems students encounter in seeking to take advantage of online educational opportunities, and on ways faculty and staff working together can help students achieve their goals.

The Director of CADE is Dr. Theodore Stone, Acting Associate Provost, Office of Distance Education and Lifelong Learning. Please direct all inquiries and requests for information to Jeff Finlay, Associate Director, at jfinlay@umuc.edu or 301-985-4610.

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