For Faculty: Supporting Accessible Education at UMW
At the University of Montana-Western (UMW), faculty play a critical role in ensuring an accessible and inclusive learning environment. With approximately 10 to 12% of our student population identifying as having a disability, it is likely that every course includes students with disabilities.
DSS deeply values faculty collaboration in advancing accessibility. Your commitment supports students with disabilities but also enriches educational experience for all learners.
We use “faculty” as a collective term referring to all individuals involved in teaching at UMW, including professors, lecturers, instructors, and adjuncts.
Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities of students, DSS, and faculty in providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring equal access.
Guidelines for Implementing Student Accommodations
Practical steps for supporting students with disabilities, including how to respond to accommodation requests, implement them effectively, and when to consult with DSS.
DSS Testing
Information about the DSS Testing, including how faculty approve students test booking requests.
Accessibility and Inclusive Course Design
Resources for making digital content, such as websites, documents, emails, videos, and Canvas materials, accessible and applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support all learners.
Accessibility Syllabus Statement
The accessibility statement in the syllabus demonstrates a commitment to inclusive education and ensures students are aware of available support for academic accommodations.
Words and Attitudes Matter
Key concepts in disability inclusion, including terminology, identity-first vs. person-first language, and recognizing implicit bias.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions by faculty. This section includes questions related to accommodation letters, what are some common accommodations, referrals to DSS email samples, and more.