Syllabus Accessibility Statement
Faculty can help normalize the accommodation process by voluntarily including a statement on the syllabus inviting students with disabilities to meet with them to discuss accommodation needs and course accessibility.
Including an accessibility statement on your syllabus can help to:
- Signal to all students in a course (not just those with disabilities) that you welcome discussion about individual differences in learning, encountered barriers, and ways to maximize access.
- Send a message that you value diversity and an inclusive learning environment.
- Open the door to communication and help students feel more comfortable approaching you.
- Normalize the accommodations process as just another part of the course.
- Inform students about college procedures and available resources.
Making an Announcement in Class
Please consider reading your accessibility statement or discussing it in class at the beginning of each semester. This can further normalize the accommodations process and help students to feel comfortable approaching you.
Sample Syllabus Accessibility Statements
Sample 1
ºìÌÒÊÓƵ is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me.
If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with Disability & Accessibility Resources (DAR) to request an official accommodation. You can find more information about DAR, including contact information, here: /disability-resources/.
If you have already been approved for accommodations through Disability & Accessibility Resources, please meet with me outside of class so we can develop an implementation plan together.
Sample 2
It is my goal to create a learning experience that is as accessible as possible. If you anticipate any issues related to the format, materials, or requirements of this course, please meet with me outside of class so we can explore potential options.
Students with disabilities may also wish to work with Disability & Accessibility Resources to discuss a range of options to removing barriers in this course, including official accommodations. Please visit their website for contact and additional information: /disability-resources/.
If you have already been approved for accommodations through Disability & Accessibility Resources for the current semester, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together.
Sample 3
ºìÌÒÊÓƵ is committed to ensuring access to learning opportunities for all students. Disability & Accessibility Resources (DAR) is the campus office that works with students who have disabilities to determine reasonable and appropriate accommodations. If you have, or believe you may have, a disability that will impact your access to this course, I encourage you to contact DAR to discuss resources and possible accommodations.
If you have already been approved for accommodations through Disability & Accessibility Resources for the current semester, please meet with me as soon as possible so we can review your accommodations together and discuss how they will be applied in the course. I encourage students to meet with me early in the semester whenever possible, as accommodations typically do not apply retroactively, and many accommodations require advance coordination.
Sample 4
I am eager to talk with any student about how to make this course a productive and enjoyable learning experience. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please contact Disability & Accessibility Resources at dar@reed.edu so that such accommodations can be considered. Students who have already been approved for accommodations through DAR for the current semester, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.
Sample 5
I invite all students to meet with me outside of class to discuss their needs in this course.
If you have a disability that may impact your work in this class and you have received an accommodation letter from Disability & Accessibility Resources, I encourage you to meet with me early in the semester or as soon as possible after receiving your accommodation letter. Discussing your accommodation needs early on can help clarify expectations and allow time to implement accommodations that require some coordination.
If you have not yet requested accommodations through Disability & Accessibility Resources for this semester, or you are interested in learning about disability resources at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ, I encourage you to contact DAR at dar@reed.edu to request an appointment.
Sample 6
Your experience in this class is important to me. I am committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students have equal access to course materials and activities. I strive to make this course as accessible as possible for all students, regardless of abilities or learning styles. If you encounter any barriers to your learning in this course, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I welcome your feedback and will work with you to address any accessibility concerns. This statement does not replace the formal process for requesting accommodations, which can be accessed through the Disability & Accessibility Resources office.
If you have already established accommodations through Disability & Accessibility Resources (DAR), please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can review your accommodation letter together and discuss how your accommodations will be implemented in this course.
If you have not yet established services through Disability & Accessibility Resources, but have a disability that requires accommodations, you are welcome to contact DAR at dar@reed.edu. DAR offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions.