The following is an overview of the essential information about disability services, accessibility standards, and inclusive design practices. Whether you're supporting students with disabilities, creating accessible course materials, or seeking to learn more about inclusive teaching, you'll find resources and guidance here to help you get started.
Getting Started with Accessibility
New to Accessibility?
If you're just beginning to learn about creating accessible educational environments, these introductory resources will help you understand the fundamentals:
Professional Development
- SBCTC Accessibility Microcourses - Asynchronous courses exploring accessibility topics one at a time. Complete 3 courses to earn accessibility badges.
- Accessibility Made Easy - Open Canvas course created by Clark College staff.
Quick Start Guides
- UW DOIT Accessibility Guide - Overview of accessibility for Office, Adobe, web content and other tools.
- NCDAE Cheatsheets - Quick reference guides for accessibility.
- Canvas and Accessibility - SBCTC resource guide.
Training Opportunities
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint accessibility workshops occur via Zoom every quarter. Email Tre Sandlin at tsandlin@clark.edu for upcoming trainings or check the Employee Training and Development Schedule.
Understanding Accessibility Standards
Clark College is committed to ensuring digital and physical accessibility across campus. Our accessibility standards align with federal requirements and industry best practices.
Key Standards & Policies
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA: International standards for making web content accessible to people with disabilities.
- Section 508: Federal law requiring agencies and some contractors to make their electronic and information technology accessible.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.
Clark's Accessibility Policy
Since July 2017, Clark College has maintained an Accessible Technology Policy clarifying that accessibility is every employee's responsibility. Review the complete policy at www.clark.edu/accessibility.
Creating Accessible Course Materials
Document Accessibility
Learn how to create accessible Word documents, PDFs, and presentations.
Video & Captioning
Resources for creating accessible videos and adding captions to multimedia content.
Canvas & LMS Accessibility
Make your online courses more accessible to all learners.
Accessible Technology Tools
Best practices for using common Clark College tools accessibly.
- Microsoft Forms Accessibility (Recommended for surveys)
- Zoom Accessibility Features
- Zoom Closed Captioning
Supporting Students with Disabilities
Understanding how to work with the Disability Access Center (DAC) and support students with accommodations is an essential part of inclusive teaching at Clark College.
The Disability Access Center (DAC)
The DAC provides accommodations, support services, and resources to students with disabilities, working collaboratively with faculty and staff to create inclusive learning environments.
DAC Contact Information
Location: Penguin Union Building (PUB) 013
Phone: 360-992-2314
Email: DAC@clark.edu
Working with Student Accommodations
When a student provides you with an accommodation letter, it's important to understand your role:
- Students are responsible for providing accommodation letters to instructors each quarter
- Letters list approved accommodations but do not include diagnostic information
- Contact the DAC if you have questions about implementing specific accommodations
- Accommodations are not retroactive and take effect once arrangements are made
Requesting Accommodations Services
Sign Language Interpreting
Request ASL interpreters for classes, meetings, or campus events with at least 10 business days notice due to a national shortage of interpreters.
Captioning Services
Request professional captioning for third-party videos when a student accommodation letter is in place. DAC covers costs when an accommodation exists.
Research & Scholarly Resources
Academic Journals
Explore peer-reviewed research on disability studies, accessibility, and inclusive education:
Leading journal in disability studies featuring critical scholarship and research.
AHEAD's peer-reviewed journal focused on higher education disability services.
Peer-reviewed journal in the field of disability studies.
Articles on characteristics, practice, and instruction related to learning disabilities.
Books & Featured Resources
Disability Data & Statistics
Universal Design & Inclusive Teaching
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for creating flexible learning environments that accommodate individual learning differences. Rather than retrofitting courses for accessibility, UDL builds inclusive design from the start.
Key Resources
- Inclusive Design Research Centre - Leading research on inclusive design practices
- Inclusive Design Guide
- FLOE Project: Flexible Learning for Open Education
- Student Uses and Perceptions of Closed Captions - Research showing benefits for all students
Get Help & Support
For Students
Zach Lattin, AT/IT Accessibility Specialist
Email: zlattin@clark.edu
Phone: 360-347-6281
For Faculty - Course Content
Tre Sandlin, Instructional Accessibility Tech
Email: wsandlin@clark.edu
Phone: 360-992-2090
For Faculty - Third Party Tools
Zach Lattin, AT/IT Accessibility Specialist
Email: zlattin@clark.edu
Phone: 360-992-2016
Additional Support Resources
Looking for information about student accommodations, documentation requirements, or accommodation appeals? Visit the Disability Access Center website for comprehensive information about student services and support.