Accessible Design Opens Doors

Submitted by Fizza Haider

As Canada recognizes National AccessAbility Week from May 31 to June 6 this year, TLC is reflecting on the important role accessibility plays in creating inclusive and meaningful teaching and learning experiences. Accessibility is a cornerstone of how we believe learning experiences, services, and spaces should be designed so that learners with diverse abilities, identities and preferences can meaningfully participate and flourish. Our work is grounded in a commitment to reducing barriers to teaching and learning, one conversation at a time. Whether we are designing our own workshops and events or partnering with instructors to develop courses and learning activities, we strive to model accessible practices by offering flexibility, adaptability and multiple ways to engage.

Image generated by ChatGPT

Because accessibility unlocks student potential by fostering learning environments where all students can thrive, TLC has developed a variety of practical resources to help instructors design more inclusive and accessible courses, content, and learning spaces including

TLC’s Accessibility Guidelines, outlining practical strategies for making courses more accessible;

The Brightspace Accessibility Features Guide, highlighting platform tools and features that support equitable learning experiences;

An Ally tutorial, demonstrating how instructors can identify and address accessibility issues in their content while also providing students with alternative formats;

The Making Content Accessible video series, offering step-by-step guidance on accessible authoring practices such as using styled headings, adding alt text, creating contextual links, using strong colour contrast and building accessible tables;

The Accessible Facilitation Tip Sheet, providing strategies for creating more inclusive in-person, online, or hybrid sessions.

Together with these TLC resources, instructors can also draw on the accessibility guidance and resources available through UFV’s Centre for Accessibility Services website to help create more inclusive learning experiences.

Marking National AccessAbility Week, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and barrier-free UFV, in alignment with this year’s national theme, “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” Accessibility is a shared responsibility and meaningful change happens when we all work together. We invite you to participate by exploring one of the resources above, committing to one small action that removes a barrier to access, or attending one of the many community events taking place during the week. Together, we can continue building learning environments where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.

A few of the community events happening during NAAW include:

“Library For You”, a community event hosted by Clearbrook Library focusing on inclusive library services and accessibility awareness;

Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion 2026, a free virtual conference organized by the federal government including panel discussions and practical accessibility strategies for workplaces, schools, and communities;

Adaptive and inclusive sports and activities in Langley, including wheelchair basketball, boccia, gym, and pickleball open to community members of all abilities;

Access is an Ecosystem: Navigating Accessible Events Together, a 60-minute virtual session launching UBC’s new Accessible Event Resource Guide.