Training Opportunities
Accessibility Resources offers one-hour training sessions to faculty and staff in the following topics. In addition, we welcome time to meet with you and/or your department for an informal Q&A time regarding any disability-related issues; we have done this often during the first 20 minutes of staff meetings.
To express interest in this educational opportunity and schedule a training, please call our main office number (507-389-2825) or email ar@mnsu.edu.
AR Process and Procedures
This training will go over the Accessibility Resources process. Learn how students connect with our office and how accommodation plans are developed. We will discuss equal access to education under ADA law and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Learn about common situations involving faculty collaboration and issues of fundamental alteration.
Disability Law 101
What are accommodation plans? Do I have to comply? What if I disagree? Am I expected to redesign my course to accommodate? What if I can’t accommodate? How is this fair to my other students? Have you ever asked yourself these questions when it comes to accommodation requests? Learn the answers and how to remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a pedagogical approach that encompasses the needs and abilities of all learners. UDL uses a variety of teaching methods to remove learning barriers and to give all students equal opportunity. The purpose is the inclusivity of students with disabilities, but it is often helpful to all students—think about how curb cuts for wheelchair users have also benefited bike riders and parents pushing strollers. Learn how to incorporate UDL principles in the courses you teach.
Top Ten Accessibility Essentials for Faculty
When it comes to creating accessible classrooms and learning environments, faculty play an integral role. Learn the top ten things you can do to help create equal access for students with disabilities. From participating in the accommodation process to implementing principles of Universal Design to helping reduce stigma and ableism, your role is critical!
Neurodiversity
We engage with neurodiverse people regularly without even knowing it. Who is neurodiverse and just what is neurodiversity? In this session, we will explore this framework for understanding human brain function, cover the different types of neurodiversity our students bring, and discuss strategies that support the learning environment for neurodiverse students. We will finish the session with a facilitated discussion with a neurodiverse student panel. There will be time for questions.
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
This training helps us to better understand an employee’s rights under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will discuss how accommodations are determined, types of reasonable accommodations in an employment setting, and reasons why an employer may justly fail to accommodate an employee.
Tips for Communicating with People with Various Disabilities
This session will look at the profile of students with disabilities on our campus and address specific ways we can communicate with people with various disability types. We will incorporate instruction on proper etiquette and inclusive practices when interacting with people with disabilities.
Steps Toward Online Accessibility
Assuring access to online learners is critical to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and WCAG standards. The goals of this session are to learn who the online learners with disabilities are, the barriers they may face online, and suggested accommodations. A course accessibility checklist will be a good resource for professors as they prepare for an online class keeping all learners in mind.
Planning an Accessible Event on Campus
How can you be a welcoming host to all who attend your event? Incorporating the tenets of Universal Design, we will talk about how to create an inclusive environment. Specific instruction will be given on accessible tips for the invitation, the venue, and the day of the event.
