Faculty create accessible learning environments, interpret accommodation letters quickly, and keep course media inclusive.
Caption turnaround goal: < 3 business days
What this page helps you do
- Align your courses with accessibility expectations in Brightspace, Panopto, and Zoom.
- Respond to accommodation letters in a timely, consistent way.
- Know when and how to ask for help with documents, media, exams, and labs.
Top tasks
| Task | Steps | Primary Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Respond to accommodation letters | Review DRC letter → Confirm logistics with student → Adjust assessments/Deadlines. | DRC Instructor Portal, email |
| Build accessible Brightspace modules | Use templates → Add alt text → Run accessibility checker → Publish materials. | Brightspace Next, UCATT templates |
| Caption instructional media | Record in Panopto → Edit captions → Upload transcripts → Share with class. | Panopto, UCATT Multimedia |
Impactful principles & tools
Accessibility stays manageable when you pair consistent principles with the right tools. Use these expandable guides (aligned to WCAG 2.2 AA highlights) each time you prep course content.
Focus on SC 1.3.1, 2.4.3, and 2.4.11 by keeping Brightspace modules in a logical order, revealing focus outlines, and avoiding “mystery meat” links.
- Run Accessibility Insights on course homepages to confirm headings and landmarks.
- Spot-check with WAVE or DubBot before publishing or copying course shells.
- Run the Microsoft Accessibility Checker inside Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; remediate all errors before sharing.
- Create alt text that conveys purpose (follow WebAIM’s alt text guidance).
- When exporting PDFs, tag headings, set reading order, and label form fields using the Adobe remediation guide.
Store both the accessible source file and the tagged PDF in case accommodations require edits.
Meet SC 1.2.x and 3.3.x by captioning Panopto/Zoom recordings, offering descriptive audio for visuals, and providing clear error recovery.
- UCATT Multimedia can edit machine captions to reach 99% accuracy.
- For labs or simulations, provide text alternatives or recorded walkthroughs.
Guidance
- Read each DRC letter fully; note testing, communication, and material deadlines.
- Reply within 2 business days confirming how accommodations will be implemented.
- Document agreements in Brightspace announcements or email for transparency.
Do: Offer multiple participation methods. Don’t: Delay accommodations until after the first assignment.
- Use the Brightspace checklist for headings, alt text, and color.
- Upload documents that pass Word/Google accessibility checkers.
- Provide redundant formats (slides + tagged PDF + HTML) for complex visuals.
- Cross-check modules with WebAIM course content resources to ensure lists, links, and tables read correctly.
- Use Deque’s ARIA patterns when embedding custom simulations or LTI tools.
Submit caption requests via Panopto, plan exams so extended time can be delivered seamlessly, and provide audio-described alternatives for visual labs.
Tools & contacts
DRC Instructor Portal
View accommodation letters, confirm logistics, and contact Access Consultants.
UCATT Teaching Resources
Templates, workshops, and one-on-one consults for inclusive pedagogy.
Panopto Caption Support
Request machine or professional captions; learn how to edit transcripts.
Assistive technologies to plan for
Students and co-instructors may rely on the following tools when using your course materials. Ensure demos, labs, quizzes, and custom tools work with them.
- JAWS for Windows and NVDA for reading syllabi, quizzes, and embedded tools.
- VoiceOver (iOS/macOS) and TalkBack (Android) for mobile access to Brightspace, Panopto, VoiceThread.
- Fusion and ZoomText for low-vision viewing of slides and live demonstrations.
See the Assistive Technology Coverage overview for training links and test scripts.
Training & community
- Accessible Teaching Essentials (UCATT) – monthly workshop.
- Panopto Caption Editing lab – every other Tuesday.
- Faculty learning community on inclusive pedagogy.
Feedback
Email accessibility@arizona.edu with course questions or submit a consultation request. Last reviewed: 2026-01-05.
Next steps for faculty
- This week: Run the Brightspace checklist on your current course shell and fix any critical issues (headings, alt text, captions).
- This month: Provide tagged PDFs and source slides for required course materials and plan captioning for recorded lectures.
- Ongoing: Respond to accommodation letters within 2 business days and document agreements in Brightspace for transparency.
For assistance, request a consultation via the Accessibility consultation form.
Related guides you may need
Your work may overlap with these roles: