Accessibility of Distance Learning Courses and Students with Disabilities

In planning or revising a distance learning course, it is important to employ principles of Universal Design to ensure that your course is usable and accessible to all students SDCCD AP 5105. Understanding potential barriers that a course may pose to students with disabilities will help you ensure the accessibility of your course as you design or revise it.

Ensuring accessibility expands the market for distance learning courses supports the open enrollment policies of the California Community College system, and is required by policy and law. The Accessibility of Distance Learning Courses for Students with Disabilities document covers legal requirements, CCC Chancellor’s Guidelines, and common accessibility examples.

For information on services and tools made available through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office CVC-OEI grant, please visit CVC.edu. For other web and information technology accessibility needs, please visit the CCC Accessibility Center.

The guidelines are comprehensive and include strategies for addressing access concerns with all distance learning formats, including online education. In addition, see Board Policy 3108 on Accessibility Standards for Electronic and Information Technology—Section 508.

Learn about Essential DSPS for Distance Education Faculty

Video Length
55 Minute

A Venn Diagram used to demonstrate how UDL and accessibility minded practices create a enhanced learning experience for all students.

Student Code of Conduct

Guidelines for the Student Code of Conduct for online classes have been developed in accordance with Board Policy 5500 and the Student Code of Conduct for Online Courses.

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct at all times. Students who violate the Student Code of Conduct may be removed from class by the faculty for the class meeting in which the behavior occurred, and the next class meeting. Access for students to online class may be removed for one week (5 instructional days) for violation of the code of conduct.