Three Ways to Efficiently Approach Accessibility in Course Design

As SHSU faculty and staff welcome the Fall term, the excitement of meeting the challenges that come with a new semester has become evident.  For many, this is a familiar feeling and a predictable pace, but for others, an introduction to a new progression. A unifying component of the Fall 2026 semester is the continued emphasis on making course content accessible, ensuring content is available and inclusive for all learners.  

The act of making content approachable and accessible is an inherent human disposition, allowing equal and impartial access to information, and steeped in the foundational archetypes of higher education. However, the means to foster accessible course content or make existing course content accessible, can be aided significantly using Blackboard, SHSU’s learning management system, and other associated tools. 

Proactive or Reactive Approach to Content: The Choice is Yours 

No matter how you approach your courses, either as a seasoned practitioner or a brand-new instructor, making content accessible is a nonlinear approach. Sometimes circumstance can be beyond our control with regard to how accessible course content is, particularly for courses that have been copied over from previous semesters, but how we approach making content accessible is personable. Regardless of preference or circumstance, using a tool such as Bb’s AI Design Assistant to effectively “tag” your course content while establishing a content look and feel for your course content, can be both an effective and efficient pursuit. 

Multimedia: What’s Old is New (and Compliant) 

Multimedia content such as recorded lectures or presentations in your course can be an asset, but it can also be a point of contention when it comes to accessibility. Fortunately, SHSU users have access to Kaltura, a video hosting platform providing automatically generated captions for videos. Videos can be recorded in Kaltura but also imported, meaning the source of the video is not important. If the video resides in Kaltura, the file will inherit the capabilities and functions of Kaltura, including automatic captioning. Regardless of if you’re planning to record a series of videos or simply making previously recorded content accessible, Kaltura is a capable tool and a core component of your accessibility solution with multimedia.  

Don’t Be a Stranger: Phone (or Email) a Friend 

The task of making your course content accessible is grounded in altruism, but it can also be daunting. This is where we come in. Whether you have direct and pointed questions or you’d like a lay of the land when it comes to tools and capabilities, we’re here to help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need help fast, reach out to our Instructional Designers at IDSupport@shsu.edu. If time is on your side, and you’d like to learn about tools and understand their applications, email facdev@shsu.edu to sign up for a webinar or schedule a one-on-one session. Additionally, our Support Desk offers 24/7 Blackboard and technology support by calling 936.294.2780 or emailing blackboard@shsu.edu. 

Remember, you’re not alone when it comes to making your content more accessible. Sometimes, humanizing an otherwise digital process can be just what you need to achieve your goals.