About the CBI

The Online Learning CBI brought together instructors, administrators, and technology developers, to share ideas and expertise regarding instruction and use of creation of online learning tools that create welcoming and accessible experiences that everyone can use and participate in, including those with disabilities. Most attendees represented colleges and universities across Washington State. More than 60 people attended the event.

The CBI provided a forum for discussing recruitment and access challenges, sharing expertise and successful practices, developing collaborations, creating resources, and identifying systemic change initiatives relevant to the meeting’s goals. Topics discussed included

• the engagement of people with disabilities in online learning and what instructors need to know;
• the development of new technologies;
• web accessibility;
• document accessibility;
• approaches to access—accommodations and universal design;
• student perspectives on diverse student needs, research, and tools;
• maximizing student engagement; and
• lessons learned and promising practices.

In small group discussions, participants responded to the following questions: What barriers do you face on your campus related to ensuring that online learning is accessible and usable for people with disabilities? What are some possible solutions?

In this CBI

• all participants contributed to its success,
• experts in all topic areas were in the audience, and
• new concepts evolved from discussions.

The CBI was comprised of presentations, panel discussions, and group discussions. CBI participants shared their diverse perspectives and expertise. The agenda for the CBI and summaries of the presentations are provided on the following pages.