Synchronous Online Instruction

Resources

These resources provide guidance and practical tools for delivering accessible and effective synchronous online instruction through Zoom and other virtual learning platforms. Educators will find information on accessibility standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessible course design, and strategies for engaging deaf and hard-of-hearing learners in real-time online environments. The collection includes resources on hosting accessible virtual classes and meetings, integrating sign language interpreters and captionists, using automated and live captioning services, creating accessible learning materials, and supporting students through remote access services. Developed by organizations such as RIT, the National Deaf Center, CAST, DO-IT, AccessATE, and others, these resources help instructors, disability service professionals, and institutions create online learning experiences that promote communication, participation, and access for all students.


Accessible Online Instruction  

RIT – Accessible Resources

The Online Learning Consortium

National Deaf Center


CAST – Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education


DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) University of Washington – 20 Tips for Teaching an Accessible Online Course

National Center on Accessible Materials – Making Everyday Curriculum Materials Accessible for All Learners

AccessATE – supports the work of the NSF-funded Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects and centers in making the materials and activities they develop more accessible for all students and faculty, including those with disabilities. The project aims to increase awareness and understanding of accessibility requirements and provide guidance, tools, and support that offers solutions and helps achieve compliance with accessibility standards.

Inclusive Communication Services – Accessible Media Services – Camera Ready Accessible Media Sign Language Translation Services – add Picture-in-Picture sign language to any video and captioning, making it permanently accessible.

Council for Exceptional Children – Teaching Remotely to Deaf/HH Students


Captioning  

FAQ: Live Captioning | Interpreters Online | Captioned Media Vendors

Verbit – a captioning company, that integrates with zoom meetings and canvas is offering free 15 days of captioning 

CaptionCall – Students can download the APP for CaptionCall and dial into the call line (via the app) for captions.

Microsoft Translator – RIT and Microsoft evaluating the use of automated speech recognition

Transcribing remotely in Zoom, Collaborate/Blackboard, Adobe Connect, or other online platforms

Download CADET and read the installation instructions now!

The National Center for Accessible Media at WGBH (NCAM) has developed CADET (Caption and Description Editing Tool), partially funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

CADET is free, downloadable caption-authoring software for producing caption files and audio-description scripts.


Using Zoom or other online platforms

RIT Zoom resources

How to Host Effective and Accessible Online Meetings With Deaf Participants

Accessibility Tips for a Better Zoom/Virtual Meeting Experience

Considerations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Using Zoom

Enabling ASL Interpretation in Zoom

Enabling a Captionist in Zoom


Khan Academy



Papers

Elliot, L.B., Rubin, B., DeCaro, J.J., & Clymer, W.E. (2013). Creating a virtual academic community for STEM students. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 5(2), 173-188. doi:10.1108/JARHE-11-2012-0051.