| | SEPTEMBER 20248IN MY OPINION By Brian Gall, Director of Learning Experience Design, Villanova UniversityThrough this article, Brian Gall, Director of Learning Experience Design at Villanova University, discusses the importance of digital accessibility in higher education. Reflecting on his time as Assistant Dean of Online and Digital Programs at Albright College, Gall details the development and implementation of the Digital Accessibility Program (DAP). He highlights the challenges and successes in making online course content accessible, including mandatory training for faculty, creating accessible course materials and ongoing support systems. Gall emphasizes the collaborative efforts required to achieve high accessibility standards and expresses his commitment to bringing similar initiatives to Villanova University.MAKING EDUCATION EQUITABLE IN THE DIGITAL SPACEIntroductionIn the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring equal access to educational content is paramount. While I was at Albright College as the Assistant Dean of Online and Digital Programs, The Department of Digital Learning and Innovation took significant steps to address digital accessibility through our Digital Accessibility Program (DAP).The BackstoryStarting in the Fall of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to `Emergency Remote Teaching,' we collaborated with faculty to tackle accessible content in our online courses. Surprisingly, there was no official policy, training, or requirements for faculty to create 100 percent accessible content. However, Albright College has a strong history of compliance with disability rights legislation, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II for physical and classroom issues.
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