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Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023!

Help us celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day!

On Thursday 18th May 2023, to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day, the UCD community is taking on the challenge of making our digital campus as inclusive as our physical one. It’s time to Fix Your Content and make a #PlusOnePromise. Small changes make a big difference.

(opens in a new window)Ally Fix Your Content Day is a global competition where institutions using Ally commit to making as many accessibility fixes on their online courses as possible. We believe that making one small change, a ‘plus one’, can have a huge impact on inclusion in our University and truly making UCD a University for All.

To help you find your plus one, we will be hosting hybrid events on 18th May all day on the Belfield campus and on Zoom to help you discover quick and effective ways to make your digital teaching materials inclusive to all learners. (opens in a new window)Register here for the events on 18th May and to get the Zoom links!

How can I get involved?

Schedule of Events

(opens in a new window)For Zoom links for any of these 30 minute workshops, please complete this Google form.

Time Event and Description Duration Location Facilitator

10:00

Coffee Morning and Ally Drop-in - pop in for treats, a chat and to find out why digital accessibility matters.

While you're visiting why not take the opportunity to bring your own device or use one of ours and take a look at how you can make your Brightspace module or website content more inclusive!

60 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre

UCD ALL team

11:00

Inclusive Social Media and Communications - our digital communications tell the wider world what we stand for. It is important that our content models our values - learn how to make your communications inclusive.

30 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre / Zoom

Daniel Elliott, University for All Project Officer

12:00

Ally Alternative Formats and Student Support - Ally in Brightspace is a powerful tool not just for faculty but for students. Learn how creating accessible materials allows students to download their learning materials in different formats and how these resources can benefit students.

30 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre / Zoom

Fiona Quinn, Disability Support Specialist

13:00

Up your Ally Score in 30 minutes and drop-in support session - learn everyday habits and fixes to ensure your learning materials are always accessible. Small changes can make a huge difference, particularly for students with disabilities and those who are relying on mobile devices.

60 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre / Zoom

Emily Smith, Assistive Technology Coordinator

13:00

College of Science Lunch and Ally Session - catch up with colleagues in the College of Science, enjoy some lunch and collaborate on improving your Ally scores.

60 mins

E1.17 ALE 

College of Science Faculty Partners

14:00

Supporting Neurodiversity - digital accessibility benefits everyone, but clear and consistent formatting can be especially helpful for students with ASD, ADD, and ADHD. Learn how you can support neurodiversity in your learning materials and communications.

30 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre / Zoom

Ciara McHale, Occupational Therapist

15:00

Removing barriers: why digital accessibility matters - while we have become far more aware of the impact of our built environment for student inclusion, barriers still exist in the digital sphere. Digital poverty, formatting choices, and digital literacy are among some of the challenges our students can experience. Learn how you can play you part in dismantling digital barriers.

30 mins

UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre / Zoom

Dr. Lisa Padden, University for All Programme Manager