next Steps

Here are some suggestions for next steps after finishing Module 3.
Choose an option that's right for you or create your own. 
​

next steps
if ​This is New Information
​for You

Review your campus' accommodation letters with fresh eyes.
How does it differ from the sample letter? Do you need extra information about any common accommodations?  At the end of the sample letter, it suggests several resources - does your campus have anything similar to those? Is there any extra information in your campus' accommodation letters, and is that understandable?  Contact your disability services provider with any questions.

If you're teaching in a CTE program, a trade school, or other non-degree-granting school:
Do you get accommodations letters from anyone or do you need to figure them out on your own?  Talk with your supervisor to see if you can standardize how some accommodations will work, especially if there is a great deal of hands-on teaching.  What are the essential components of your program?  Are your school facilities and classrooms wheelchair accessible?  Do you have money set aside in case you need to hire Sign Language interpreters?  Is your supervisor aware of tax breaks for providing accommodations?  Prepare ahead for students and instructors with disabilities.

Next steps if you're 
​Familiar with Information
​in This Module

UDL and common accommodations in letters
Make a list of common accommodations you've implemented.  Learn about Universal Design for Learning in Module 4.  Think about how you could universally design your course to make those accommodations available to everyone, or to set up things that make it easier for people with disabilities to use accommodations (e.g., investigating whether your course management software is accessible, converting PDFs and articles into an accessible format, making sure videos have captioning).  Contact your IT department or disability services for assistance.

Write your own "accommodation letter"
Write a letter to students with disabilities, so when they give you an accommodations letter, you can give them a letter, too!  The letter could have these components or others:
  • A welcome to the course.
  • How to reach you if they have questions, and hours/days you're available.  Share your preferred method of contact.
  • Encourage students to go to you with any concerns or questions about accommodations and tell them there will never be punishment or retribution for it.  Ask students to share concerns with disability services if they are worried about going to you.
  • Tell students if there's any other disability-related information you should know, it's ok to share and you will keep it confidential.
  • Admit you may have questions about accommodations and ask them to contact you with their preferences for talking with you directly, or having you go to disability services professionals.
  • If you are comfortable, share any disability, mental health issue, or chronic health condition you may have, and tell them why that may make you a better teacher of students with disabilities.