Accessible access, universal design, and the limits of inclusion in open educational resource development: an interactive workshop

Abstract

The impacts of open educational resources (OERs) are both well-documented and far-reaching. However, open educational practices should not be evangelized or held beyond critique. Drawing on writing from disability scholars and disability justice advocates, we explore the relationship between access and accessibility as it applies to open educational resources. Employing this framework, we present a series of revised design activities from UCLA Library’s Writing Instruction + Research Education (WI+RE) initiative: (1) an empathy map (2) a learning journey map and (3) a 4 Paths Prototype. We discuss ways forward to improve these activities with disability justice, accessibility, and universal design in mind. In the last half hour, we will walk through each of the three activities together, giving attendees an opportunity to apply the concepts individually and in breakout rooms and preparing attendees to leave the session with a prototype idea.