Efforts to be inclusive in higher education are being driven by the need for students to be exposed to accessibility concepts as part of their mainstream curriculum in order to be better prepared to address the needs of those with disabilities.
The National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access invites you to apply for the 2022 Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship. This is an opportunity to empower educators with the knowledge and ability to teach their students about accessibility today to ensure it is integrated into the tools of tomorrow.
We will help you to integrate accessibility concepts into an existing course through this program; no previous experience is required.
What is Accessibility and Nonvisual Access?
Accessibility means full and equal access to the information and other content available online to the blind at the same time that it is made available to the rest of the public.
What is the Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship?
- One-year fellowship: You will work with the experts of the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access for one year to integrate innovative accessibility concepts into your existing curricula.
- Course enhancement: Accessibility concepts will be blended into your existing course to allow students to acquire the knowledge and awareness of accessibility as an integral part of their learning and a necessary consideration as they practice their profession.
- Benefit to your students: The students that complete your course will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry, earn higher salaries, and create greater access for all.
- Financial compensation: One award of $2,000 will be made to a professor or instructor of a University System of Maryland (USM) school or independent Maryland college, and two awards of $1,500 each will be made to Maryland community college instructors.
Here is what a former fellow has to say:
“When I learned I’d been selected as a recipient of the Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship, I was floored! I … was so intrigued by the idea of gaining a better understanding of how to incorporate accessible and inclusive practices into course design … I have received excellent feedback and strategies for how to improve the accessibility of both my syllabus and course site. Additionally, I have learned a number of best practices for ensuring that my course is welcoming for all of my students…” Dr. Renee F. Hill, Principal Lecturer, Director, School Library Specialization, University of Maryland, College of Information Studies
How to Apply
Take advantage of this free opportunity to start including accessibility concepts in your course offering.
Apply today by completing the brief application by November 15, 2021. The application requires copies of your class syllabus, the course description from the college catalog, and two professional references.
Apply for the Accessibility Inclusions Fellowship Today!
