Accessible Teaching

Several people laughing and having a conversation in a classroom. A few are in wheel chairs, others are standing.

Accessible Teaching’ is the purposeful design of courses, materials and learning experiences to provide all students, including those with disabilities, the opportunity to fully participate. Accessible teaching was developed as a preferred method to implement the principles of civil rights laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

About the Accessible Teaching at Harvard Initiative

The Accessible Teaching at Harvard (ATAH) Project compiles resources for Harvard’s faculty and instructional staff to effectively facilitate disability access and inclusion in their classes. ATAH is an initiative of University Accessibility Committee (UAC), is a senior leadership level, cross-School committee that is dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies, approaches, and initiatives to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities in Harvard’s programs and activities.

Hear from President Garber

The following video features President Garber discussing the importance of accessible teaching at the University.

Explore Accessible Teaching Resources

The content on this website, a project of the Harvard President’s Administrative Innovation Fund, provides information and resources for faculty and instructors in their accessible teaching, planning, and design efforts. University Disability Resources is available for consultation related to this content, and other matters related to disability, accommodations, and/or best practices.

Introduction to Accessible Teaching

Understand the role of faculty and instructional staff by hearing from a current instructor, review Harvard accessibility resources, explore other topics such as specific disabilities and common barriers.

Four people standing in a circle, having a conversation. One person faces the camera, leaning on crutches with both hands and smiling while conversing.

Designing an Accessible Course

Discover practical strategies to get comfortable implementing accessible practices in courses, from classroom and physical access, to digital materials.

 

A woman writes "synesthesia!" on a whiteboard. Also written is "Diversity: you don't just need to..."

Training

Learn more about disability access in the classroom.

A woman speaks enthusiastically into a microphone.
College student talking with other students in the dining hall

As an incoming student the biggest impact was the way faculty and teaching teams took the time to make me feel included and that I belonged.

Jake Kamnikar
Harvard College Student