Accessible Technology Course Design Practices for Inclusivity in Nursing Education

Abstract

Background: Nursing students are diverse in culture, abilities, and challenges. Universal Design for Learning is a logical and social model to support diverse learning methods. Accessibility tools help measure the efficacy of faculty efforts to make nursing courses accessible to all. Purpose: The study examines using accessibility software to measure faculty improvements and student engagement in nursing courses over 2 academic semesters. Methods: One hundred courses were analyzed 1 year apart for accessibility improvements by nursing faculty. Results: Course accessibility scores significantly rose year after year in almost all courses. Student usage also increased significantly. Lessons learned are presented. Conclusion: Accessibility improvements are worthwhile for enhancing inclusion in nursing programs and student engagement.