Accessibility and Inclusive Design

An understanding of disability studies and accessibility is crucial for designers and information professionals, as they play an important role in building systems that cater to a diverse range of individuals and communities. This course will introduce students to disability studies, accessibility, and inclusive design as relevant to design; the course does not require any previous knowledge or experience in the areas of disability or accessibility. The course will focus on disability as a social, cultural, and historical phenomenon and accessibility in relation to the design of systems and environments. Students will get an overview of issues related to disabilities and technology use, disability-related policy, accessibility-related guidelines, and assistive technologies. They will also be exposed to prior research on disability, accessibility, and inclusive design, as well as current practices in the industry around their implementation in practical scenarios. The course will further focus on training students to engage in rigorous reflective research and inclusive design practices that will prepare them as designers and information professionals looking to work with a diverse range of people.

This course can be used to fulfil the “Critical Perspectives” Professional Requirement.

Pre-requisite: Completion of 4.0 Credits

• Syllabus Fall 2020
• Syllabus Winter 2021
• Syllabus Fall 2021
• Syllabus Winter (0102) 2022
• Syllabus Winter 2023
• Syllabus Fall 2023