Yale Center for Teaching and Learning

Accessibility Services

The Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning is an advocate of inclusive teaching practices and strongly supports the University’s accessibility policy, which includes digital course materials. We partner with instructors to assess and improve the accessibility of course activities and digital resources.

How does accessibility factor into teaching?

An accessible course presents as few obstacles as possible to the diversity of Yale learners, including students with disabilities and those who rely on particular technologies. The greater the accessibility of a course, the more likely that all students will have equitable opportunities for learning and growth. In this sense, accessibility is a central component of inclusive teaching. The goal is to provide flexible and robust learning environments in which all students can thrive without the need for special accommodations.

What types of support are available?

The staff of the Poorvu Center, in partnership with Information Technology Services, the University Library, and local support providers in Yale’s professional schools, offer a range of services to help Yale instructors consider and improve the accessibility of their courses.

  • The Poorvu Center provides consultations, trainings, workshops and demonstrations for instructors who want to learn about best practices in accessible teaching. We are also piloting a service to assist instructors in remediating digital files that pose significant accessibility obstacles.
  • In addition to training and consultation, the Accessibility team in Information Technology Services (accessibility@yale.edu) will assist instructors in auditing the accessibility of new technologies used to support Yale classes. 
  • Staff members in the University Library will assist faculty in locating or creating accessible versions of course readings.
  • Localized support providers in Yale’s professional schools serve as primary liaisons to faculty in their school, and coordinate with others across campus as needed.

Getting started

Schedule a consultation  |  Attend a workshop or event  |  Learn about accessibility