Adapting a Course for Online Delivery

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While online course delivery offers numerous advantages, including potential improvements in accessibility, it also presents some notable risks. Both the institution as a whole and individual instructors are considered “educational service providers” under the policy on accessible education for students with disabilities [1] as established by the Ontario Human Rights Commission [1], and are required to provide equitable access for students with disabilities. The duty to accommodate persists so long as teaching, learning and assessment continue - even in the face of disruptions due to severe weather, outbreaks of communicable illnesses, and labour unrest.

New Software

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) [2] requires that web content meet specific standards, which is something the University considers when selecting online tools.

Instructors are encouraged to use platforms that are endorsed by the University.
If you are considering a new Web-based platform or software, ensure it meets the WCAG 2.0 [3] (as of May 2025) web accessibility standards.

Videos or Live Streaming

If you are posting video content for your class, captioning is usually required. A transcript of the video is also considered best practice. Digital Accessibility Resource Centre (DARC) [4] can help support instructors in the creation of accessible digital content.
If you are live-streaming lectures, continue to hold your class at the same time as originally scheduled. Keep in mind that some students are only able to function effectively at certain times of the day, and they have structured their schedules accordingly to accommodate these medical needs.
If you have a student who typically uses a Sign Language Interpreter or captioning service, you may receive an email about next steps for content that is live-streamed.
If you have students who use our notetaking service, we may still use notetakers for live-streamed lectures. This service is intended for students participating in class to supplement their learning when they are unable to take notes efficiently on their own. It is not a suitable replacement for attending class (either in person or online).

Virtual Proctoring

You may be asked to adjust time limits according to students’ accommodations.
Be prepared for the possibility that some virtual proctoring software may exacerbate disability-related symptoms and/or present problems for students who use adaptive software. If a student contacts you to say they cannot access the test or exam because of a software issue, offer a make-up opportunity once there has been time to find an appropriate solution.

Assigned Readings

Some students with disabilities use “alternative format material [5]” to access their readings using technology. If there are new readings assigned during the semester, it may be necessary for some lead time to have the text converted to an appropriate format (see “resources” below).

Scheduling and Timeliness

Allow students time to adapt when changes are made to the course delivery. A minimum of 24 hours' notice (preferably more) is essential. Keep in mind that students may need to make changes to their living environment in order to participate online (e.g. childcare, access to a suitable computer, a quiet place to work, etc.)
If there is a disruption that causes the University to close, there will initially be a period of time when many students are in transition as they move home. During this time, they may have limited capacity to participate in online learning.
Summarize all the changes to the course delivery in one place. To the extent possible, avoid additional or ongoing changes as this can be very difficult for students with disabilities that affect their executive functioning.
Consider offering virtual office hours—a time when you will be online (or available by phone) and available to chat with students in your course(s). If this is not possible, please let students know how long it typically takes you to respond to emails (e.g., next business day).
To the extent possible, establish deadlines that fall during the normal academic day. This helps to promote healthy boundaries for students’ overall well-being.
Develop a plan for being flexible around deadlines. Can you allow for a couple of days buffer in your plans for marking in case some students need some additional time to finish an assignment? If a student approaches you with a reasonable explanation about the need for extra time, can you accept their request in good faith without asking for additional documentation?

New Requests for Accommodation

Many forms of academic accommodation are specific to both the individual’s abilities and the requirements of the academic environment. When there are changes in teaching, learning, and assessments, new requests for accommodation inevitably arise. If there are numerous changes throughout the institution in a short period, it may take some time to work through the accommodation process.

Integrity of Learning Outcomes

Providing accommodations for students does not mean waiving the essential learning outcomes of your course(s). These are the indispensable academic requirements, without which, the very nature of the course would be fundamentally altered. It is better to defer an essential requirement than to waive it altogether.

Consultation about Disability-related Concerns

If you are asked to provide an accommodation that might jeopardize the integrity of your course, or you are not sure about what to do, consult with Student Accessibility Services. You may ask the student for the name of their SAS Advisor, and explain that you would like to consult with their Advisor to ensure you are following the appropriate protocol.

Resources & Contact Information

Digital Accessibility Resource Centre (DARC) [4] can help support instructors in the creation of accessible digital content.
Alternate format material: Library Accessibility Services [6]
Universal Instructional Design [7]
Student Accessibility Services:
- General Inquiries: sas@uoguelph.ca [8] or ext. 56208
- If you are sending a notification to your class about changes via email, please cc sas.notice@uoguelph.ca [9].