Was about to post a bunch of specific things I've done in this situation, but they're all underpinned by this: start by assuming this is something the students find genuinely difficult, not due to laziness or unwillingness.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE
This is brilliant! Awarded at a big uni-wide conference where for the first time I saw automatic captions enabled in all sessions and chairs instructed to do this - something we've been promoting and modelling throughout the Disabled Researchers Network project ☺️ #Impact #1000SmallThings
Organising an event? Build in adequate breaks and PROTECT THE BREAKS. #1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE
Be a cheerleader when others take first steps towards positive change. Everyone needs positive feedback! #1000SmallThings
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: If you're giving a presentation, explicitly ask the audience to let you know (wave, etc) if you're doing something that's inaccessible to them, or you're inaudible.
And while we're camera use: do you really NEED cameras on?
I know it's nice to see (hopefully) engaged, responsive faces. But if it's a preference rather than a requirement, make sure people know.
#1000SmallThings
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE (online events/meetings):
Clarify the expectations for camera use and how to contribute at the start, and put it in the Chat box.
e.g.
"cameras on if possible"
"use the raise hand button"
"just speak if you want to contribute"
Brought to you by "I turned up at what I thought was a lecture, and had to do interactive group work for an hour." Interactive events are GREAT but they are spoon-intensive. Let people know up front so they can make an informed choice.
#1000SmallThings
If you're running a workshop, symposium, or other vaguely-titled event, let attendees know what will be expected of them IN ADVANCE, and if it's longer than 1.5 hours, provide a schedule IN ADVANCE.
#1000SmallThings
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: be aware that sometimes, you need the stick, as well as the carrot.
Great example of an easy, virtually cost free reasonable adjustment here #1000SmallThings
Share your teaching materials with people on precarious contracts
#1000SmallThings
Is your assessment due in just after a reading week that lines up with half term? Remember that student parents may have LESS time than in a teaching week.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE
Use all your annual leave, and don't work during it.
#1000SmallThings
"Can you unblock/unlock the accessible door please."
[With surprise] "Why?"
Helping people understand why this approach is problematic is one of the biggest things we can do for accessibility.
#1000SmallThings
Another thing to check and report! #1000SmallThings
Adding: revolving doors (even the large automated ones) are not accessible for a number of groups. Most obviously wheelchair users, but also visually impaired people (especially cane users and those with guide dogs) and anyone who wobbles or moves slowly.
#1000SmallThings
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE, disability ally edition:
Check/use the accessible entrance when you go in to a building. Is it broken? Locked? Blocked by a display board? Complain to the appropriate person.
Rinse and repeat.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: Visit the teaching room BEFORE the first class. Will it work for that specific group of students?
e.g.
-enough room for wheelchair users to pass through?
-only one small lift to that part of building?
-bright light/dim projector combo?
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE [academic conference edition]: Get (and use) a roving microphone for the Q&A segments,e.g. after keynotes.
If that isn't possible, have the (mic'd) speaker/chair briefly summarise the question before responding.
Be mindful that over-working isn't only an individual choice: it can result in increased expectations for what others should be doing/achieving, and disadvantage those who can't work beyond contracted hours.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE
Yes! Before I had children myself I just didn't get the importance. (A lot of the #1000SmallThings are things I've learned from doing it wrong, tbh.)
Thanks Hannah
😊 hope things are good with you
colleagues too, it took me ages to realise when I was at Lancaster that I, colleagues, and students had up to three different half term weeks between us (and life could have been much simpler as colleagues could cover for each other)
#1000SmallThings is a great thread Ria, thank you for sharing.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: Make a note of term dates, and especially half term, for local schools.
Student parents may be under particular pressures during half term, at the start of the school year, and during (school) exam times.
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: if you use a VLE, do a demo of how to use it, and where to find key resources, in the first class session.
Photograph of door sign with name, department, email and phone contacts, days and time of office hours plus text: "teaching weeks only - email to arrange meetings during reflective weeks/holiday periods" and "Office hours/appointments: if I'm with someone and you've been waiting more than a couple of minutes, please knock so I know that you're waiting!" Also "please wear a face mask when coming into my office, unless you are exempt".
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: If you have drop-in or "office" hours, explain what to do if someone is in with you on your door sign. Here's mine from a couple of years ago:
Put your pronouns in your email signature #1000SmallThings
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: TELL new first year students what they need to bring to sessions - don't assume they know.
e.g. "something to write with, and something to write on"
"A print or electronic copy of the weekly reading"
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: When you're calling on students who have have their hands up (e.g. in an interactive segment of a lecture), use markers other than gender if you don't know student names.
"The person in green at the front" works just as well as "the lady at the front."
#1000SmallThings for a more inclusive HE: Remember that more isn't necessarily better when it comes to assessment feedback; too much can be overwhelming for students.
