Universal Design Benefits Everyone

​When materials are created with accessibility in mind, they become easier to read and use for all students, not just those with visual impairments. Universal design principles, like clear fonts, structured layouts, and descriptive headings, improve readability, reduce confusion, and support diverse learning needs. Well-designed, accessible materials can be reused year after year without needing to be recreated, saving you time and effort.

​Accessibility is the Law

Accessibility is not optional; it is a legal requirement under multiple U.S. federal laws:
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II and Title III. Requires that public schools, colleges, and universities provide equal access to programs and services, including instructional materials.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any program receiving federal funding. Schools must provide accessible materials as part of “reasonable accommodations.”
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which includes access to accessible instructional materials tailored to the student’s needs.
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Requires that all electronic and information technology used by federal agencies (and by extension, often schools) be accessible to people with disabilities.
By following accessibility guidelines, schools protect themselves from legal complaints or litigation while ensuring that every learner has equal access to information.

​Consider Both Print and Digital Users

​Accessibility looks different depending on how people engage with materials.
  • Print readers with low vision benefit from large, clear, high-quality text that maintains readability.
  • Screen reader users need digital documents with proper headings, alternative text for images, and accessible formatting so the software can accurately read the content aloud.
By planning for both groups, you make your materials usable for the widest possible audience.

​Future-Proof Your Materials

​Even if your current students don’t need accessible materials, chances are future students, or colleagues, will. When you design with accessibility in mind now, you’re saving yourself from extra work later. Accessible documents, slides, and worksheets remain usable long-term, helping you build a durable library of high-quality resources.

​Avoid Common Pitfalls

​Accessibility can break down when shortcuts are taken. For example:
  • Shrinking content to fit more on a page often makes worksheets unreadable for students with low vision or those using magnification tools.
  • Overly complex layouts or decorative fonts may confuse screen readers or reduce clarity for everyone.
A quick accessibility check before sharing ensures your materials remain clear, legible, and user-friendly.

​Accessibility Extends Beyond Your Classroom

Accessibility isn’t only about your current students. When presenting at conferences or sharing documents with colleagues, you rarely know everyone’s needs. By making your materials accessible from the start, you ensure that all participants, whether in a classroom, staff meeting, or professional setting, can fully benefit from your work.

Resource Access

Instructional articles on this site are open access and do not require an account. Free Members may access select free resources and goal banks.
Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

Full Article List

Guide: Start Here
Tools (VI Basics)
Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
Other Evaluations
Plan: IEP Planning
Plan: Collaboration & Accessibility
​Collaboration Accessible Materials ​Classroom Access Instructional Access Technology Access ​Additional Supports Service Delivery Models  ​
Teach: Compensatory Skills
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development ​Alternative Communication ​Emergent Literacy ​Braille Code
​Beginning Braille ​ Braille Fluency & Comprehension  Writing Braille ​​​Nemeth Code Instruction 
​​​Tactile Graphics ​Print Concepts ​​Abacus  ​​Organization Skills​ ​​Study Skills ​​Time Management
Teach: Sensory Efficiency Skills
​Auditory & Listening Skills ​​Visual Efficiency Skills ​​Optical Device Use ​Tactile Readiness
Teach: Assistive Technology 
AT Overview ​AT Use & Maintenance Braille AT ​iOS Instruction Audio Access​ ​Video Magnifiers ​​​Basic Computer Use Computer Access ​Productivity
Teach: Social Skills
Social Skill Basics​
Non-Verbal Skills​​​​ Verbal Communication Skills Cooperative Skills Identity & Self-Awareness ​Interactions & Relationships Managing Challenges & Safety
Teach: Self Determination
Teach: Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene & Grooming ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation
Household Skills Clothing Management ​Money & Budget Shopping & Consumerism Phone Use ​Safety & Emergency Preparedness ​​Services & Community Resources
Teach: Orientation & Mobility
Teach: Recreation & Leisure
Teach: Career & Vocational
Printables
Free Resources​ Premium Resource Library 
Teaching Strategy Printables 
​Premium Program Printables
​Premium FVLMA Printables
​ECC PrintablesCompensatory Skills Printables
Sensory Efficiency Printables
Assistive Technology Printables
Social Skills Printables
Self Determination Printables
Independent Living Printables
Recreation & Leisure Printables
Career & Vocational Printables
Evelyn Jane Stories 
Learn: Teaching Strategies & Planning
Learn: ​ECC Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall UnitsWinter Units ​​Winter Units ​​Spring UnitsAnytime Units
Learn: ​Interactive Activities
Learn: Recorded Presentations
Learn: Complete Set Bonus ​