What does an inclusive lecture look like?

• Venue – most lecture theatres and large teaching rooms are accessible, but some students might need additional furniture such as a chair with a back-rest or a small table at the front of a lecture theatre; notetakers or personal assistants may need to be accommodated; you as a lecturer may need a particular environment due to disability.

 

• Consideration of timing of lectures to take account of school drop off and finish; Signers or interpreters for hearing impaired students need regular breaks.

 

• If there is a mic use it – those who are hearing impairment will need it or may be using the associated induction loop; if there are questions use a roving mic or repeat the question.

 

• Linkage from the previous session or to the course.

 

• A paced delivery that allows for notetaking or translation.

 

• Pause for clarification or breaks to review material, react or question.

 

• Recap of the main points.

 

• Link to next session.

 

• Ensure good practice around the use of presentation software (see Inclusive by Design: PowerPoint and Prezzi).

 

• If writing on a flipchart/white board/smart board stop talking when your back is to the group.

 

• Describe demonstrations.

 

• Use clear, clean language that avoids metaphors; explain jargon and use a glossary for technical terms

 

• Recording of lectures should be allowed for a student’s own use.  It is common practice in some universities now to routinely record main lectures to go on the learning platform.

 

• Finish on time to allow everyone to get to their next session.

 

What does an inclusive seminar/tutorial look like?

This of course is very similar to that of an inclusive lecture, but with smaller numbers it is easier to get to know student’s individual needs and ways of working and to check things are going alright.

 

IT suites should be accessible and with relevant software but a student might have specialist assistive software on their own laptop