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Accessibility

ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty

/əkˌsesəˈbilədē/

Noun

Accessibility is ensuring the ability for everyone, regardless of disability, to have access, use, and benefit from their environment.
 

Building Classrooms Where All Students Can Hear and Engage

Image
Close up of a microphone
Photo Credit

Credit: Microphone by B. Milaylov and licensed for free use by Unsplash. Accessed February 18, 2026.

In an inclusive classroom, all students—regardless of ability—should have equal access to learning. This includes ensuring that students with hearing impairments or communication challenges can fully engage with course content and discussions. Simple strategies to enhance auditory accessibility not only foster a more inclusive environment but also support Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

Supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 

wildflowers

Credit: Wildflowers from Pixabay is licensed under CC0.

Creating an inclusive teaching environment takes effort and dedication. Truly inclusive instructors do more than incorporate a friendly tone; they take responsibility for creating a welcoming environment, develop courses that are inclusive, and “change their teaching based on evidence about practices that support and challenge all students to thrive” (Addy, et al., 2021).