Foregrounding Accessibility Through (Inclusive) Universal Design in Professional Communication Curricula. Issue 1 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hitt, Allison
• Other Names: Oswal Sushil K. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Business and professional communication quarterly. Volume 81:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: accessibility -- universal design -- information design -- professional communication -- pedagogy; Business education -- United States -- Periodicals; Communication in management -- United States -- Periodicals; English language -- Business English -- Periodicals; 658.450715
• DOI: 10.1177/2329490617739884
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-4906

Abstract

Incorporating universal design (UD) both as a topic of discussion and as a pedagogical approach allows business and professional communication instructors to foreground accessibility in ways that acknowledge the rhetorical situatedness of accessibility. This article offers UD strategies that reimagine accessibility not just as a requirement that accommodates users but as an opportunity to create a rich rhetorical user experience for diverse populations. To illustrate how accessibility can be foregrounded in professional communication curricula, this article details the development of an information design course focused on usability and accessibility.