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Accessible Palomar, Newsletter Number 3 (September 12, 2025)

Accessible Palomar logo featuring a stylized lowercase 'a' in blue and 'p' in red joined together, encircled by a partial grey ring. The words 'Accessible' in blue and 'PALOMAR' in red are placed to the left of the letters.

Number of days till the compliance due date of April 24th, 2026: 224 days

Accessible Palomar 

Dear Colleagues,  

We are now 224 days from our Accessible Palomar due date.  Welcome to our Accessible Palomar newsletter. WebAIM is offering a free virtual accessibility conference on September 16-17, 2025. The conference runs from 9:15 AM to 2:00 PM PST each day and covers essential topics in accessibility.  

Please visit the WebAIM Conference Website for further information and to register. 

Accessibility in Action: Email Signatures 

An accessible email signature is important because it ensures that all recipients, including those using screen readers or other assistive technologies, can understand and interact with your contact information and branding. This promotes inclusivity, professionalism, and compliance with accessibility standards. We encourage you to utilize the ​Folder icon Accessible Palomar Logos and Alt-text Guide to add to your email signature. 

Since Microsoft products work differently depending on the device used and way one accesses the product, rather than provide step by step guidance, please find guidance from Microsoft on creating and adding an email signature appropriate to your usage of Outlook.  

Accessibility Habit:  Use Proper Headings 

Why It’s Important to Use Headings? Headings aren’t just a way to make text look bigger or bolder. They provide structure, organization, and accessibility to your documents, presentations, and web pages. Using proper heading styles benefits everyone, especially readers using assistive technology like screen readers. 

  • Headings Create Clear Structure 
    • When you apply heading styles, you are building a logical outline of your content. This helps readers: 
      • Scan quickly to find the information they need. 
      • Understand hierarchy (what’s most important vs. supporting details). 
      • Follow the flow of your ideas more easily. 
    • Example of Structure in Action 
      • Heading 1: Title of the document or main topic 
      • Heading 2: Major sections (like chapters or key points) 
      • Heading 3: Subsections or supporting details under each section 
      • Heading 4: More specific points, examples, or notes 
    • This structured approach ensures that content is consistent and predictable for all readers. 
  • Headings Improve Accessibility 
    • Screen readers use headings to allow users to jump quickly between sections without reading the entire document. Without headings, people relying on assistive technology may be forced to navigate line by line. 
    • Benefits for Accessibility 
      • Allows skimming by section rather than reading every word. 
      • Provides context for where the reader is in the document. 
      • Makes information usable for everyone, not just those without disabilities. 
  • Headings Support Good Design Practices 
    • Beyond accessibility, headings make content more visually appealing and professional. They: 
    • Break up long blocks of text. 
    • Guide the eye with visual hierarchy. 
    • Create consistency across pages, slides, and documents. 
  • Learn more about Headings: 

Upcoming PD Workshops 

Here’s a list of the accessibility centered PD Workshops available the next two weeks: 

  • Monday, September 15, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, Cultivating Accessible Design Habits for an Inclusive Digital World, Kelly Falcone, Zoom 
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 2:30–3:30 PM, Accessibility in the Digital Space: What About PDFs?, Kelly Helming, Zoom 
  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 4:00–5:00 PM, Video Captioning: Tools, Workarounds, and Tips, Kelly Falcone, HyFlex 
  • Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, Maximizing Canvas Course Accessibility with Pope Tech, Chris Norcross, Zoom 
  • Monday, September 22, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, Cultivating Accessible Design Habits for an Inclusive Digital World, Kelly Falcone, Zoom 
  • Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 1:00–2:00 PM, CVC-OEI Course Design Showcase, Tanessa Sanchez, HyFlex 
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM, From Template to Teaching: Designing Quality Online Courses using Palomar Canvas Course Templates, Kelly Falcone, HyFlex 
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 7:00–8:00 AM, Maximizing Canvas Course Accessibility with Pope Tech, Shay Phillips, Zoom 

Your Support Team

We are here to help:

  • Academic Technology Resource Center (ATRC) Get Help from ATRC Make an appointment with ATRC
  • Distance Education Drop-In with Kelly Falcone and Tanessa Sanchez: 
    • Tuesdays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (EDGE and HyFlex) 
  • DE Office Hours with Tanessa Sanchez:
  • Instructional Design Office Hours with Alyssa Vafaei: 
  • Instructional Design Office Hours with Kelly Falcone: 

Resources and Training 

We hope the following resources are helpful to support your accessible journey: 

Accessibility Statement:  We are committed to creating accessible content and have tried to make this email newsletter accessible.  If you experience any barriers accessing or using this email, please let us know so we can do better. 

Accessible Palomar, Newsletter Number 2 (September 2, 2025)

Accessible Palomar logo featuring a stylized lowercase 'a' in blue and 'p' in red joined together, encircled by a partial grey ring. The words 'Accessible' in blue and 'PALOMAR' in red are placed to the left of the letters.

Number of days till the compliance due date of April 24th, 2026: 234 days

Accessible Palomar 

Dear Colleagues, 

During our recent All College Day session, VP Recalde had an opportunity to unveil our new Accessible Palomar branding.  In a future installment, the approved logos will be included for your use. Adding it to your email signature will serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to make all facets of Palomar College accessible.

What is Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act? 

Title II of the ADA requires that all public entities ensure that their services, programs, and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.  The updated regulations provide clarification that this responsibility extends to services, programs, and activities offered online and through mobile applications.  Additional information on the updated Title II regulations and who it applies to can be found on the New Rule on Accessible Web Content and Mobile App fact sheet. 

How do the changes to Title II of the ADA impact Palomar College and me? 

Palomar College is a public institution and therefore falls under the purview of Title II of the ADA.  Compliance with federal accessibility law is required.  Title II of the ADA applies not only to physical spaces, course content, resources, and materials, but also applies to the digital environment.  All digital content, including websites, Canvas, electronic course materials, and even social media posts must be accessible by April 24, 2026. If you are responsible for creating or hosting any digital content, you have a direct responsibility to ensure that these resources are accessible by this date. At this point in time the deadline is 234 days away. 

How can we ensure that we are complying with the updated Title II regulations by April 24th, 2026, when I feel like I do not know anything about accessibility?

Accessibility has always been a shared responsibility and some of the practices that you engage in now are likely already contributing to an accessible environment.  Palomar College offers a number of PD Workshops every year to support accessible content creation. Currently Kelly Falcone is offering a weekly workshop titled “Cultivating Accessible Design Habits for an Inclusive Digital World,” held every Monday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (register via the PD Portal).  If you cannot make it on Mondays, Kelly will offer this workshop by request on another day/time and will also offer it for specific departments or programs.  Additional workshop offerings will be released soon, so keep a look out.  

Would you rather learn on your own time? The California Community College (CCC) Accessibility Center is sponsoring an upcoming cohort of the WebAIM Accessible Document Training.  This independent study course covers several aspects of accessible document creation and is currently being offered at no cost.

Your Support Team

We are here to help:

  • Academic Technology Resource Center (ATRC) Get Help from ATRC Make an appointment with ATRC
  • Distance Education Drop-In with Kelly Falcone and Tanessa Sanchez: 
    • Tuesdays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (EDGE and HyFlex) 
  • DE Office Hours with Tanessa Sanchez:
  • Instructional Design Office Hours with Alyssa Vafaei: 
  • Instructional Design Office Hours with Kelly Falcone: 

Resources

We hope the following resources are helpful to support your accessible journey:

As we collectively work to create a fully Accessible Palomar, we will continue to update you with helpful tips, information, and resources to support you in your work to create accessible content.  Additionally, we would like to encourage you to check out our Digital Accessibility Hub to keep informed about upcoming PD Workshops, updates about our accessibility journey, and to view previous communications pertaining to accessibility and Title II.    

We look forward to partnering with you as we work to create an Accessible Palomar.  

Accessibility Statement:  We are committed to creating accessible content and have tried to make this email newsletter accessible.  If you experience any barriers accessing or using this email, please let us know so we can do better. 

Flex Week Digital Accessibility Workshops (August 15, 2025)   

Monday, August 18th 

9:00am – 10:00am: Cultivating Accessible Design Habits for an Inclusive Digital World 

Have you ever considered how your design habits in Word documents, PowerPoints, or Canvas pages were formed? While these habits may feel second nature, they often unintentionally create barriers for others. This workshop is your opportunity to break free from those old habits and cultivate new, accessible design practices. By learning how to design with inclusivity in mind, you will be taking a crucial step toward creating a digital learning environment where everyone can thrive. Join us to make accessibility an integral part of your design process, ensuring that no one is left out.  

10:15am – 11:15am: Learn by Doing: How to Create Accessible Word and PowerPoint Files 

This hands-on workshop offers a step-by-step walkthrough of how to create accessible Microsoft Word documents and PowerPoint presentations. Participants will be invited to follow along on their own computers while exploring tools and strategies for accessible formatting and design. Topics include, but are not limited to, headings, links, slide layouts, alt text, and color choices. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating existing files, you will leave with practical skills to make your materials usable for everyone. 

10:15am – 11:15am: Canvas Course Cleanup 

This workshop will walk faculty through the process of clearing out unused content from your Canvas course, to minimize the amount of stray content. This is particularly important to do prior to fixing the accessibility of your content, so you do not waste time reviewing content you no longer actually use. 

  • Presenter: David Gray, ATRC 
  • Modality: Zoom 
  • Register for Canvas Course Cleanup 
  • This workshop is also being offered on 8/19 from 11:30am – 12:30pm. 
  • Target Audience: All Faculty & Staff who utilize Canvas

10:15am – 11:15am: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

11:30am – 12:30pm: The Accessible Course Syllabus 

The Accessible Course Syllabus workshop will guide instructional faculty in re-thinking common syllabus terminology and course policies that may make them personally liable for disability discrimination. Learn to develop inclusive language and policies that welcome all students and attempt to defend against discrimination lawsuits. Have a syllabus to edit in real-time if you are a hands-on learner. 

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Applying Universal Design for Learning to the Classroom 

One size does not fit all. Learn how we can proactively design courses, services, and interactions that welcome and support all learners. We will explore the core principles of UDL and how small shifts in practice can create more inclusive, flexible, and engaging learning environments. You will leave with practical tools, reflection prompts, and the inspiration to take your next step toward educational equity. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: #AccessibleSocialMedia 

Did you know all Palomar College affiliated social media accounts must follow ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements by April 24, 2026? This workshop will review how to do the basics and review why platform auto-captions do not count as accessible, why BOTH alt-text and image/video descriptions are required, and how to make those hashtags readable to all users. Primarily focusing on META platforms, with resources for TT, X, LinkedIn, and BSKY. 

  • Presenter: Alyssa Vafaei, Instructional Designer/Accessibility Specialist 
  • Modality: Zoom 
  • Register for #AccessibleSocialMedia 
  • This workshop is also being offered on 8/21 from 10:15am – 11:15am. 
  • Target Audience: All Employees & Students who create social media content for Palomar-affiliated accounts 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

3:30pm – 4:30pm: Maximizing Canvas Course Accessibility with Pope Tech 

Make your courses more accessible with ease using Pope Tech’s powerful accessibility tools. In this workshop, you will explore the two key features available in Canvas: The Pope Tech Dashboard and the Pope Tech Guide. Learn how these tools identify accessibility gaps and guide you step-by-step to improve your course materials. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of how to use Pope Tech effectively and gain best practices for creating an inclusive learning environment. 

Tuesday, August 19th 

9:00am – 10:00am: CVC-OEI Course Design Showcase 

Showcasing faculty work while introducing the CVC-OEI Course Design Rubric, California’s standard for high-quality online instruction. We will explore the rubric’s four key areas and discuss simple, practical ways to align existing courses. 

9:00am – 10:00am: Transfer Zoom Recordings to Canvas Studio 

See a demonstration of how to move your Zoom recordings to Canvas Studio. 

10:15am – 11:15am: The Basics of TechConnect Cloud 

Learn how to use TechConnect Cloud to host, organize, and share media for your courses. This session covers account setup, uploading and linking videos, creating folders and playlists, sharing content, and submitting videos for captioning. We will also cover Canvas integration and emphasize how to move recordings from TechConnect Zoom to TechConnect Cloud. 

10:15am – 11:15am: Demystifying POCR 

Learn what reviewers look for, how to conduct a self-review using the CVC-OEI Course Design Rubric, and the steps to submit your course for local or statewide review. We will also highlight the resources, examples, and personalized support available through Palomar’s POCR (Peer Online Course Review) team to guide you through the process. 

  • Presenter: Tanessa Sanchez, DE Coordinator 
  • Modality: Zoom 
  • Register for Demystifying POCR 
  • Target Audience: All Online & Hybrid Instructional Faculty 

10:15am – 11:15am: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

11:30am – 12:30pm: Caption & Transcript Services Available to Palomar 

Discover how CCC TechConnect can improve the accessibility of your educational content. This session offers an overview of our services, including direct captioning and transcription through the DECT Grant. We will explain each option to help you choose the best fit for your needs. Learn how Palomar College can make the most of these valuable resources. 

11:30am – 12:30pm: Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) 

Making RSI Meaningful in Canvas Participants will explore the requirements of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) as outlined in Title II regulations. Learn what qualifies as RSI, why it is essential for federal compliance, and how to integrate meaningful instructor-student interaction into your online and hybrid courses. 

11:30am – 12:30pm: Canvas Course Cleanup 

This workshop will walk faculty through the process of clearing out unused content from your Canvas course, to minimize the amount of stray content. This is particularly important to do prior to fixing the accessibility of your content, so you do not waste time reviewing content you no longer actually use. 

  • Presenter: David Gray, ATRC 
  • Modality: Zoom 
  • Register for Canvas Course Cleanup 
  • This workshop is also being offered on 8/18 from 10:15am – 11:15am. 
  • Target Audience: All Faculty & Staff who utilize Canvas 

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Video Captioning: Tools, Workarounds, and Tips 

Captioning videos can be time-consuming, but the right tools and tips can make the process more manageable. In this workshop we will explore multiple ways to add captions to instructional videos you create and obtain captions for videos you do not own. Participants will learn practical strategies using commonly available tools and have the opportunity to share what has worked in their own teaching. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: Humanizing the Online Learning Experience 

Learn to build authentic connections with students, foster empathy, and create a strong sense of instructor presence in virtual classrooms with small, intentional design choices and communication practices. Help transform your online or hybrid course into a more inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment. Perfect for faculty looking to strengthen student engagement and success through a more human-centered approach to teaching online. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

3:30pm – 4:30pm: From Template to Teaching: Designing Quality Online Courses using Palomar Canvas Course Templates 

In this hands-on session, you will follow along as we create a Canvas course shell, import one of Palomar’s course templates, and begin customizing it with your own content. We will explore the structure of the template, explain the purpose behind key design elements, and show how it supports alignment with the CVC Course Design Rubric. Whether you are building a new course or improving an existing one, this workshop will help you design with clarity, consistency, and student success in mind. 

Wednesday, August 20th 

9:00am – 1:00pm: Small Changes, Big Impact: Creating Accessible Learning & Service Spaces 

Accessibility is about people, not just checklists. In this engaging workshop, we will explore how thoughtful design can foster equity and inclusion. Together, we will reflect on student experiences, learn how to apply UDL principles, and build accessible habits that make a difference. Leave with practical tools, a deeper understanding of our students, and a plan for taking your next steps toward access for all. *This is a single 4-hour training session designed to be completed in its entirety. 

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Make Your Assignments Transparent and Equitable 

Want to enhance student confidence, belonging and achievement? Transparent and equitable assignments can help you do so through: 1. Defining the assignment purpose to connect with student life goals. 2. Elaborating the assignment task with a specific sequence of clearly defined steps. 3. Providing criteria for success. 4. Timely and welcoming communication. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

Thursday, August 21st 

9:00am – 10:00am: Getting Started with WordPress 

Ready to create a website without technical complexity? Discover how Palomar College’s WordPress platform makes building and managing your website straightforward and accessible. 

9:00am – 10:00am: Transfer Zoom Recordings to Canvas Studio 

See a demonstration of how to move your Zoom recordings to Canvas Studio. 

10:15am – 11:15am: #AccessibleSocialMedia 

Did you know all Palomar College affiliated social media accounts must follow ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements by April 24, 2026? This workshop will review how to do the basics and review why platform auto-captions do not count as accessible, why BOTH alt-text and image/video descriptions are required, and how to make those hashtags readable to all users. Primarily focusing on META platforms, with resources for TT, X, LinkedIn, and BSKY. 

  • Presenter: Alyssa Vafaei, Instructional Designer/Accessibility Specialist 
  • Modality: Zoom 
  • Register for #AccessibleSocialMedia 
  • This workshop is also being offered on 8/18 from 2:15pm – 3:15pm. 
  • Target Audience: All Employees & Students who create social media content for Palomar-affiliated accounts 

10:15am – 11:15am: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

11:30am – 12:30pm: Digital Accessibility is Everyone’s Job: Here’s How to Do Yours Without Getting Sued 

The deadline is approaching—and digital accessibility is not just for IS or instructors anymore. Whether you create flyers, manage web pages, upload documents, or send emails, you play a part in making our campus accessible to all. In this fast-paced, practical session, we will break down what ADA Title II requires, what “accessible” really means, and how you can confidently do your part (without needing to be a tech expert). You will leave with clarity, tools, and maybe even peace of mind. Let us future-proof our work—together. 

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Don’t Hit Send Just Yet: Is Your Email Accessible? 

Every email you send has the potential to include or exclude your target audience. In this hands-on session, learn how to make your Outlook emails more accessible with inclusive subject lines, clear message structure, and accessible signatures. Walk away with practical tips to create equitable communication, one message at a time. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: New Accessibility Resources for Palomar Website Administrators 

Do you manage a Palomar College website? If so, please do not miss this opportunity to learn more about new resources to help you learn more about enhancing website accessibility, how to improve your skills in WordPress, steps to take to clean up your website, and more. 

2:15pm – 3:15pm: More Than Free: Teaching on Your Terms with Open Education and OER 

In this introductory workshop, we will explore the core principles of open education, learn what makes a resource “open,” and discover how Open Educational Resources (OER) can support your teaching by giving you greater flexibility and control. Together, we will look at how open resources promote more inclusive, relevant, and responsive learning environments that align with your teaching values. 

3:30pm – 4:30pm: Getting Started with Pressbooks 

Want to save your students hundreds of dollars on textbooks while still providing high-quality course materials? Discover the power of Open Educational Resources (OER) through Palomar’s Pressbooks platform. By learning how to create and adapt open educational materials, you will be taking a crucial step toward making education more accessible and affordable for all students.