2021 Higher Education Accessibility Report

Description: Less than three months into 2020, faculty, students, and administrators around the world faced one of the most drastic transitions in the history of education. The sudden shift to remote learning left educators no choice but to adapt face-to-face instruction to an online format, a process that came with a steep learning curve. Many instructors were unable to take a careful, deliberate approach to their online course design. Instead, faculty and students alike migrated to new, virtual classrooms and dealt with the growing pains together. And there were certainly growing pains. Educators faced challenges with unfamiliar technology, adapting their pedagogies, and keeping students engaged. More importantly, they had to figure out how to form meaningful, personal connections with those students through screens. On the other hand, students struggled with Zoom Fatigue, doing their best to stay focused and attentive during classes. Many also faced mental health concerns due to isolation and a