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University life is characterized by a community of diverse students with varying life experiences. However, their diversity is not always accommodated in the everyday life of studying, as the study and learning conditions only partially consider the individual needs of the students.

Individual needs that may make studying more challenging include:

• Chronic illnesses and/or disabilities (e.g., visual or hearing impairments, neurodiversity, rheumatism)
• Temporary needs (e.g., caregiving responsibilities)
• Situational needs (e.g., exam anxiety, balancing part-time work and studies)

The SHUFFLE Project, which stands for "University Initiative for Digital Accessibility for All," aims to contribute to equitable participation of all students in digital teaching. We follow the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is based on the idea that accessible learning materials and environments benefit all learners. To achieve this:

1. We identify digital barriers.
2. We attempt to reduce these barriers.
3. We raise awareness and provide support to minimize barriers from the outset.

Figure 1: The SHUFFLE Logo

Funded by the "Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre", the SHUFFLE Project is implemented by the University of Education Freiburg, Stuttgart Media University, Bielefeld University, and Heidelberg University of Education. Together, we work to address and implement digital accessibility at all levels of the university. This includes integrating measures at the structural, didactic, and technological levels.

Information on the individual work packages of the project, as well as our previous project results for testing and usage, can be found on our website.

Funded by the "Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre", the SHUFFLE Project is implemented by the University of Education Freiburg, Stuttgart Media University, Bielefeld University, and Heidelberg University of Education. Together, we work to address and implement digital accessibility at all levels of the university. This includes integrating measures at the structural, didactic, and technological levels.

Information on the individual work packages of the project, as well as our previous project results for testing and usage, can be found on our website.

SHUFFLE at the University of Education Freiburg

We...

• Establish two accessible workspaces for digital teaching and e-examinations (in KA003), as well as for self-study (on the ground floor of the university library).
• Provide a learning space for lecturers on ILIAS, which promotes awareness of various needs and supports the creation of accessible learning materials and environments.
• Expand the accessibility of the ILIAS learning platform and develop a testing tool that identifies accessibility errors in ILIAS courses.
• Collaborate with Mr. Erens, the commissioner for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Figure 2: Event series “Breaking down barriers together”

Together with the University of Education Freiburg's Center for Teaching Development, we are organizing the series "Breaking Down Barriers Together". In this series, we aim to explore accessibility at our university from various perspectives and through different formats. By immersing ourselves in these perspectives and experiences, we aim to raise awareness of existing barriers, highlight existing resources, responsibilities, and competencies at the university, and create networking opportunities. Details of each event will be provided in advance of the respective dates. Participation links will be available upon request.

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Digital accessibility at universities - Introducing the SHUFFLE project (in German)

SHUFFLE Projekt
Thursday, 10.10.24
10.15 - 12.00 am (online)

Download link for the presentation slides (in German)

Experience report on studying with a visual disability from a student at the PH Freiburg (in German)

Johanna Recktenwald
Tuesday, 22.10.24
10.15 - 12.00 am (in-person: KG II Room 015 and online)

Download link for the presentation slides (in German)

Barrier-free central contact point - best practice at Bielefeld University and what we can learn from it (in German)

Studying with a disability - how it works... Information, practical examples and tips on compensating for disadvantages & everyday study life for students & teachers

Dr. Ralf Erens - Representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses
Wednesday, 27.11.24
10.15 - 12.00 am (online)

Inclusion-oriented school development - I have a dream (in German)

Vera Kolbe
Thursday, 12.12.24
10.00-12 am (in-person or online)

Barriers to studying for refugees (in German)

Rebecca Hofmann
Thursday, 23.01.25
2.15 - 4.00 pm (in-person or online)

Panel discussion: Barrier-free studying in the area of conflict between aspiration and reality (in German)

Podium: tba.
Moderation: Marion Degenhardt
Tuesday, 28.01.25
2.15-4.00 pm (in-person)

Summer Semester 2024

Lecture "Accessibility at Universities" - A Best Practice Example

Michael Johannfunke
Tuesday, 07.05.24
10-12 a.m. (online)

Download link for the introductory slides (in German)

Download link for the presentation slides (in German)

Student Experience Report

Lukas Wagner
Friday, 07.06.24
10-12 a.m. or 12-2 p.m. (in-person or online)

Download link for the presentation slides (in German)

Barriers in Study and Work - Experience Report from the Counseling Practice of the Office for Gender Equality, Academic Staff Development, and Family Support

Leona Cordi, Anja Bechstein
Wednesday, 03.07.24
10-12 a.m. (online)

Download link for the presentation slides (in German)

Download link for the presentation slides (barrier-free) (in German)

If you notice any barriers on ILIAS, please feel free to contact us directly or use the "Report Barriers" function on ILIAS. We also welcome further feedback, suggestions for improvement, and questions.

Send us an email at shuffle(at)ph-freiburg.de.