Champions for Accessibility and Inclusivity (CHAI)

Creating excellent learning experiences for each student

We believe that the joy of learning, the freedom to grow, and the benefits of education are fundamental human rights at a university. Accessibility of course materials and Universal Design for Learning is essential for providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all Cal Poly Pomona students.

Faculty who are willing to put in the very personal work to use universal design principles and make their course materials accessible because they believe that all students deserve a fair shot, they are our heroes.

The Champions for Accessibility and Inclusivity project allows us to recognize heroes and help other faculty become heroes. We want to create a network of empathy towards students who benefit from universal design and accessible course materials and towards faculty who provide those materials.

In 2019, the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE) began a new initiative called eLearning Accessibility Champions (EACH), an initiative that would promote the intrinsic values that Cal Poly Pomona embraces.

In 2020, we re-introduced it to the campus as Champions for Accessibility and Inclusivity (CHAI). This name change reflects the ideals of Cal Poly Pomona more fully, not only addressing the different types of accessibility issues, but other barriers to education as well.

CHAI was once again reimagined in 2023, broadening its scope to include holistic course design based on the to support and identify exemplary practices in course delivery.

Toni Davis, Instructional Designer: eadavis@cpp.edu
Richard Feldman, Multimedia Developer: rafeldman@cpp.edu

Supported by the CSU Chancellor’s Office and CAFE, these Champions helped improve the digital accessibility of online courses and supported their peers in fostering inclusive teaching practices.