Computer Science Accessibility Professional Development for K–8 Teachers
We believe every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science, including students with disabilities. Our work is guided by the POUR accessibility evaluation framework: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
This project is led by the University of Florida’s CS Everyone Center and funded by Google’s Blockly Accessibility Fund. Together with teachers, schools, and partner organizations, we are providing professional development and resources for teachers to analyze, design, and implement the POUR principles and the hardware assessment evaluation framework in their classrooms to make computer science learning accessible for all.
Table of Contents
How This Project Started
This project grew out of UDL4CS (Universal Design for Learning for Computer Science), where teachers came together to design ways of teaching computer science and robotics to all learners, including those with disabilities. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) focuses on making lessons flexible, engaging, and accessible for every learner.
Our focus now is to support teachers through professional development and resources that help them bring accessibility into their classrooms. That means giving teachers frameworks, strategies, and even robots to make computer science activities inclusive and fun.
What We Aim to Do
Frameworks We Use
POUR Framework
The Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust (POUR) Framework is a practical tool to help teachers review, evaluate, and adjust their digital resources and learning materials. It gives teachers a structured way to examine digital materials and spot where access breaks down. Instead of waiting until a student struggles, teachers can use POUR as a lens to evaluate digital resources in advance, ensuring that more learners are included from the beginning.
Perceivable
Information is presented in ways learners can recognize and access.
Operable
Learners can navigate the information with their preferred tools.
Understandable
Learners can easily follow the information from the consistent and predictable design.
Robust
Information presentation works reliably across different platforms and technologies.
Hardware POUR (H-POUR) Framework
H-POUR (Hardware-POUR) reframes the digital accessibility principles of POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust) to evaluate physical interaction, access, engagement, and cognitive effort in hands-on CS learning. It is designed to complement, not replace, digital accessibility standards.
Perceivable
Learners can detect device states, feedback, and outputs through accessible multi-sensory channels.
Operable
Learners can physically manipulate and interact with the device without requiring excessive precision, coordination, strength, or endurance.
Understandable
Learners can predict the effects of their actions and interpret outcomes, even when physical interaction varies.
Robust
The device supports reliable, safe, and sustained use across diverse bodies, tools, and learning environments.
Framework Alignment Matrix
The POUR and H-POUR Frameworks align along four shared principles. Here is how each framework interprets the POUR principles of Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
| Principle | POUR Framework | H-POUR Framework |
Perceivable |
Information is presented in ways learners can recognize and access. | Learners can detect device states, feedback, and outputs through accessible multi-sensory channels. |
|---|---|---|
Operable |
Learners can navigate the information with their preferred tools. | Learners can physically manipulate and interact with the device without requiring excessive precision, coordination, strength, or endurance. |
Understandable |
Learners can easily follow the information from the consistent and predictable design. | Learners can predict the effects of their actions and interpret outcomes, even when physical interaction varies. |
Robust |
Information presentation works reliably across different platforms and technologies. | The device supports reliable, safe, and sustained use across diverse bodies, tools, and learning environments. |
Our Team
Meet the people behind the project
Project Team
Andrew Bennett
Principal Investigator (PI), Doctoral Candidate
Maya Israel, Ph.D.
Co-PI, Director of CS Everyone Center for CS Education & Associate Professor
Dwi Maharrani
Graduate Assistant, Doctoral Student
Leela Kumaran, Ph.D.
Research Coordinator III
Stephany Rodriguez
Research Coordinator I
Michael McKelvey
Web Developer & Accessibility Specialist
Nykema Lindsey
Innovative CS Education Teaching & Learning Specialist
Advisory Team
Luis Pérez, Ph.D.
Stephanie Ludi, Ph.D.
Kiki Protssman
Regina Fugate
Our Partners
We work closely with schools and organizations that share our vision
Major Milestones
- Bennett, A., Maharrani, D., Lindsey, N., & Israel, M. (2026, March 26). Evaluating accessibility with POUR. University of Florida National AI Literacy Days Conference, Gainesville, FL
- Maharranni, D., Bennett, A., Lindsey, N., & Israel, M. (2026, March 26). Developing accessibility self-assessment for computer science teachers (ACCESS) instrument. University of Florida National AI Literacy Days Conference, Gainesville, FL
- Bennett, A. & Israel, M. (2025). Teachers’ POUR Evaluation of Computer Science Technologies (2025). RESPECT 2025: Proceedings of the Research in Equitable and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology. 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1145/3704637.3734774.
- Bennett, A. & Israel, M. (2025, June 4). Professional development for K-5 teachers to tailor the POUR principles to their use cases [Paper presentation]. Google Blockly Summit 2025, Seattle, WA, USA. Video.
- Israel, M., Stefik, A., Fugate, G., & Bennett, A. (2025, May 9). Beyond compliance: Designing accessible tools for dynamic learning [Panel discussion]. Infosys Crossroads Conference 2025, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Accessibility in Computer Science Education
Getting Started with Blockly
Micro:bit Basics
- micro:bit User Guide (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Introduction to micro:bit Promotional YouTube Video (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Classroom
- micro:bit Lessons (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Classroom Resources (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Projects (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Setting Up a micro:bit Classroom YouTube Video (A Byte With Lina)
- micro:bit Classroom Basics Student Portal YouTube Video (A Byte with LIna)
Teaching with Microsoft MakeCode
- Microsoft MakeCode used with micro:bit and Blockly (Microsoft))
- Coding with the micro:bit and MakeCode Platform (Eduporium)
- micro:bit and MakeCode Lessons (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Using Microsoft MakeCode in Your Classroom YouTube Video (EdTech Show with Dan Spada)
- Microsoft MakeCode Features for Teachers (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Microsoft MakeCode FAQs (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Teacher Tip (Microsoft MakeCode)
Accessibility Resources
- Microsoft MakeCode Accessibility (Microsoft MakeCode)
- micro:bit Accessibility (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Full Accessibility Statement (micro:bit Educational Foundation
- micro:bit Python Editor Accessibility (Including Keyboard Shortcuts) (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Python Editor Accessibility Statement
- micro:bit CreateAI Accessibility Statement (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Text-Based Tour (micro:soft Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Tactile Poster
- micro:bit Sign Glossary
Technical Setup & Maintenance
- How to Transfer Programs to micro:bit (Microsoft MakeCode)
- WebUSB for micro:bit and How to Pair (Microsoft MakeCode)
- micro:bit Firmware (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Resetting a micro:bit (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Cleaning the micro:bit (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Organizing and Storing micro:bit (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- Using micro:bit with Mobile Devices (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Safety Information (micro:bit Educational Foundation)
- micro:bit Full Safety Details (micro:bit Educational Foundation)