What is Accessibility in Learning?
When we say "accessibility," we mean ensuring that EVERYONE, regardless of their unique abilities, can access and benefit from educational content and resources. It's about tearing down barriers and making learning an inclusive, welcoming party that nobody wants to miss. Here's why it matters so much:
Unlocking Potential
Imagine holding the key to a treasure chest of knowledge. Now picture if that chest was locked, and only some people had the key. Accessible design unlocks that chest for everyone. It's about giving each individual the opportunity to shine and realize their full potential.
Compliance with the Law
Many regions have laws in place to enforce accessibility standards in education. Complying isn't just about following rules; it's about doing the right thing for the people you're here to serve.
Diverse Learning
We all learn and understand things differently. Accessibility ensures that materials are available in various formats, making it easier for everyone to find their unique path to understanding.
Inclusivity
In a world as wonderfully diverse as ours, it's crucial that education is a welcoming space for all. It's not just a privilege for a few; it's a right for everyone.
Building Empathy
By embracing accessibility, you're not just changing the educational landscape; you're fostering empathy and understanding. You're teaching students that differences are to be celebrated, not shunned.
Accessibility Standards
Many countries and provinces/states will have some type of accessibility standard to ensure people with disabilities are treated fairly. Many of these standards are things we may take for granted. For example, including ramps leading up to buildings and along sidewalks increased in popularity after WWII when veterans returned home with mobility injuries. Ramps are integral for anyone who uses a mobility device, but many non-disabled people benefit from ramps too.
In learning and instructional accessibility design, the accessibility standards help to give equitable access to the learning environment. For example, most standards will require captions for audio and video presentations.
Some of the common accessibility standards include:
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WCAG
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Accessible Canada Act
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Americans with Disabilities Act
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AODA
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Section 508
What Can You Do?
Start by making accessibility a core part of your educational journey. This means:
Universal Design
Create your materials with accessibility in mind from the get-go. Make it a habit, not an afterthought.
Diverse Resources
Offer a range of materials: written, spoken, visual, and interactive. This way, everyone can find what works best for them.
Training and Awareness
Educate yourself and others on accessibility best practices. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make a difference.
What Can We Do For You?
This may all feel like a lot to think about. While accessibility is vital, many people simply don’t have the knowledge or time to make all of their learning materials accessible. It is absolutely a skill set that needs to be continuously developed. The good news is that all of us at The Learning Designers are trained and certified in developing accessible educational materials.
We can take on your existing or new learning experience project and check it for accessibility and remediate anything that isn’t currently accessible.
Course and Material Review and Assessment
We will provide you with a detailed rubric, identifying the gaps in accessibility, the effort and approximate time commitment in remediating them, and the impact on learners.
Accessibility Remediation
Based on a review of your learning materials/course, we can develop a plan and remediate any infractions to ensure your learning experience is compliant and inclusive.
Build an Accessible Learning Experience
All of our new projects will be designed and developed with inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in mind. It’s not an after-thought; we design and develop everything to WCAG AA standards.
The Bottom Line
Accessibility isn't a bonus; it's a fundamental element of education. It's about ensuring that nobody is left behind and that everyone has a chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
So, are you ready to be a part of the accessibility revolution in learning? It's a journey worth embarking on, and the destination is a world where everyone can access the treasures of knowledge. Let's make it happen together!
