Feb 22, 2025
Accessibility & Inclusion
Accessibility in online education isn't just a legal requirement—it's an educational imperative that benefits all learners. When courses are designed with accessibility in mind from the beginning, they become more usable, flexible, and effective for everyone, regardless of ability.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
The Universal Design for Learning framework provides a blueprint for creating courses that accommodate diverse learning needs. By offering multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression, UDL-based courses give all students options for how they access and interact with content. This might mean providing text transcripts for videos, allowing various formats for assignment submissions, or offering different pathways through course material.
Text and Document Accessibility
Digital text should be properly structured with headings, lists, and meaningful link text. PDF documents must be properly tagged to work with screen readers, and all documents should use sufficient color contrast, readable fonts, and clear layouts. Tables need proper headers and simple structures to be accessible to assistive technologies.
Multimedia Accessibility
Videos must include accurate captions, while audio content requires transcripts. Complex visuals like charts and diagrams need clear alt text that conveys their meaning and purpose, not just their appearance. For live sessions, consider providing real-time captioning and recording the session for those who cannot attend synchronously.
Navigation and Interaction Accessibility
Course navigation should be consistent, logical, and operable by keyboard alone. Interactive elements like quizzes and simulations must be compatible with assistive technologies and provide clear instructions and feedback. Time limits should be adjustable or removable to accommodate different processing speeds.