A.S.K Learning - training, eLearning, software and consulting.

No Trade-Off For Accessibility

Did you know that in Australia alone, there are 2.2 million people of working age with a disability?

With this in mind, it’s only fitting that we are seeing progressive organisations pave the way to more accessible learning environments workforce-wide.

For a long time now there has been a stigma attached to accessibility in eLearning modules. The expectation was that accessibility meant turning interesting, interactive modules into dull page-turners. Such learning has traditionally been built in XML or HTML in order to easily accommodate assistive technologies and, unfortunately this has created the standard to date. But, all is not lost!

The tide is turning, and it’s all thanks to enhanced Adobe Flash capabilities and an increase in corporate demand for higher quality eLearning for everyone. No longer do organisations have to trade-off interactivity for accessibility.

Here at A.S.K Learning, we’ve been working with an increasing number of clients to develop engaging, interactive Flash-based modules and would like to share some considerations with you if you are thinking about incorporating accessibility in your learning.

So, what’s involved in creating accessible eLearning modules?

Start from the beginning - If it’s an accessible module you need, then your instructional designer should be designing with this in mind from day one of the process. A successful instructional designer always has user experience as the focus.
Become familiar with accessibility standards - Standards such as W3C were written specifically for web design, rather than eLearning design. While the existing standards are a great starting point, take this as an opportunity to review and tailor your own organisational eLearning accessibility standards.
Be familiar with assistive technologies - There are a lot of assistive technologies available, such as JAWS screen readers which assist in making eLearning modules more accessible. Ensure you are familiar with the technologies; how they work; the latest versions; if your learners have preferences; and if you have the capabilities to test them.
Educate on accessibility - Accessibility will affect everybody, so get them involved. Hold information sessions to promote accessibility throughout your organisation and provide ways to make your whole workplace accessible - from the documents you create, to the environment in which you work.

If you would like more information on creating accessible eLearning, please contact your Account Manager or our eLearning teams.