Imagine trying to navigate a digital classroom with limited visibility or engaging with a lecture when you can’t hear the instructor. For many students with disabilities, this is a daily reality. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility in education guarantees that students of all abilities can actively participate in their studies. This not only promotes academic achievement but also nurtures a welcoming and diverse learning environment.
An accessible online learning environment requires practices like providing alternative text for images, organizing content with proper headings, captioning videos, and making documents readable by screen readers. By making these adjustments, students with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments can access the same educational materials as others, promoting equality. When students notice their institution’s dedication to accessibility, it can boost engagement, satisfaction, and retention rates.
In this blog post, I’ll be showing you the importance of accessible design in education, practical steps to make online content accessible in educational settings as well as show you tools, resources and accessible templates that you can use to achieve this.
Click to jump ahead:
- Navigating the legal landscape of digital accessibility in education
- Educational institutions championing accessibility
- Overcoming technological barriers to accessible online learning
- Designing engaging and accessible educational content: Best practices and tools
- Fostering a culture of accessibility in educational institutions
- Maximizing resources for accessible online education
- Maintaining accessibility: Ongoing monitoring and compliance strategies
- Empowering Education Through Accessibility: Take Action with Venngage
- Conclusion: Create accessible learning content with Venngage
Navigating the legal landscape of digital accessibility in education
It’s important to know and keep abreast of what the law says regarding creating accessible content. More than anything, it guides you on what is expected of you as an educator or instructor.
Here are some laws regarding accessibility:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This law includes Title II, which stops public entities like public universities from discriminating based on disability. Title III does the same for private entities, including private universities. Following ADA standards is very crucial in creating accessible online content for educational institutions.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act has Section 504 which bans disability discrimination in programs with federal funding and Section 508 requires federal agencies and those receiving federal funds to make their electronic and information technology accessible.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This law provides services to kids with disabilities and helps with their transition to higher education.
The Assistive Technology Act of 1998
This law supports states in improving assistive technology for people with disabilities, giving them the tools they need for everyday life and learning.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996
The telecommunications act ensures that telecommunications equipment and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, making sure everyone can communicate easily.
But keeping up with accessibility standards, especially as they’re evolving, can be quite challenging. So, how do you bridge this gap?
Here are some things to note as regards this:
- Accessibility rules vary by region, which can make it tricky to figure out and keep up with. Keeping up with different regulations can take a lot of time and effort, sometimes requiring special knowledge on top of it all.
- Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different disabilities have different needs, making it tricky to create something that works for everyone.
- Getting feedback from users with disabilities is super important, but it takes time, dedicated resources and effort.
To help you understand this better, I’ll show you some institutions that faced legal challenges due to accessibility constraints, from the oldest case to the newest.
Boston University, 1997
In 1997, students with learning disabilities filed a lawsuit against Boston University. The lawsuit focused on the failure of the University at providing adequate facilities to accommodate the needs of special education, which was described as discrimination.
This act of the university violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal financial assistance. The court, of course, ruled in the favor of the student, further driving home the need for inclusion and accessible education by all.
The University of Texas, 2004
The University of Texas in 2004 was slammed by a lawsuit filed by a student living with disability. The student claimed that the university violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as support services and academic adjustments, which in turn hindered the student’s ability to succeed academically. The student won the case and the court again highlighted the need to strictly observe and follow the legal provisions contained in Section 504 and the ADA, thereby ensuring equal and accessible education.
Harvard University and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2015
Harvard University and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2015 were sued by the National Federation of the Blind for violating the laws in Section 504 and ADA. Both cases are similar, as the complainants argued that both universities failed to provide online content that was accessible. For both universities, their online videos and learning materials lacked captions and other accessibility features, making it difficult for students with disabilities to study them.
Florida State University (FSU), 2016 & 2019
The 2016 case between Florida State University (FSU) and the National Federation of the Blind is also similar to Harvard and Massachusetts. This lawsuit claimed that FSU’s online learning platforms and course materials lacked accessible tools, such as screen reader compatibility and Braille materials, making it difficult for blind students. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the university was found guilty of discrimination.
In 2019 as well, FSU was faced with yet another lawsuit served by the United States of America, for violating Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A repetition of their past mistake it seemed.
Educational institutions championing accessibility
I will show you some institutions that have implemented accessibility in their learning and are succeeding at it. This is to show you that accessibility and inclusion are possible.
University of California, Berkeley
First on the list is the University of California, Berkeley, which is one of the pioneers of accessibility in higher education. Over time, they trained their teachers and staff to make things easier for everyone. Plus, they added captions to videos and made sure their websites are user-friendly for people with disabilities. They even have a special program to help students who need extra support. Talk about an institution that is inclusive!
Harvard University
Next is Harvard University, which we can say, learned the hard way. The lawsuit was a wake-up call, but they turned things around. Now, they’re all about captions for videos, making sure their websites follow accessibility rules and teaching their staff how to make things accessible.
Gallaudet University
The third institution is Gallaudet University, the premier institution for the deaf and hard of hearing, which naturally prioritizes accessibility. They use lots of visuals to teach and have people who can sign to help out. Their goal is to make everything accessible for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Florida State University (FSU)
Despite their two lawsuits, Florida State University (FSU), has made strides in ensuring accessibility by providing resources like accessible textbooks and materials, assistive technologies and comprehensive support services. Also, they’re focused on designing things so everyone can use them from the start.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a big name in the tech world and they have undertaken significant efforts to improve accessibility, especially in response to legal actions following their 2015 lawsuit. They’re committed to captioning their extensive library of online courses and ensuring that digital platforms are accessible to all learners. They also provide resources and training for faculty to create accessible content.
These institutions serve as examples of how effective accessibility strategies can be implemented to create a more inclusive educational environment for all students.
Overcoming technological barriers to accessible online learning
A major roadblock in online learning accessibility is incompatibility between Learning Management Systems (LMS) and accessibility tools. This creates barriers for students with disabilities who rely on these tools to access course materials alongside their peers.
Many educational technology platforms lack built-in accessibility features. This makes creating accessible content for all learners difficult, often requiring additional effort and creative solutions to ensure inclusivity.
Assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software are crucial for students with disabilities. It can change the whole trajectory of their learning experience, so it is important for educational institutions to ensure these are available. This creates inclusivity amongst all students, bridging the accessibility gap.
Digital signage for education can also play a significant role in overcoming these barriers by providing clear, accessible communication across campuses, making it easier for all students to stay informed and engaged
Designing engaging and accessible educational content: Best practices and tools
Creating accessible online content involves a combination of thoughtful design, appropriate use of technology, and a commitment to inclusivity. There are some practices that you can implement as an educational institution to ensure accessibility.
These practices follow the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which seeks to make learning accessible and effective for all students. It provides multiple ways for students to learn (seeing, hearing, doing), express themselves (writing, drawing, talking) and stay motivated (interactive activities, different materials).
Let’s look at some best practices and tools to create content that meets these criteria.
Alternative text for images
Write descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all images so that screen readers can describe them to visually impaired students. For example, for an historical site image, the alt text could be “Pyramids of Giza.” Adobe Photoshop and WordPress offer options to add alt text to images.
Proper headings and structure
Use appropriate HTML heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure content logically. H1 for the main title, H2 for section headings, and H3 for subsections. This way, students can quickly locate the information they need, enhancing the overall user experience. Google Docs allows you to format text with proper headings easily.
Caption videos
Ensure that all videos have appropriate descriptive captions to help students who are deaf or hard of hearing. YouTube and Vimeo have tools that help you automatically generate, add or edit captions or you can manually add them if you wish.
Make documents screen reader-compatible
Format your online content documents so that screen readers can easily interpret the text. Use simple fonts, avoid complex layouts, and include descriptive headings. With Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word, you can find features to enhance document accessibility.
Create interactive infographics
Combine visuals with data to create engaging and informative content that is easily accessible. With Venngage’s user-friendly tools and customizable accessible templates, you can create infographics and educational materials that meet accessibility standards.
Use high-contrast colors
Use text and background colors that have high contrast, making it easy to read by students with visual impairments. For example, black text on a white background or yellow text on a blue background works just well. A color contrast checker tool can help you choose color combinations that meet accessibility standards, like WebAIM Contrast Checker
Offer multiple formats
Offer your content in various formats (text, audio, video) to cater to different learning needs. A lecture could be available as a video, an audio recording, and a transcript. Panopto and VoiceThread are some tools that enable recording and sharing of lectures in multiple formats.
Balancing engaging and accessible content can be tricky. You want your materials to be interesting and interactive, but also ensure that they meet accessibility standards so that all students can benefit from them.
Fostering a culture of accessibility in educational institutions
Moving towards a more accessible learning environment can feel like a big shift for some educational institutions. Maybe it’s unfamiliar territory, or there’s a fear of the unknown. But remember, accessibility is all about creating an inclusive space where everyone can learn and thrive.
One of the many fears, sometimes, could be that educators might not be fully aware of the specific needs of students with disabilities, or how to make learning materials accessible. That’s totally understandable. By providing training and workshops on accessibility best practices, educational institutions can better equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive learning experiences for all.
So, how do we break down these barriers and create a true culture of accessibility? As an educational institution:
- Encourage communication. Give students the chance to voice their needs and preferences.
- Promote accessibility resources within the institution and celebrate success stories of inclusive learning. By working together, we can build a learning environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
- Create student groups or specific staff members to become accessibility advocates. They can raise awareness, answer questions and champion accessibility initiatives.
- Organize workshops or events focused on accessibility in a fun and interactive way. This can raise and foster accessibility awareness, break down stigmas and get everyone involved.
With the right tools and resources, accessibility doesn’t have to be daunting. Start today by using tools and resources that offer accessible templates and design features, which will empower educators to easily create inclusive content.
Maximizing resources for accessible online education
Like I said earlier, many educational technology platforms lack built-in accessibility features. Getting on the accessible side as an educational body will most likely cost more money to get tools and resources that promote accessibility. This can feel like a financial burden sometimes.
However, where there is a will, there is a way. So, let’s see how you can make accessibility work with a tight financial budget or staff capacity. By combining these strategies with tools like Venngage (check out the last section), you can create a more inclusive learning environment without breaking the bank as an institution.
Cross-institutional collaboration
Maximize the power of cross-institutional collaboration by partnering with other departments or institutions to share resources and expertise. Use platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox to store and share resources. For example, multiple institutions can jointly purchase a license for a high-end captioning tool and share access.
Accessibility grants
Search for grants opportunities or funding programs that support accessibility initiatives in education. These grants can help cover the cost of tools or training for educators in your institution.The United States Department of Education, for example, has a grant program from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) that you can take advantage of.
Workshops and trainings for educators
Organize workshops and online training for teachers focusing on accessibility best practices. These trainings will aim at teaching them how to engage students and use accessible technology and tools.
Accessibility advocates
Also, have students become accessibility advocates. Train student volunteers to provide feedback on course materials and identify potential accessibility barriers.
Create new accessible content
Ensure that all new content is accessible from the beginning. This proactive approach will save you time and resources in the long run and streamline your accessibility efforts.
Maximize free online resources
Free online tools like Venngage provide a platform where you can create free visuals and infographics that are accessible, so you incorporate accessibility in the content creation process itself.
Maintaining accessibility: Ongoing monitoring and compliance strategies
Accessibility is a journey, not a destination. And as there are constant changes in technology and accessibility needs, there is the need for continuous improvement. Accessibility content and laws can change over time. So, monitoring and updating your institution’s accessible content is important.
To stay updated with your accessibility game, there are tools and practices that you can use. Automated checkers that scan your online content for accessibility issues are a great option to start with. You can also get people with disabilities to test your content and provide their feedback. The main goal of this exercise is to be sure your content is accessible for everybody.
With Venngage and the accessibility features we offer, you can create accessible content from scratch and even check your accessibility compliance over time with our inbuilt accessibility checker. Let’s see how you can achieve this in the next section.
Empowering education through accessibility: Take action with Venngage
Creating a classroom where everyone can learn and shine isn’t always a walk in the park. There are lots of things to think about, like making sure materials work for students with different needs and keeping up with all the rules and tech stuff.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Tools like Venngage can make this whole accessibility thing a lot easier. Remember, the main goal is creating online content with infographics that are diverse and inclusive. On the Venngage infographics homepage, you will find tons of accessible templates that you can customize to your taste, easily with no design experience needed.
At Venngage, we understand how accessibility works and how challenging it can be, particularly in education. This is why we have the accessible templates that do everything accessibility. With Venngage, forget the hassle of writing alt text and tags. Our AI generated feature automatically adds these details to your images and visuals which saves you time and makes your content accessible to everyone.
Text tags can be checked for any text within your infographic, how cool is it that they’re automatically added?
With the Accessibility menu, you can easily access and detect any accessibility issue in just one click.
There are three sections that address accessibility in your infographic. This way, you are rest assured to capture and address all the issues that might hinder your students with disabilities from accessing your content and learning.
Conclusion: Create accessible learning content with Venngage
Creating accessible online learning materials and courses or an inclusive learning environment in general can be pretty tough and expensive. There are lots of hurdles to jump over: from knowing the rules, to finding the time and resources to make it happen to even understanding the particular needs of your students.
However, accessibility is very important, especially as an educational institution, if you want to create a more inclusive learning environment. Venngage makes it easier and faster to create learning materials that can be used by every student in your institution.
With Venngage, you can be sure to create content that makes it easy for students with disabilities to access and learn just like everyone else. Get started with Venngage today and create more accessible online content for your institution today!
