Welcome! This page is a roadmap to designing and developing with accessibility features. Principles of universal design are also included in the eLearning artifacts covered. As an instructional designer, I have taken the time to test the learning artifacts with accessibility checks so you can view/download them with confidence and use it as a template. The goal is that you will learn content about accessibility and skills. One of our core values at Marving is being passionate on what we develop. We hope that you too take on accessibility passionately and develop inclusive learning material. Below is the list of artifacts covered in this learning experience.
This is a video with closed captions.
This is a Microsoft 365 Word document created with accessibility features like headings and alt-text.
This is a Microsoft 365 PowerPoint presentation created with accessibility features like headings, alt-text, and experts recommended font size.
This is a Microsoft 365 Word document created with accessibility features like headings, alt-text, and table headers.
This is a web version infographic with full and text versions to support screen readers.
Let's start with the
This video briefly describes the four main types of impairment and disabilities, and it also covers assistive technology. To make the video accessible, I created the video in PowerPoint with a transcript. Then, I uploaded it to YouTube to create the closed captions.
Play Video
other
Below you will find three learning artifacts created in Word and PowerPoint.
The accessible Word document covers a historical timeline of accessibility laws. I employed accessibility features within Word such as headings, a list of dates using the Numbering feature, applied alt-text and table header row.
The PowerPoint presentation covers the similarities and differences among Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning, and Universal Design for Instruction. It is important to note that a master slide was first created to maintain uniformity on the design of the slides, color contrast was tested, appropriate headings were used, correct font size were applied, and alt-text for images were added.
The accessible Rubric was developed to be a tool for self-evaluation and to request feedback from peers. It is a dynamic rubric that can be applied to documents, presentations, and videos for instruction.
A tip to share is to turn on the Check Accessibility feature in Word and PowerPoint from the start, or run it constantly as you design and create your artifacts. This will help you to make sure no accessibility features would be left out.
Simply hover and click on each image below to view and download the artifact for reference or use it as a template.
next is an
Infographic full version
This is a web version infographic that discusses three tools to design learning media. Following the full version is a text only version of the infographic. The infographic was designed with color contrast, headings, and font size that meets accessibility. The three tools reviewed are Adobe Captivate, Microsoft Word, and Storyline 360.
The tool used to create the full version is Piktochart. The decision was made because Piktochart provides embedded code for a seamless integration to your own webpage as is the case here.
Infographic text version
Name of the tool
Adobe Captivate
Description
Adobe Captivate is an eLearning authoring tool used to design instructional material.
Overall accessibility
Adobe Captivate is designed and tested with accessibility methods capable of transforming content for screen readers, braille, and speech recognition software.
Key design considerations
Adobe Captivate supports major sough after-accessibility features, such as:
- Alternative text for images
- User controls for audio and video
- Keyboard input
Name of the tool
Microsoft Word
Description
Microsoft Word is a word processing tool that supports accessibility and is easy to use.
Overall accessibility
Microsoft Word supports alternative text for images, headings, and multiple views, including Outline view, making it easy for screen readers, braille, and speech recognition software.
Key design considerations
Orientation in landscape or portrait provides different ways to work while maintaining content intact. Text resize is supported up to 200% without affecting content or functionality. While designing on Microsoft Word, any change in the user interface does not change the content. The best part is that Microsoft Word includes an accessibility check feature that is always on and a navigation pane that creates an interactive outline. These last two features alone make Microsoft Word a top choice for anyone designing instructional material.
Name of the tool
Storyline 360
Description
As its name states, Storyline 360 is packed with a 360 degrees features supporting accessibility. This eLearning tool can be described as what you see is what you get because of its flexibility in designing learning artifacts; it is an easy tool to use for designers, teachers, and anyone in between wanting to create responsive and universal learning material.
Overall accessibility
Storyline allows the creation of responsive and universal learning material for learners with disabilities or abilities of all types. In fact, because the learning artifacts created are responsive, Storyline 360 also supports learning on the go on mobile devices, tables, and laptops.
Key design considerations
Your content will be available for screen readers, keyboards, and it includes features such as alternate text, and audio and video controls. A top feature is the ability to add closed captions right in Storyline 360. Closed captions allow to reach a wider audience as not only persons with auditory impairments benefit but also learners of a second language.
further
I hope that the above five eLearning artifacts on accessibility and universal design has helped to your continued success. Below is a list of some resources used for further reading and practice.
Your
Your feedback on accessibility and universal design is important. Please send your comments to [email protected]
Accessibility and Universal Design by Marvin Garcia is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
