Introduction:
Corporate trainers have to be mindful of the accessibility standards for their training materials. When creating online courses, it is important to keep in mind users with disabilities and various non-desktop devices. The goal is to ensure that all users can access and understand your content without any struggles. To help you get started, here are some key points to remember when developing accessible eLearning training.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Compliance
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are an international set of guidelines used to ensure that web content is accessible for everyone regardless of disability or the device used. Website owners and corporate trainers need to become familiar with WCAG standards and incorporate them into their training materials. This will ensure that all users can easily access the content and understand it without difficulties.
Section 508 Compliance
Section 508 is a U.S. Federal law that requires all digital content created by federal agencies to be accessible for people with disabilities. While this law applies only to federal agencies, many companies adopt Section 508 compliance in their training materials as an added measure of accessibility. With Section 508 compliance, all users can access your content without any extra effort.
Use Alternative Formats
In addition to using WCAG and Section 508 compliance, corporate trainers should also provide alternative formats of their training material whenever possible. This could include providing transcripts or audio files in addition to text-based content on websites or printed documents such as PDFs or Word documents. By providing multiple options, you can ensure that all learners have the same opportunity to learn from your content, no matter what form they prefer to consume it in!
Choose Accessible Colors
Color contrast is an important factor when it comes to making sure your content is accessible. High contrast between the text and background colors helps users with low vision to be able to read the content more easily. Corporate trainers should also avoid using color alone to convey information, as this can make it difficult for people with color blindness or other visual impairments to understand the material.
Include Alt Text With Images
Alt text provides a short description of the content of an image for people with visual impairments. They rely on alt text to understand what is in an image, so it is important to include accurate, descriptive alt text for each image. This will help ensure that everyone has access to the same information regardless of how they are able to view the content.
Ensure That Content Is Keyboard Accessible
Users with physical disabilities may find it difficult or impossible to use a mouse to navigate websites or programs. Corporate trainers should ensure that all of their content can be accessed and navigated entirely via keyboard shortcuts so everyone can access the same content equally.
Avoid Automatic Audio or Video Playback
Automatic audio and video playback can be especially disruptive for users with hearing impairments, as they may not have the necessary tools to access the information in a different format. Corporate trainers should avoid having any audio or video automatically start playing when a user visits their page and instead provide a way for the user to start playback manually.
Include Captions For Audio or Video Playback
Captions provide text transcriptions of audio so people with hearing impairments can still understand what is being said in any audio or video content. Corporate trainers should include captions for any audio or video they provide on their page, so everyone has equal access to the same information.
Make Content Easily Accessible
Content should be organized in a clear, logical way that makes it easy for users to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Corporate trainers should also include search boxes or other navigation methods so users can easily find specific information in the content.
Test Your Content for Accessibility
Next, corporate trainers should always remember to test their training materials for accessibility before publishing them online or in print. This ensures that all users have equal access to the same information regardless of ability or device used and can help you ensure your content is truly accessible for everyone.
Provide Accessible Support and Resources
In addition to making sure your content is accessible, corporate trainers should also provide accessible support and resources to their learners. Providing contact information for trained professionals who can help answer any questions or assist with accessing the material can go a long way in ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Utilize Accessibility Technology
The use of accessibility technology, such as screen readers and voice recognition software, can help ensure that everyone has equal access to the
same content, no matter what device they are using. Corporate trainers should utilize these technologies to provide a truly accessible experience for all users.
Why Should You Plan for Accessible eLearning Training?
Accessibility is an important factor in providing quality eLearning training materials. By following the key points mentioned-above, corporate trainers can ensure that their content is equally accessible to all learners, regardless of ability or device used. This helps create a more inclusive training experience and ensures everyone has the same opportunity to learn from your materials. It also ensures compliance with accessibility guidelines set out by governing bodies such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Planning for accessible eLearning training is essential for providing quality materials and creating a positive learning experience for everyone.
Conclusion:
Ensuring your eLearning training is accessible is an important part of creating quality learning experiences for your employees and clients! Following web accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508 will help guarantee that no one gets left behind due to technical limitations or disabilities. Additionally, providing alternative formats of your content, such as transcripts or audio files, can further increase the level of accessibility offered by your course materials! With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create a more inclusive learning experience for everyone involved!
