In this very first episode of our Learning Horizons series, we explore good practice in making learning material truly accessible. It is all too easy to assume that because training is online, it is accessible. We felt it was essential to start with getting the basics right. Michael Osborne is sharing with us some essential good practice on design to ensure material support learning and does not become a barrier to learning.
Michael will use SyncSkills slide deck template to explain his work method and we are very happy to have a much more inclusive slide deck! Feedback is truly a gift!
Key learnings: Making Learning Material Truly Accessible
- Understanding accessibility beyond physical barriers
- The importance of inclusivity in virtual and hybrid learning
- Intersectionality of disabilities
- Promoting workplace inclusivity through accessible learning
- Practical tools for improving accessibility
- The role of processes in ensuring accessibility
- Awareness of screen reader compatibility
- Inclusion of captions in learning environments
Express review
If you have little time or are after a specific piece of information, you can review the summary below and find the time when it is addressed in the video:
1. Understanding accessibility beyond physical barriers (05:17)
- Accessibility includes cognitive, sensory, and mobility challenges, not just physical access.
- Many still view accessibility as just the ability to access training remotely.
- Tools like screen readers and alternative text help make content accessible for people with disabilities.
2. The importance of inclusivity in virtual and hybrid learning (09:17)
- Accessibility is critical in virtual and hybrid learning environments.
- Online learning often mimics in-person lectures, which can exclude certain learners.
- Solutions like live captions in webinars promote inclusivity.
3. Intersectionality of disabilities (14:17)
- 15–25% of the world’s population has some form of disability, according to the WHO.
- Disabilities often intersect; for example, someone may have autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
- Many people with disabilities do not disclose their conditions due to fear of discrimination.
4. Promoting workplace inclusivity through accessible learning (18:17)
- Accessible learning impacts career advancement for people with disabilities.
- Up to 1 billion people could be excluded if accessibility is not prioritised.
- Improving accessibility creates opportunities for leadership roles for people with disabilities.
5. Practical tools for improving accessibility (23:17)
- Tools like WebAIM contrast checker ensure slides and materials have sufficient contrast.
- PowerPoint Accessibility Checker helps identify issues like low contrast or missing alternative text.
- Colour contrast compliance is a quick and effective way to improve accessibility.
6. The role of processes in ensuring accessibility (28:47)
- A clear process is needed to check accessibility at all stages of design.
- Last-minute changes can introduce accessibility issues, like problems with screen readers.
- Using tools like Google’s colour contrast checker regularly ensures consistent accessibility.
7. Awareness of screen reader compatibility (33:17)
- Rebuild text in slides instead of using images, as screen readers can’t read images.
- Ensure tables and graphs are in formats that screen readers can process.
- Alternative text and correct reading order are essential for screen reader usability.
8. Awareness of cognitive load in learning design (39:17)
- Simplify language and avoid jargon to make content more accessible.
- Use bullet points and lists to reduce cognitive load and improve flow.
- Aim for a reading level of around 15 years old to ensure accessibility for all learners.
9. Inclusion of captions in learning environments (45:17)
- Live captions in virtual learning sessions support those with hearing impairments and people in noisy environments.
- Captions may not help everyone (e.g., people with dyslexia), but they are generally useful.
- Zoom’s live captioning tool is a key feature for virtual learning inclusivity.
Tools and resources
- WebAIM Contrast Checker:
A tool used to check colour contrast compliance for web and digital content. It ensures that text and background colours meet web accessibility standards for readability, particularly for people with low vision. - Google’s Colour Contrast Checker:
Another online tool to verify if the colour combinations used in slides, documents, or websites meet accessibility guidelines. - PowerPoint Accessibility Checker:
A built-in tool in Microsoft PowerPoint that scans presentations for accessibility issues, such as low contrast, missing alternative text, and incorrect reading order. - Alternative Text (Alt Text):
A feature used to describe images for people who use screen readers, ensuring that visual content can be understood by learners with visual impairments. - Live Captions (Zoom):
A feature in Zoom that provides automatic transcription of spoken words during virtual meetings or webinars, helping participants with hearing impairments or those in noisy environments follow the content. - Screen Readers:
Assistive technology that reads aloud the text on a screen for people with visual impairments. Ensuring documents and slides are compatible with screen readers is essential for accessibility. - Colour Blindness Simulators:
Tools that simulate how people with different types of colour blindness perceive visuals, allowing designers to adjust colour choices for better inclusivity.
About Michael Osborne, guest speaker of Making Learning Material Truly Accessible
Michael Osborne’s journey into accessibility began in childhood, sparked by a friend’s colour-blindness. This early awareness grew during his university studies in Games Technology, where he recognised the profound impact of inclusive design. His own experiences with hidden disabilities, including Tourette’s Syndrome and autism, further fuelled his empathy and resolve.
Since graduating university in 2012, he has dedicated himself to championing accessibility in all areas. At Accessible Me, he leads the mission to empower individuals and organisations to make their content accessible to everyone, ensuring equal access to information and opportunities for all.
