E-learning has opened doors to knowledge for millions worldwide, it’s hard to argue that learning has never been more accessible. But when creating an app or learning platform we often forget one important fact. According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. That’s a big number of people who will be left behind and miss out on educational opportunities if accessibility isn’t prioritized. By making online educational content inclusive and adaptive we can create learning experiences for everyone, regardless of physical ability or technological limitations.
As educational platform development experts, today we’ll help you figure out how to make e-learning accessible, covering everything from worldwide standards to practical strategies. After all inclusive design benefits everyone, not just people with visual or hearing disabilities. Just think about how many of us use captions to watch videos in noisy environments or rely on autocomplete when typing.
Why is e-Learning Accessibility Important?
Accessibility in eLearning means making online training courses and digital information available to everyone, including learners with disabilities. Every learner deserves the chance to grow, develop skills, and pursue knowledge without technological or design-related barriers in their way. When digital learning platforms are well-designed they can:
- Provide a seamless learning experience for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
- Allow people with disabilities to access educational content independently.
- Show the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Increase the reach of educational programs to a wider audience.
- Comply with legal standards and web accessibility guidelines.
Accessible design benefits all learners, not just those with disabilities, by creating a more flexible and user-friendly learning environment.
For organizations, accessible eLearning increases learner engagement, satisfaction, and success rates. No one is left behind, whether they’re using assistive technologies like screen readers or require modifications such as keyboard navigation.
Accessibility Standards
You may not know this but there are established accessibility standards you should be aware of. Understanding and following them will help you achieve the best results:
1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), outlines specific guidelines to make online learning materials inclusive. Most organizations aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA which covers color contrast, alternative text, and multimedia content accessibility.
2. Section 508 and the Rehabilitation Act
In the US, Section 508 requires federal agencies to make their digital content accessible. This applies to eLearning platforms that are developed, procured, maintained, funded, or used by these agencies so they are accessible to all users including those with disabilities.
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education.
Key Accessibility Requirements
- Compatibility with assistive technologies.
- Clear and predictable navigation.
- Alternative ways to consume content.
- Consistent and intuitive design.
E-Learning Accessibility Best Practices
Accessibility in your eLearning courses involves several best practices. Here are some key tips to make your digital learning content accessible to all:
Add subtitles to video or audio
Multimedia is a big part of e-learning, but videos and audio can be a barrier for learners with hearing impairments. Adding subtitles, captions or transcripts makes this video and audio content accessible to everyone. It’s also good for learners in noisy environments, those who prefer reading over listening, or for those who are not native speakers of the language used in the course. Tools like Articulate offer built-in features to add captions easily.
Add text alternatives to images
Images can help to explain, but they can be a barrier for visually impaired users. By adding alt text, you allow screen readers to describe the image, so these learners get a fuller understanding of the content. Be descriptive but concise – explain the purpose of the image, not every detail.
Balance colors for better contrast
Not everyone sees colors the same way. A high contrast between text and background helps students with visual impairments or color blindness. Don’t rely on color alone to convey important information. Tools like the WebAIM Colour Contrast Checker can help you check that your colors meet accessibility guidelines for e-learning and make your design readable for everyone.
Use simple, clear writing
Clear and concise language benefits all learners, especially those with cognitive challenges or limited proficiency in the course language. Write in plain language – create content that is easy to comprehend, avoid jargon and break down complex ideas into smaller, easier-to-digest chunks; use headings and bullet points to structure the content.
Enable keyboard navigation
Learners with mobility impairments often use keyboards instead of a mouse. Make sure your e-learning platform is fully keyboard navigable. Test features like tabbing through menus or clicking buttons without a mouse.
Create Accessible E-Learning with AnyforSoft
At AnyforSoft, we are committed to helping you create accessible eLearning design. Our team of experts specializes in developing inclusive eLearning software development solutions that:
- Meet the highest accessibility standards;
- Use the latest assistive technologies;
- Create engaging and barrier-free learning experiences;
- Tailored to diverse learners’ needs.
By making accessibility a priority we turn educational content from information into meaningful and powerful experiences. By working with us you will get:
- Expert consultation from start to finish;
- Bespoke e-learning design to meet the needs of your audience;
- Ongoing support to update your content as accessibility standards change.
We are here to make your digital content inclusive and engaging. Get in touch with AnyforSoft today and let’s create a limitless learning experience.
The Bottom Line
Accessibility in eLearning is about making it available to all learners, no matter what. To sum up, here’s what we recommend to make your eLearning app more accessible:
Screen readers, voice recognition software, and other assistive tools should work with your platform.
Learners should be able to change font sizes and styles.
For video content, add audio descriptions for those who can’t see.
Courses should work on all screen sizes, including mobile.
This way, you can create courses that truly make a difference. With AnyforSoft, you have the tools and support to make this a reality.
