Why We Keep CALM: Creating accessible learning material is one attribute of Universal Design for Learning and Inclusive Design for Learning, which are ways to include people with disabilities and make learning available to the broadest possible audience. An additional benefit of creating accessible learning materials is the usability that it brings to the entire audience. As a simple example, creating or choosing an already closed captioned video may be required for a student who is hard of hearing, but the captions benefit a myriad of other students such as visual learners and multilingual students.
Digital content should adhere to the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA standards.
Learn more: Inclusive design assistance, tips, and resources
Learn more: SENSUSACCESS document conversion tool
The best ways to get involved:
September 26, 2019, 4:10 p.m., Roth Computer Lab, Peirce Hall
Use the built-in accessibility checkers found in Microsoft Office and Adobe to ensure that your digital materials are accessible. Structure documents by tagging and adding headings. Register
November 7, 2019, 11:10 a.m., Roth Computer Lab, Peirce Hall
Choose already captioned content or create closed captions to increase clarity and effectiveness. Register
March 26, 2020, 11:10 a.m., Roth Computer Lab, Peirce Hall
Describe images verbally and provide alternative text for all digital images. Label the headings within your digital material to allow ease of navigation for people using assistive technology. Check the color contrast in digital resources to make sure that they provide enough of a contrast for people to read comfortably. Register