Course Accessibility Checklist

Choosing and creating accessible learning materials is one avenue for achieving the goals of Universal Design for Learning, making learning available to the broadest possible audience. 

Digital accessibility ensures that Kenyon websites, web applications and digital content can be used by everyone. Digital content should be designed with accessibility in mind to ensure access to people who have a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight or cognitive abilities. This type of design promotes an improved user experience for everyone. For example, research shows that captioned media increases literacy skills, comprehension, and retention for everyone. Digital content should adhere to the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA standards.

Syllabus

• Includes a statement from Student Accessibility and Support Services.
• Uses inclusive design principles such as using heading styles, alternative text for images, and meaningful descriptions for links. View a checklist to evaluate digital content.
• Review document with the built in accessibility checker found in word, google docs, adobe and more (details linked to in checklist above)

Handouts

• Handouts are available electronically in an accessible format so students using assistive technology such as screen readers can access the information
• All versions are accessible and pass accessibility checks

Other Materials

• PowerPoint presentations are available electronically and are accessible
• Accessible alternatives to any non-accessible materials are provided

Online Materials

• Online resources such as audio clips, audio podcasts, CDs and websites are accessible

Moodle Accessibility

• Documents uploaded to Moodle are accessible
• Links use meaningful descriptions
• Alternative text for images, graphics and tables are included
• Use of color is not the only method to convey information
• Color contrast is accessible

Audio and Video

• Audio materials are available with a transcript
• Video materials have closed captioning and any necessary audio descriptions

How to Prioritize Captioning

Highest Priority

• A student or staff member has requested accommodation that requires captioning
• The material is part of a website and does not have restricted access
• The material will be re-used more than one semester
• The material is newly created

Purchasing materials

• New multimedia purchases should be accessible
• When adopting textbooks, please inquire of publishers regarding accessibility of any supplemental materials provided

Please email access@kenyon.edu for assistance regarding accessible digital materials.