EdTech Best Practices
5 AccessibilityTips for 508 Compliant eLearning
A quick guide to get you on track for 508 compliance when offering eLearning programs.
What is Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law was updated in 2017 to reflect advancements in technology and is now known as the Section 508 Refresh.
Under the Section 508 Refresh, federal agencies are required to ensure that all electronic and information technology they develop, procure, maintain, or use is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes not only websites, but also software applications, electronic documents, and multimedia.
The Section 508 Refresh also established a set of technical standards for accessibility, which are organized into four categories:
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable.
Understandable: Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable.
Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Federal agencies are required to comply with these technical standards in order to ensure that their EIT is accessible to people with disabilities. It is important to note that Section 508 compliance is not limited to federal agencies. Any organization, such as ours, that receives federal funding or is contracted by the federal government is also required to comply with the Section 508 Refresh standards. Therefore, it helps to consider 508 compliance at the start of your projects so that you can build to scale. This article is a great way to get started.
Making Your eLearning Content Compliant
While accessibility should not be just a matter of compliance, but an important element of your eLearning programs to ensure all learners receive an equal opportunity to engage your learning products, familiarizing yourself with 508 compliance standards can help you ensure you are hitting the mark when supporting the diverse needs of your students.
Accessibility and 508 compliance are essential considerations when developing eLearning programs. By making sure your eLearning content is accessible to all learners, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, you can ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when addressing accessibility and 508 compliance in eLearning:
1. Understanding Accessibility Standards
Before you begin developing eLearning content, it’s crucial to understand the accessibility standards that apply to your project. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards that define how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure your eLearning content meets these standards.
2. Choosing an Accessible Learning Management System (LMS)
When selecting an LMS, look for one that is compliant with accessibility standards. The LMS should be able to integrate with assistive technologies such as screen readers, and provide accessible user interfaces and navigation.
3. Creating Accessible Course Content
Use text alternatives for images, charts, and other visual content so that users who are blind or visually impaired can access the content. Ensure that videos have captions or transcripts, so users who are deaf or hard of hearing can understand the content. Consider color contrast to ensure readability for users with color blindness.
4. Providing Alternative Navigation
Offer alternative navigation options such as keyboard shortcuts or voice commands for users with motor disabilities. Make sure all navigation elements are accessible through the keyboard.
5. Testing for Accessibility Before Launch
Finally, test your eLearning content with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software to ensure it is accessible to all learners. Consider including learners with disabilities in the testing process to ensure that the content is truly accessible.
The Gist
By addressing accessibility and 508 compliance in eLearning, you can create an inclusive and accessible learning environment that benefits all learners. With these considerations in mind, you can develop eLearning content that provides an equitable learning experience for all users.
DashLabs provides custom 508 testing and correction to help you become compliant, including pre-built customizable templates, detailed checklists to help guide your compliance, and direct coaching.