Accessibility
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E-learning and accessibility
When we talk about accessibility in relation to e-learning, we mean that there should be an awareness of making materials presented on our websites or electronically 'more accessible'.
This could just be by simply providing electronic information in an alternative form such as in printed format or in another media (CD ROM, DVD, floppy disk). Alternatively it could be ensuring that the content on your web pages is readable and clear and enables users to adjust their own web browsers to suit their own needs and requirements.
Due to the Disability legislation amendments (see information below), it is important to take note of some of the accessibility issues that will affect how learning and teaching websites are created and maintained.
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What is DDA part 4 and how does it affect me?
The Disability Discimination Act 1995 (DDA) has been amended to include the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Act (SENDA) making Part 4 of the Act, Education. The legislation states that disabled people have equal opportunity rights to benefit from and contribute to the learning services available in HE institutions.
Part 4 of the Act now covers 4 key points:
- An education institution should not treat a disabled person 'less favourably' for a reason relating to their disability.
- An institution is required to make 'reasonable adjustments' if a disabled person would otherwise be placed at a 'substantial disadvantage'.
- Adjustments should be 'anticipatory'.
- The legislation applies to all admissions, enrolments and other 'student services' which includes assessment and teaching materials.
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How can I make my website more accessible?
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) have extensive documentation on website accessibility. They have published the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines  which provide guidelines for anyone considering how to make their website and materials more accessible.
The Publicly Available Specification: Guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites(820kb PDF) also has a plethora of information regarding the technology typically used and how to use plan for the inclusion of accessible content.
Testing your site
- Always test your pages before publishing and get a range of people to give you feedback on your site.
- You can test your websiteand document accessibility by using WAVE, a free resource offered by WebAIM.
- W3C also have a website Markup Validation Tools which do include some of the accessiblity elements.
Guidelines
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Related web sites
- ALERT – Accessibility in Learning Environments and Related Technologies
A HEFCE funded project for Improving the Provision for Disabled Students being run between the Universities of Bournemouth and Durham.
- JISC Legal Information Service (LIS)
JISC set up this service in late 2000 in response to concerns in FE and HE, on the increasing impact of new legislation on ICT and related areas. The service focuses on areas such as Data Protection, Human Rights and ISP liability and does not attempt to cover areas such as employment law.
- DirectGov - Disability Discimination Act
- RNIB
RNIB offers practical support and advice to anyone who is visually impaired but also contains some useful information and hints about web-accessibility that applies to all websites.
- Techdis - Accessible Curricula - Good Practice for all (PDF)
An excellent PDF guide (88 pages) compiled by University of Wales, LTSN Generic Centre & TechDis which not only contains information about web accessibility but also includes guidance on preparing the learning environment, learning materials, lab practicals, work placements/field trips, assessment and examinations.
- Techdis: Technology for Disabilities Information Service
The service, set up by JISC, aims to support institutions in providing access for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to learning and teaching, research and administration across FE and HE, through the use of ICT.
- W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative)
W3C's commitment to lead the Web to its full potential includes promoting a high degree of usability for people with disabilities.
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