Why Are Accessible Documents Important?
Accessible Documents and Learning Materials ensure learners can focus on the content and activities you have planned for them, instead of facing barriers in accessing and interacting with the documents and platforms. Accessible documents benefit everyone. Learners with disabilities can adapt or use the assistive technologies of their choice more easily when documents are accessible.
How Can We Ensure Our Materials Are Accessible?
To learn more about creating accessible documents, we will use the POUR Principles.
The POUR Principles
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
- Proactive
Proactive consideration of accessibility during the planning stages of documents and learning materials is essential. By being proactive, we will reduce the need to make changes or adapt materials after the facts. We will minimize barriers to accessing learning materials and ensure all learners have the materials they need to succeed in a learning environment.
- Perceivable
Provide options for participants to adjust the presentation of information to suit their individual needs and preferences.
To make your content perceivable:
- Add text descriptions to your images. Add alt text to all images. You might need long descriptions for complex images such as illustrations, graphs, or charts.
- Include closed captions and transcripts.
- Provide sufficient colour contrast.
- Do not use colour alone to convey information.
- Make your text readable and legible. Use simple sans-serif fonts, such as Arial
- Operable
Provide options for navigation and interacting with the content with a mouse, a keyboard or even voice commands.
To make your content operable:
- Provide a clear structure with headings.
- Create descriptive links.
- Check for keyboard accessibility.
- Provide sufficient time.
- Avoid content that flashes.
- Ensure to put a period after every bullet point.
- Understandable
Make the content intuitive and behave in a predictable way for learners by:
- Aiming for consistency.
- Using plain language.
- Identifying the language.
- Robust
Robust content works for your learners in a variety of web browsers and devices (including tablets and smartphones).
To make your content robust:
- Provide descriptive metadata.
- Perform an accessibility check.
- Test for accessibility with people.
Explore the Importance of Accessible Learning Spaces
Accessible Learning Spaces ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can engage with physical and digital learning environments. These spaces foster inclusivity and active participation, benefiting everyone. Discover strategies to create welcoming and inclusive learning environments that accommodate diverse needs and preferences.
Learn how flexible seating, proactive design, and clear communication can enhance accessibility and promote a positive educational experience. Read the next section to transform your learning spaces into inclusive hubs for all students.
