Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the extent to which the design of products, devices, services or environments allows all users to engage, whether users have a disability, no disability or another kind of need or preference.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology refers to the tools which enable users with different abilities and needs, such as a wheelchair to get around, software that reads text or changes colours on screens, and other supportive design and devices that can keep the world inclusive.
An aspect of Digital Literacy is to be aware of these tools and technologies. If you rely on assistive technology for access to digital resources, you will already be using these to take this course and if you don't, you may be unaware of what's out there and that many of these tools can be useful to anyone as part of our changing digital world.
A good starting point for everything to do with accessibility is the AbilityNet site's free resources.
Windows and Apple/Mac systems and smartphones all come with inbuilt tools that can make using them easier for a variety of needs. For more information:
More information on Accessibility and Assistive Technology:
Your responsibility
There is legislation that requires institutions to make their websites and apps accessible. The UK government has published guidance, which explains, "Accessibility means more than putting things online. It means making your content and design clear and simple enough so that most people can use it without needing to adapt it, while supporting those who do need to adapt things."
As an educator using online technologies for teaching and learning, you will find yourself attending to this responsibility with every new cohort of students. Some of the requirements will be handled automatically by the online learning environment, but not all. In some cases, you will have turn on accessibility tools which are not enabled by default. In addition, if you create course materials and pages or upload documents, images and media for your students to access, you will have to comply with regulations and good practice to make that content as widely accessible as possible. This might extend to the use of social media and YouTube videos. Your institution can give you guidance, and there are tools available online:
- Meeting accessibility regulations (JISC)
- 10 Tips to create accessible content
- Funkify disability simulator (Chrome extension)
- Creating Accessible Documents (video)
For more information about accessibility and assistive technologies at your institution please visit [Link to appropriate support]
