In order to model and promote accessibility for all, I will need to ensure that I check over each class taught online. I can use the WCAG 2.0 guidelines to help me ensure that my coursework in accessible. “Accessible means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability…” (Burgstahler, 2017).
To make online learning accessible, students need to have multiple ways to demonstrate understanding and to gain the information. One way teachers can help students access learning is through screen readers. Screen readers allow students who are blind to access the information. Another way would be to provide alternative text for videos and pictures online. Providing a sign language video for all audio would be a way to ensure the content is accessible for students who are deaf. When creating content on a LMS make sure that it is clear and consistent throughout the entire course.
In an online classroom, I think it would be important to have a Zoom session where I can model how to create accessible digital content. That way students understand how they can do this, especially on social media. I can also include live captioning (I know this is something already offered on Instagram).
Ultimately, it will be critical to “practice what I preach” with accessibility. In any classroom, but especially a course solely online, it is vital to use the WCAG 2 checklist for course content. Before publishing material, I will seek for feedback to ensure that my course is accessible for all. As teachers create content that is accessible, it can be daunting but in the end it helps everyone, not just a student with a disability.
References:
Burgstahler, S. (2017). ADA Compliance for Online Course Design. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/1/ada-compliance-for-online-course-design.
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