Accessibility in eLearning ensures that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can access and engage with educational content. One widely-adopted standard for accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to make your Articulate Rise course WCAG 2.1 compliant, ensuring a more inclusive learning experience for all.
Understanding WCAG 2.1
The Foundation for Accessible Content
WCAG 2.1 is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure that web content is accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines are organized into three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA, with Level A being the minimum requirement and Level AAA being the most comprehensive.
Creating an Accessible Articulate Rise Course
Key Steps to Achieve WCAG 2.1 Compliance
1.Assess Mobile Responsiveness
Choose the Right Colors and Font
To create a WCAG 2.1 compliant course, begin by selecting colors and fonts that provide sufficient contrast and readability. Ensure that text is easily distinguishable from the background and use fonts that are clear and legible.
Organize Content Clearly and Logically
Organize your course content in a clear and logical manner, using headings and subheadings to break up text and guide learners through the material. This structure helps screen reader users navigate the content more efficiently.
2. Optimize Media for Accessibility
Add Alt Text to Images
Include descriptive alternative (alt) text for all images in your Articulate Rise course. Alt text allows screen reader users to understand the context and purpose of the image, ensuring that they don’t miss out on crucial information.
Provide Transcripts and Captions for Audio and Video
For audio and video content, provide transcripts and captions to make the material accessible to learners with hearing impairments. This also benefits learners who may not have access to audio or prefer to read the content.
3. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
Design your course so that all interactive elements can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard. This includes buttons, links, and input fields, ensuring that learners with mobility impairments or those who cannot use a mouse can navigate the course effectively.
4.Create Accessible Interactive Elements
Design Accessible Quizzes and Activities
When creating quizzes and activities, ensure that they are accessible to all learners. This includes providing clear instructions, using simple language, and offering alternative formats for learners who may struggle with certain types of interactions.
Label Input Fields
For forms and input fields, include descriptive labels that clearly explain the purpose of each field. This helps screen reader users understand what information is required and how to complete the form successfully.
5.Test Your Course for Accessibility
Use Accessibility Testing Tools
To ensure your Articulate Rise course is WCAG 2.1 compliant, test it using accessibility testing tools such as the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool or the Accessibility Checker built into Articulate Rise. These tools can help identify potential issues and guide you in making the necessary improvements.
Gather Feedback from Users with Disabilities
Seek feedback from users with disabilities who can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of your course. Their firsthand experience will help you identify areas for improvement and create a more inclusive learning experience.
Conclusion
In summary, creating a WCAG 2.1 compliant Articulate Rise course involves paying attention to design, media, interactivity, and keyboard accessibility. By following these guidelines and testing your course for accessibility, you can ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can access and engage with your content. Embracing accessibility
