VLEs and accessibility

From RSCWMWiki

Introduction

Colleges should make all reasonable efforts to ensure that Internet websites, information on Intranets, VLE's and all online learning materials are accessible to students with disabilities, this is particularly relevant when considering students with visual impairments and students who have dyslexia. It is important to note that the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has an anticipatory aspect that requires colleges to consider this in a proactive way, rather than responding to student needs as they arise.

Useful Pointers

The W3C, http://www.w3.org/WAI/, give the following advice which can act as useful pointers for anyone writing online information and learning materials.

• Images and animations: Use the alt attribute to describe the function of each visual.

• Image maps. Use the client-side map element and text for hotspots.

• Multimedia. Provide captioning and transcripts of audio, and descriptions of video

• Hypertext links. Use text that makes sense when read out of context. For example, avoid "click here."

• Page organisation. Use headings, lists, and consistent structure. Use CSS for layout and style where possible.

• Graphs and charts. Summarise or use the longdesc attribute.

• Scripts, applets and plug-ins. Provide alternative content in case active features are inaccessible or unsupported.

• Frames. Use the no frames element and meaningful titles.

• Tables. Make line by line reading sensible. Summarise.

• Check your work. Validate. Use tools checklist and guidelines at http://www.w3.org/tr/wcag

Useful Tools

A very useful tool for people wanting to create accessible WebPages and learning resources is:

• Betsie http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/betsie/index.html

If your organisation has not yet selected a VLE, look into how different suppliers are dealing with the issues of accessibility. If it has it is worth checking with your supplier how they are responding to issues around disability and accessibility. Examples of how two suppliers are responding to accessibility issues can be found through the following links.

WebCT and Accessibility: http://www.webct.com/service/ViewContent?contentID=1310183&communityID=1466983&categoryID=-1