eLearning is a flexible solution, allowing employees to train from nearly anywhere. However, it can come with challenges, particularly for workers with certain disabilities or conditions. Many eLearning platforms aren’t inherently designed with accessibility in mind. Additionally, some can actually create difficulties through design choices.
Since inclusion is increasingly part of the workplace equation, companies are seizing opportunities to increase accessibility in eLearning. If you’re wondering how you can boost your offerings to ensure they meet the needs of your entire workforce, here are some trends that may be worth embracing.
Multiple Navigation and Interaction Modes
Employees with motor skill or physical dexterity challenges may not be able to use a mouse or keyboard comfortably. That’s particularly true if the amount of interaction is high or speed is necessary to complete specific training-related tasks. If you want to increase accessibility, have multiple navigation and interaction modes. For example, you could support keyboard and mouse input along with voice commands. Testing the system with several input device types is also wise, ensuring adaptive options work well with the platform.Settings to Adjust for Visual Needs
Those with visual impairments may struggle to read small text, review images, or view any displayed content. As a means of enhancing their experience, make sure you have settings that adapt to the visual needs of a wide audience. Along with size modifications, include a high-contrast mode and updates that work for individuals with various forms of colorblindness. Additionally, make sure you have audio descriptions of critical visual elements with content that isn’t covered elsewhere in the module. That ensures everyone can review the material.Captions for Video and Transcripts Audio Content
For deaf or hard-of-hearing employees, captions for video and transcripts for audio content are essential. That creates a written record of what’s shared verbally, making it accessible to the broadest audience. Additionally, captions and transcripts can benefit individuals with auditory processing disorders or sound sensitivities. It gives them an alternative that may better suit their needs, improving the learning experience.Learner-Initiated Audio or Video
Autoplaying video or audio is commonly cited as a nuisance by the majority of the population. However, for some individuals, it’s more than just an annoyance. Flashing images, sudden sounds, or unexpected movement can be incredibly distracting – if not outright distressing or harmful – to people with certain conditions. In some cases, flashing images can trigger photosensitive epilepsy. Sounds can prevent screen reading software from coming through clearly. It’s disruptive to individuals with certain cognitive disorders or mental health conditions. As a result, it’s best to ensure that any audio or video is learner-initiated. That allows them to control their experience, ensuring they aren’t overwhelmed or harmed while taking part in the training.Do You Want to Make Your eLearning More Accessible?
At Clarity, we have nearly 30 years of experience in L&D, giving us the knowledge and expertise to update your training to make it more accessible, ensuring it suits the needs of your entire workforce. Plus, if you’re trying to expand your L&D team, Clarity can be your candidate search ally, connecting you with skilled candidates right when you need them. If you want to partner with leading L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
