The Surging Accessibility Lawsuit Tidal Wave

We’re not trying to be “scare mongers,” but we certainly feel compelled to point out real-world ramifications of poor eLearning design and technology. The tidal wave is coming, and recently hit the higher education arena once again.  No institution or organization can afford to ignore its danger.

We predicted this in our September 2010 blog post ADA and Section 508 Lawsuit Tsunami.  Since then, the 508/ADA lawsuit tidal wave has only increased in size.  What is it?  Who is threatened by it?  And how can it be avoided?

Section 508/ADA is a type of civil rights legislation designed to protect people with disabilities.  We’ve seen its effects in things we now consider mainstream:  handicapped parking spaces and wheelchair ramps, for example.  What is not yet mainstream: accessible and useable eLearning, which is just as vital to the disabled as handrails.

Organizations and institutions failing to provide accessible and useable eLearning for everyone are beginning to drown in lawsuits, payouts and remediation.

Accessibility begins with your organization’s website, continues through your Learning Management System (LMS) and travels to your custom eLearning content.  While LMS accessibility is largely the responsibility of the LMS vendor, your custom eLearning is your responsibility.  Is it accessible to those with disabilities?  Are you relying on a simple “make accessible” check box on your desktop authoring tool?  If so, you could join the ranks of major corporations and the VA Administration, who have all faced legal challenges due to website accessibility issues.

CourseAvenue can protect your custom eLearning development from the surging tidal wave of 508/ADA compliance lawsuits.  We provide eLearning development software that has Section 508 and ADA compliance built into the technology.  With CourseAvenue, there’s no guess work and no risk.  We’ll keep the tidal wave from reaching your shores.