Accessible eLearning — One Version for All

Is the eLearning community saying to those with disabilities: “We give up?”

I spend most of my days reviewing eLearning courses and talking with eLearning designers and developers struggling with “Accessibility Issues” (e.g. making them Section 508/ADA compliant).  To my dismay, I’ve seen a large number of developers (people and organizations) simply give up.  They either:

1) Rely on “not getting caught.”  They produce eLearning with complete disregard to accessibility, banking on their ability to whip up accessible versions if needed, or –

2) Produce an engaging (inaccessible) version for most learners and “an alternative version” for those with disabilities.

I believe both strategies are unacceptable.

The first one is obviously illegal, and as the growing number of eLearning accessibility lawsuits prove, “not getting caught” isn’t a viable option for any organization.

The second strategy, in my opinion, is misguided.  People with disabilities arguably have the most to gain by eLearning, yet they are increasingly slighted.  If the “alternative version” of the content is truly providing the same learning experience, why not give that version to everyone?  When I ask an eLearning developer this simple question the response usually trails off quickly:  “Well, it really isn’t that…you know…”

Yes.  I’m afraid I do know.

We created the Accessible eLearning Leadership Awards to show people there is no need to create alternative versions of eLearning.  Interested in seeing what fully accessible eLearning can look like?   Here is a screen image of one set of courses by Boost eLearning:

Want to see more?

Take a look at what was built for returning Veterans at http://bit.ly/vaelearning.

My message to the eLearning community:  Don’t give up!  You can create fully accessible eLearning that is useable by all.  It’s the legal — and right –thing to do.