Budget constraints in E-Learning can feel daunting, but they’re also an opportunity to get creative with the platforms you’re using. Instead of focusing on what you can’t afford, dive deep into your existing tools—there might be hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. For instance, many platforms have features designed for accessibility that often go unnoticed. Reach out to user communities or support teams to share insights and tips; you might be surprised by the innovative ideas that come from discussions with others facing similar challenges.

Color and Contrast Adjustments: Many platforms have free plugins that automatically adjust page colors and contrast to make them accessible to users with low vision or color blindness. Virtual Keyboards and Keyboard Navigation: Ensure your platform is compatible with keyboard navigation and other assistive technologies without the need for a mouse.

I'm not sure this article gets it quite right. I would argue that text-based materials are actually less accessible and cost-effective in the long run. But it depends on the goal. If the goal is to inform people or raise awareness about something, then sure, text-based materials are sufficient. But if the goal to the get learners to change or improve their behaviour, then text-based materials alone might not cut it. Even though text may be accessible mechanically speaking, and cheaper, if learners can't use that material to change or improve their behaviour, then it is actually inaccessible, and not cost-effective in the long run. Training material is only truly accessible when it helps ALL target learners transform their behaviour.

Improving accessibility doesn't always require a large budget. Focus on implementing simple yet effective changes. Ensure all content is keyboard navigable, provide captions and transcripts for videos, use sufficient color contrast, and structure content with clear headings and alt text for images. These adjustments can significantly improve accessibility without substantial financial investment.