How can you design assessments that are accessible to all learners?

1 Understand accessibility

Accessibility is the degree to which a product, service, or environment can be used by as many people as possible, especially those who face barriers due to disability, age, culture, language, or technology. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral and ethical responsibility for educators who want to provide equal opportunities for all learners. Accessibility also benefits everyone, as it improves the usability, flexibility, and quality of the learning experience.

2 Apply universal design principles

Universal design is an approach that strives to make products, services, or environments accessible to everyone without the need for adaptation. When designing assessments, universal design principles can be applied by providing multiple and diverse ways of presenting content and instructions, such as text, audio, video, images, or symbols. Additionally, multiple and flexible methods of allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills should be offered, such as writing, speaking, drawing, or performing. Lastly, multiple and relevant ways of motivating and engaging learners in the assessment should be provided, such as choice, feedback, challenge, or collaboration.

4 Provide accommodations and alternatives

Even if you design your assessments with accessibility in mind, you may still encounter situations where some learners need additional support or adjustments to access or complete them. You should be prepared to provide accommodations and alternatives for learners who request them or who have documented needs. Accommodations are changes or modifications that do not alter the content or expectations of the assessment, but rather provide a different way of accessing or demonstrating it. For example, you may provide extra time, larger font, or a quiet room for some learners. Alternatives are changes or substitutions that do alter the content or expectations of the assessment, but still measure the same learning outcomes. For example, you may provide a different type of assessment, such as a portfolio, a presentation, or a project, for some learners.

5 Evaluate and improve your assessments

The final step to design assessments that are accessible to all learners is to evaluate and improve them. You should collect and analyze data and feedback from your learners, peers, and experts, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your assessments, and to measure their validity, reliability, and fairness. You should also reflect on your own practices and assumptions, and seek professional development and resources, to enhance your knowledge and skills on accessibility. You should also update and revise your assessments regularly, to ensure that they meet the changing needs and preferences of your learners, and the evolving standards and technologies of accessibility.