How can you use feedback to create more accessible instructional design for learners with disabilities?

2 Design with accessibility in mind

Based on the feedback from your audience, you should design your instruction with accessibility in mind, following the principles of universal design for learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that aims to provide multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression for all learners, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. You can use feedback to inform your decisions about the content, format, layout, navigation, interaction, and assessment of your instruction. For example, you can use feedback to choose the appropriate text size, color contrast, audio quality, video captions, alternative text, keyboard accessibility, or feedback mechanisms for your instruction.

4 Implement your instruction

Once you test your instruction, you need to implement it in your learning environment. You can use various platforms and formats to deliver your instruction, such as websites, e-learning courses, podcasts, videos, or ebooks. You can also use feedback from your learners, instructors, or administrators to monitor and support your instruction. The feedback should help you track and measure the accessibility, performance, and satisfaction of your learners. For example, you can use feedback to collect data on the completion rates, quiz scores, engagement levels, or feedback ratings of your instruction.

5 Review and revise your instruction

After you implement your instruction, you need to review and revise it based on the feedback you received. You can use various methods to analyze and interpret the feedback, such as statistics, graphs, reports, or themes. You can also use feedback to improve and update your instruction. The feedback should help you identify and address the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of your instruction. For example, you can use feedback to add new content, features, or resources, or to modify the existing ones, to enhance the accessibility, relevance, or value of your instruction.

6 Solicit ongoing feedback

Finally, you need to solicit ongoing feedback from your learners, instructors, and other stakeholders to maintain and sustain the accessibility of your instruction. You can use various channels and strategies to solicit feedback, such as surveys, polls, quizzes, forums, or chats. You can also use feedback to create a culture of accessibility and inclusion in your learning community. The feedback should help you communicate and collaborate with your learners, instructors, and other stakeholders, and to respond to their needs, expectations, and feedback. For example, you can use feedback to acknowledge, appreciate, or reward the feedback providers, or to invite, encourage, or facilitate more feedback from them.