How can you ensure your LMS is accessible?

To ensure your Learning Management System (LMS) is accessible, prioritize compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Incorporate screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and adjustable font sizes. Use clear, concise language and provide alternative text for images. Regularly test accessibility features and gather feedback from users with diverse abilities. This approach not only enhances usability for all learners but also aligns with legal requirements and ethical considerations in digital learning environments.

The next step to ensure your LMS is accessible is to evaluate the features and content of your LMS against the accessibility standards identified. You can use various tools and methods to do this, such as automated checkers, manual testing, user feedback, or expert reviews. For instance, Canvas has a built-in accessibility checker in its Rich Content Editor which identifies accessibility issues such as color contrast, alt text, captions, headings, labels, and more. By evaluating your LMS, you can ensure that it meets the minimum requirements for accessibility and usability.

A Learning Management System ( L M S ) is a software application or platform designed to manage, deliver and track educational content and training programs. It provides a centralized and organized space for creating, storing, distributing and tracking learning materials. L M Ss are commonly used in Educational Institutions, Businesses and Organizations to streamline the administration and delivery of training and educational courses. Examples. a. Moodle - An open source L M S widely used in educational settings which allows educators to create online courses, manage assignments and interact with students. b. Google Class Room - which serves as a platform for creating, distributing and grading assignments in an education setting.

Selecting an accessible Learning Management System ( L M S) involves considering various factors to meet the needs of all users covering those with disabilities. The steps to guide our selection are : 1.Check accessibility features. 2Review accessibility documentation 3.User Interface customization 4.Compatibility with Assistive Technologies 5.Vendor Accessibility Commitment 6.User Testing 7.Scalability 8.Training and Support 9.Feedback and Regular Updates. By considering the above factors, we can select an L M S that not only meets your educational / organisational needs but also prioritizes accessibility for all users.

Designing accessible content and activities is a crucial aspect of creating an inclusive learning management. Now let's explore the key principles which will help in designing the most accessible content and activities for our audience - 1Use descriptive headings with proper structure.2.Provide alternative text for images.3.Ensure color contrast.4. Caption and transcribe multimedia.5. Other multiple means of navigation,6.Ensure keyboard accessibility7..Readable fronts and scalable text,.8.Create accessible forms.9.Avoid using color alone for conveying information10.Test with assistive technologies. and 11.Provide closed captions and audio descriptions for videos.

We've been using ALLY and it's been very helpful in identifying both the easy fixes and where we need to consider the format of our Canvas platforms to make the individual materials more accessible from a technology stand point.

Testing and evaluatiang the accessibility of our Learning Management System involves a comprehensive approach. through automated tools and manual testing. Guiding points : - Automated Accessibility Testing with the help tools like W A V E, Axe or Google Lighthouse etc. - Manual Accessibility Testing with the help of Keyboard Navigation, Screen Reader Testing and Visual Inspection - User Testing by engaging Users with Disabilities and also by conducting Usability Testing - Check Forms and Interactive Elements with the help of - Form Accessibility and Interactive Elements - Media Accessibility, Document Accessibility, Compatibility Testing, Regular Audits, Documentation and Training etc are other factors to be considered

Consider the experience from the perspective of the person needing the accommodation. The easiest way to think about this is a screenreader: if you can read the screen yourself, you have no need for a screenreader. If you are evaluating how well a screenreader can do, you need to shut your monitor off or shut your eyes. Only then do you get a similar experience. That experience is worth every second in terms of the insight it will give you. Is it enough to read what is on the screen, or does it need inflection? Obviously this is one example, and I have a student to thank for this insight. I give students accessibility assignments in UX courses, and a student brought this up specifically that the assignment made them do this from then on.

The other important factors to be considered are- Responsive Design, Time Based Media considerations, Consistent Navigation, Accessibility in Assignments, Language and Readability, Personalization Options, Accessibility Documentation, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement, Vendor Support & Commitment, Legal Compliance, Community Engagement and User Support and Training.