Forum Discussion
Two things that stuck with you ...
I’m currently in an Instructional Technology and Design master’s program and am especially interested in accessibility in online learning. My interest is partly personal because I have a severe hearing impairment, which has made me passionate about accessibility for all learners.
For those of you working in ITD, what are two things about accessibility that have really stuck with you throughout your career?
2 Replies
I think one major thing is that labeling something as accessible is a point in time label. Depending on someone's understanding of accessibility and changes in software, that label can be incorrect right after the label is given. It is important to keep up to date with accessibility - it is not a one and done. Regularly reviewing and revising is extremely important. Something else that I have noticed is that it is common to tell people to start small in making resources accessible. I am all for starting small with making something accessible. The problem I see is that too many people think that with a small act, they do not have to go beyond that. It is important to not just state to start small, but to have someone create an action plan of how they are going to continue to grow in their understanding and implementation of creating accessible resources.
I just completed my ITD master's and I started for the same reason! Wishing you the best of luck!
First and most importantly: Make it a habit of incorporating accessibility in the planning stages of each project. If you design an entire course/program and think about accessibility later, it's harder and more time consuming.
Secondly: Small steps are still steps. If you can't do every single thing with accessibility in mind because you're learning how and it's overwhelming, then do what you can. Make small changes a habit, then do more. Eventually, it will all become part of your process instead of an afterthought.
