The Importance of Digital Accessibility
In today’s digital world, access to online information, services, and tools is essential for work, education, and daily life. However, not everyone experiences content in the same way. Digital accessibility ensures that people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments, can navigate, understand, and interact with digital content effectively.
What Is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility refers to designing websites, applications, and digital content in a way that accommodates all users, regardless of ability. This includes providing alternative text for images, captions for videos, keyboard-friendly navigation, screen reader compatibility, and more.
Why Is Digital Accessibility Important?
1. Inclusivity and Equal Access – The internet should be usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Accessibility ensures that no one is left behind.
2. Legal Compliance – Many countries have laws requiring digital accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act.
3. Improved User Experience – Accessible design benefits all users, including those using mobile devices, voice assistants, or low-bandwidth connections.
4. Business and Ethical Advantages – Companies that prioritize accessibility can reach a broader audience, improve customer satisfaction, and demonstrate social responsibility.
How to Improve Digital Accessibility
You can take several steps to make your course and documents more accessible:
Make Courses More Accessible
Use Alternative Text (Alt Text) – Provide descriptive alt text for images so screen readers can convey their content to visually impaired users.
Provide Captions and Transcripts – Add captions to videos and provide transcripts for audio content to support users with hearing impairments.
Maintain Sufficient Color Contrast – Use high-contrast color combinations to help users with visual impairments or color blindness.
Use Descriptive Links – Instead of vague terms like “Click here,” use descriptive text such as “Download the accessibility guide.”
Make Documents More Accessible
Use Headings and Styles Properly – Structure documents with headings (H1, H2, etc.) to improve navigation for screen readers.
Use Clear Fonts and Sizing – Choose readable fonts and ensure text size is adjustable.
Add Alternative Text for Images – Provide descriptions for images in documents.
Ensure Table Accessibility – Use proper table headers and avoid complex layouts that may confuse screen readers.
Use the Ally Course Accessibility Report
Click on the Ally Course Accessibility Report in Canvas to see your course accessibility score. This tool not only shows you your course score, but ways to improve it. The goal is 90%.
By incorporating these accessibility practices, we can create a more inclusive digital environment that benefits everyone. Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to eLearning at elearning@pgcc.edu or search Cornerstone for accessibility webinars.