What is Accessibility?
Overview
This is an introduction to accessibility. It includes resources from experts in the accessibilty community including CAST and The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. This is a great start for people who are ready to adapt materials to meet the needs of all students. “The most damaging phrase in the language is ‘it’s always been done that way.’” -Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper
The Case Against Assistive Technology
To get started with learning about accessibility, let's see what other tools were questioned! In this video you will learn about The Case Against Assistive Technology through the years!
Getting Started
Introduction to Accessibility
Curb Cut Effect
What is necessary for one can be beneficial for ALL! Watch this video on the Curb Cut from PBL Works to learn more.
SLIDE into Action
How do I get started?
Proactive planning will significantly increase the learner experience for all students, especially those who use assistive technology or those who have complex needs.
One easy way to get started with accessibility is by using the mnemonic SLIDE!
- Styles are used for section headings
- Links are descriptive and meaningful.
- Images have text descriptions.
- Design is perceivable, with high contrast.
- Evaluation is holistic and authentic.
Visit the CAST resources below to learn more.
SLIDE into OER - Accessibility in OER
Read:
- SLIDE Into Accessibility | OER Commons
- Protocol for Creating Accessible OER (cast.org)
- AEM Center: Creating Accessible Documents (cast.org)
Watch:
Your Turn!
Ok, now that you know some basics, give it a try!
Please do the following:
- Go to the Discover tab in OER Commons
- Choose a resource that meets the needs of your content
- Start small! Choose the SLIDE component that you believe will be the easiest to consistently incorporate into your resources and give it a try!
- If you still aren't sure and want to practice, check out the Try It Youself section from the The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials website
- Now add the resource to the subfolder that says resources!
Discussion
Please follow the link to the discussion and share your thoughts with others!
Continue the Learning
There are so many great resources available to learn about accessibility. Please continue your learning by checking out some other groups in OER Commons:
Also make sure you check out The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials: Coordinating K-12 Systems