Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

One of my passions as an instructional designer is ensuring all learners have an opportunity to access the learning I create. According to Aghdam, Birungi, Duncan, Ghosh, Kalra, Mareels, Marimuthu, and Pasik-Duncan, “Many barriers exist to accessing technology, even in very advanced communities” (2022). I am committed to designing learning that has multiple methods of delivery and multiple ways to access it to reach all learners. With the increasing number of Spanish speakers who access learning, I create learning in Spanish that is culturally relevant. When considering graphics for my courses, I ensure all learners can see themselves reflected in my courses.

I have studied and received a certificate in 508 compliance for web accessibility. When creating and reviewing courses, I ensure they are accessible to learners of all abilities. My courses contain closed captioning and can be accessed using the keyboard only. I choose colors that have a contrast that allows the text to be easily seen by those with low vision. I use a screen reader when reviewing courses to ensure they flow correctly using that technology.

As Leonard and Miller share, providing accessible courses is a continuous process. As an instructional designer, it is important to be committed to your learners and committed to providing the best learning experience for them. This includes learners from all backgrounds and abilities. While, to some, it might seem an extra chore to create instruction that is accessible to everyone, considering the learners first, before the design plans have been made, will help tailor the course to the learners. When inclusion is an afterthought, it does not happen easily, but when it is considered from the beginning, it ensures the course is accessible to all.

Resources

Aghdam, A., Birungi, C., Duncan, D., Ghosh, P. K., Kalra, R., Mareels, I., Marimuthu, R., & Pasik-Duncan, B. (2022). Diversity & inclusion in Universal Access to technology – A perspective. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 55(39), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.12.022

Miller, P., & Leonard, G. (2005). Ada section 508 compliance. IALLT Journal of Language Learning Technologies, 37(2), 73–78. https://doi.org/10.17161/iallt.v37i2.8440