Designing accessible digital content ensures that all learners, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in lessons, engage with materials, and demonstrate their learning. For example, a student who is blind can use a screen reader, such as NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), to hear a description of an image, such as a diagram showing safe tool handling, read aloud, if the image includes alternative text. Adding accessibility features to your digital content, such as captions and alternative text (alt text), helps remove barriers and creates an equitable learning experience by enabling access through screen readers.
- Captions are text displayed on videos that provide a written version of spoken content, helping deaf or hard-of-hearing students follow along. For example, many YouTube videos show captions at the bottom of the screen so viewers can read what is being said. You can add captions by recording your lesson in OBS Studio or PowerPoint, uploading it to YouTube, and using YouTube’s auto-captioning feature or manually editing the subtitles for better accuracy.
- Alternative text (alt text) is a brief written description of an image, allowing screen readers to convey visual information to learners who are blind or visually impaired. (For example, alt text for a safety poster might say, “Poster showing five steps for safe tool handling.”)
Try It Yourself: Canva and alt text!
- Watch the How to Add Alt Text in Canva video tutorial to learn adding alt text.
- Create a Canva infographic for a trade lesson, such as a safety poster on using a lathe or hand tools.
- Click on the key images and enter a short description in the alt text field. Example: “Poster showing five steps for safe lathe operation.”
- Download your design as a PDF to preserve the alt text.
- Check that the alt text works by using NVDA or another screen reader. If the alt text doesn’t read correctly, revise it using simpler, clearer descriptions.You can then share the resource with your students.
Self-Reflection: In what ways could accessible features, such as alt text or captions, reduce barriers for your students? How might this support equity and inclusion in your classroom or training sessions?
Post your reflection here. Your example can show others how to make content more inclusive.
Designing accessible digital content ensures that all learners, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in lessons, engage with materials, and demonstrate their learning. For example, a student who is blind can use a screen reader, such as NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), to hear a description of an image, such as a diagram showing safe tool handling, read aloud, if the image includes alternative text. Adding accessibility features to your digital content, such as captions and alternative text (alt text), helps remove barriers and creates an equitable learning experience by enabling access through screen readers.
Try It Yourself: Canva and alt text!
Self-Reflection: In what ways could accessible features, such as alt text or captions, reduce barriers for your students? How might this support equity and inclusion in your classroom or training sessions?
Post your reflection here. Your example can show others how to make content more inclusive.
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