Accessibility of learning materials and technologies ensures that all people—regardless of ability—can interact with the information or services provided. 

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education defines accessibility as meaning “when a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.” 

Digital accessibility ensures everyone can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with information on the internet, regardless of ability. Accessible online content provides an equal experience for those with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities or impairments. 

Accessibility makes for a better experience for everyone. Accessibility is human-centered, yet technology-driven. 

With these statements in mind, this spring semester in each issue of OIT Weekly we will be presenting “Accessibility Made Easy” technology tips to help you gain an understanding of how to create instructional content that is accessible to all. Stay tuned each week! 

Subscribe to the OIT Weekly newsletter to received all of the upcoming, essential accessibility tips.