Not a snappy title, but a useful publication for anyone interested in accessibility and e-learning. It’s an overview of some of the resources and services offered by TechDis, including links to Xerte, a free software tool to develop accessible learning objects, information on supporting students who need alternative text formats, a useful list of free open source software you can use for learning, and guidance for senior managers about embedding includive use of technology across an institution.

TechDis contimnue to be my first port of call for anything to do with accessibility.  They (now) take a very practical and realistic approach to technology and accessibility.  Back around the turn of the millennium, the conversation in HE focused on stringent and restricting measures; at its most extreme it provided a cloak for luddite inclinations (within Universities rather than in TechDis itself), with some saying that video, for example, was inherently inaccessible and should not be used (also: graphics, audio, pdfs, Flash et cetera).  I recall lists of ‘precepts’ which we were all urged to follow.  Back when the production of electronic resources (as opposed to basic documents) was a new thing for many, it complicated the task of promoting learning technology as something potentially friendly and useful.

TechDis then performed an about-turn, and adopted the stance that rendering any resource in an electronic medium was likely to make it more accessible than it would be in a non-electronic form.  That liberates you right away if you want to make good, rich content.  After that, it’s a case of reasonable adjustment, and doing what you can to make your objects as accessible as possible to as many as possible, without crippling the endeavor under a weight of unrealistic labour.

This was hugely refreshing at the time.  I don’t have references for the above as it’s dredged from the memory of an ancient ALT-C conference, but  for a mature expression of the same approach, read TechDis’ explanation of their approach to producing accessible learning content.

The implications for e-learning are wide reaching and cover such issues as the format of material that is posted online; video and audio materials in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); the use of different software and how it is evaluated. The following document is a brief introduction for QM staff and provides web links for further reading.

Introduction to Accessibility in E-Learning