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ACCESSIBILITY AND WCAG COMPLIANCE

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ((WCAG) 2) seek to provide a single shared standard for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Platforms delivering content to students and educators must conform to these accessibility requirements.

Platforms delivering content to students and educators should perform regular audits of any end-user facing features and functionality to ensure the product continues to meet evolving WCAG requirements.

Platforms used within schools and districts are generally required to comply with at least the 2.1 version of WCAG. There are three different levels of compliance within each version of the standards—A, AA, and AAA.

Content2Classroom submits to regular WCAG audits and is currently in compliance with WCAG 2.1, Level AA.

Examples of WCAG requirements include:

  • Providing text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.

  • Ensuring Web pages do not contain anything that flashes more than three times in any one-second period, or the flash is below the general flash and red flash thresholds.

  • Accommodate people with disabilities, including reading disabilities, by making text simpler and more readable. When text cannot be made more readable, provide supplemental content.

C2C SUPPORTS ADHERENCE TO THE POUR PRINCIPLES

The 4 principles of accessibility, known as POUR (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust), provide an excellent framework for creating inclusive educational materials. These principles should guide publishers through the writing, development, and testing phases of their e-learning (and paperbased) programs.

Content2Classroom supports adherence to the POUR Principles with a number of tools including:

  • Text-to-Speech

  • Keyboard and Click commands

  • Contrast Screening and Alternatives

  • Alt text and tagging

  • Visual and Audio Assistance Supports

  • Multilingual Content Experience

For K-12 educational publishers, developing inclusive learning materials that meet the needs of all students is crucial. By adopting key accessibility principles, publishers can create resources that support educators and benefit students of all abilities. Review the POUR principles to guide the design of inclusive educational materials for K-12 classrooms.

  • Ensure that educational content can be perceived by students with various abilities and learning styles.

    Best practices for K-12 publishers:

    • Provide alternative text for images in textbooks and digital materials

    • Include closed captions for educational videos

    • Offer materials in multiple formats (e.g., print, digital, audio)

    • Use proper heading structures in digital documents

    • Choose color schemes and fonts that are easily readable for all students, including those with dyslexia or visual impairments

  • Design materials that all students can navigate and interact with easily, regardless of their physical abilities. Recommendations for K-12 educational resources:

    • Create consistent navigation in digital textbooks and online platforms

    • Ensure interactive elements are large enough for young students or those with motor skill challenges

    • Allow flexible time limits for digital activities and assessments

    • Provide keyboard navigation options for computer-based materials

  • Make content clear and comprehensible to students across various grade levels and abilities. Tips for K-12 publishers:

    • Use age-appropriate language and explain new vocabulary

    • Avoid excessive use of all caps, italics, or complex text formatting

    • Provide clear instructions for activities and exercises

    • Structure content into manageable chunks appropriate for different grade levels

    • Use visual aids, diagrams, and infographics to support written information

  • Ensure that educational materials are compatible with various assistive technologies used in K-12 classrooms.

    Suggestions for educational publishers:

    • Test digital materials with popular screen readers used in schools

    • Provide alternative formats for assignments and activities

    • Ensure online resources are compatible with different devices and browsers commonly used in K-12 settings

    • Follow established accessibility standards (such as WCAG) when developing digital content

Next Steps

IMPLEMENTING POUR IN K-12 EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING

By keeping these POUR principles in mind, educational publishers can create materials that support inclusive learning environments. This approach benefits all students, including those with diverse learning needs, and helps educators provide equitable access to education.

Next Steps for K-12 Educational Publishers:

  • Review existing publications for accessibility and plan updates

  • Collaborate with educators and special education specialists during the development process

  • Conduct user testing with students of various abilities

  • Provide guidance to educators on how to best utilize the accessible features of your materials

  • Stay updated on emerging accessibility technologies and standards in education

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