Accessibility in Online Learning

Abstract

Preface Background The "Web Content Accessibility" project, proposed by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, was funded by BCcampus in 2005. The main goals of this project were to improve usability for disabled learners. A number of modules from a variety of existing electronic courses in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia were analyzed. Through consultation and collaboration with users, advocacy groups and other university and government agencies, Special Education and Technology-British Columbia (SET-BC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), procedures were developed for encoding these different modules so that they were made as "user friendly" as possible for persons with disabilities. These procedures were tested by making adaptations and necessary changes inside WebCT (the University-wide supported CMS). The ultimate goal was to provide online learners with disabilities, who were academically qualified, with full, fair and equal access to all university services, and programs. The project did not entail any modification of the academic standards of the University or the elimination of the academic evaluation of students. All steps in this process were carefully monitored and recorded. The deliverables were a manual of procedures for operationalization, and five workshops/modules to facilitate online accessibility anywhere distance education is offered.