As an instructional designer we have a responsibility to plan for accessibility in the design phase rather than in the development phase of a course. Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into your presentations or eLearning programs is essential for creating inclusive and accessible learning experiences. Here are three ways to achieve that:
· Diverse Representation in Content:
Ensure your learning materials, illustrations, and examples represent diverse backgrounds, cultures, genders, and abilities. Use images and scenarios that reflect the diversity of your target audience.
Include case studies or examples highlighting individuals from various ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Be mindful of language choices to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or unintentional biases.
Have others review the content for any bias that you may not see.
· Inclusive Language and Accessibility:
Use inclusive language free from gender bias, cultural stereotypes, or discrimination. Be aware of the impact of your words on different groups of learners.
Provide multiple means of representation, engagement, expression, and action to accommodate diverse learning preferences and abilities. Follow accessibility standards to assist learner's experience. Include captions, transcripts, and alternative text for multimedia elements to make your eLearning content more inclusive.
· Interactive and Collaborative Learning Opportunities:
Foster an inclusive learning environment by incorporating interactive activities encouraging collaboration and discussion. This can help learners understand different perspectives and learn from one another.
Include group projects or discussions that require learners to work with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting teamwork and understanding.
Design scenarios or simulations that address real-world diversity and inclusion challenges, allowing learners to practice inclusive behaviors in a safe learning environment.
Start by looking at your available technology. Some development programs will have the ability to create transcripts of content. What screen readers are used in your organization? Do they have limitations? Colors high in contrast are helpful for low vision and screen readers. Use a contract checker such as WebAIM.org.
Be alert that not all screen readers can decode PDF files. Consider using Google Docs or Microsoft Docs.
Make accessibility a priority for your department. Create a process and list of tools and options available in your organization. Another consideration may be to produce content with multiple delivery methods to ease content consumption by learner choice.
Remember, ongoing feedback and evaluation are crucial to refining and improving the inclusivity of your instructional design. Seek input from diverse groups to ensure continuous improvement in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your presentations or eLearning programs.
Great suggestions and insights.