Create accessible and inclusive learning content

 

Accessibility

Accessibility provides a person with a disability access to — and benefits of — the same information, interactions, and services as a person without a disability in a way that’s sensible, meaningful, and usable. In short, it’s the inclusive practice of ensuring there are no barriers to learning for as many people as possible. 

 

Some may think that accessibility is primarily aimed at helping people with physical disabilities, such as those with hearing or vision loss. Focusing on accessibility also helps people with temporary disabilities which might include hearing or vision loss due to illness (ear infection), injury (scratched eye), or surgery (cataract treatment). Disabilities can also be situational — such as not being able to hear well while taking a course in a noisy coffee shop or on a commuter train.

 

While these are important aspects, accessibility improves the learning experience for everyone. And while accessibility is often overlooked because it seems costly or arduous. Planning ahead for accessibility can be more efficient than reworking your content later. 

 

Making content accessible to all isn’t just the equitable thing to do, it also helps to broaden your reach so that more learners can benefit from your courses. Plus, accessible content is a legal requirement for contracts that receive federal funding, so your course can suit the needs of higher education or government agencies. 

 

 

Inclusivity

We define inclusion as being accepted, valued, respected, and supported. It is the process of creating psychological safety and fostering a culture that appreciates and effectively uses each person’s unique talents, skills, opinions, and perspectives. 

 

We are proud to have learners from all over the world representing a broad array of identities, cultures, and backgrounds, and it’s important to us that the content we provide is respectful and affirming of all of them. As such, we are intentional and proactive about representing all our users, especially demographics that we know tend to be underrepresented. 

 

 

Recommendations

At Udemy, we’re committed to improving lives through learning for people of all abilities, as well as representing a range of identities and cultures in the services we offer. We’re also committed to providing you, the Instructor, with recommendations and best practices to help you achieve success and reach new learners through accessible and inclusive content.

 

Whether you’re creating new courses or updating existing content, our recommendations will help you through four key areas:

• Video content 
• Course materials & document accessibility
• General inclusivity
• Additional resources on accessibility & inclusivity