In our last article, we explored different kinds of information that schools and school boards can post online. Now, we will discuss how educational institutions can make their online lesson content accessible to learners with disabilities. Many schools now offer courses and programs online. It is important for people who design online courses to make sure that every learner can benefit from them. Here we outline some guidelines for accessible online learning.
AODA Resources
Resources on issues of accessibility and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
What School Information Should be Available Online?
The AODA does not yet have an education standard. Two committees are making recommendations about what an education standard should include. One issue that an education standard should address is access to information. Educational institutions should be required to make all information available to all students, parents, teachers, and other workers in schools. For instance, schools and school boards could post information on accessible websites. Students, parents, teachers, or visitors with disabilities can read online school information on accessible computers or phones.
Accessible Education Apps
In our last article, we outlined how educational institutions, such as schools and school boards, need accessible websites. In this article, we focus on accessible education apps.
Accessible Education Apps
Many schools and school boards now use apps in class, or to communicate with parents. For instance, teachers may use apps to help students:
- Learn subjects like reading, spelling, math, or coding
- Proofread their work
Accessible Education Websites
The AODA does not yet have an education standard. Two committees are making recommendations about what an education standard should include. One issue that an education standard should address is access to information. Schools and school boards should be required to make all information available to all students. One way for schools and school boards to do so could be by posting information on accessible education websites.
An Education Standard Could Mandate Sign Language Interpreters in Schools
In our last article, we outlined how a shortage of professional Sign language interpreters creates problems for students who Sign. Here, we consider why an education standard should mandate more Sign language interpreters in schools. We also explore what some of these mandates might be.