Recommended Practices and Tips for Digital Accessibility Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares some helpful strategies when considering how to provide quality online experiences for everyone. Strategies discussed include but are not limited to developing a plan, learning from people with disabilities about what works for them, and evaluating materials manually and using an accessibility checker to determine if alterations are necessary.

Limitations of Using Color Alone To Convey Information Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares the limitations of using color alone to convey information and provides suggestions about how content can be created to provide multiple ways to share the same information.

The Importance of Alternative Text Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares why alternative text is important for those who cannot see photographs and graphic images.

Logical Reading Order Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares what can go wrong when web pages don’t follow a logical reading order for people who rely on keyboard navigation and screen readers.

Keyboard Access and Visual Focus Indicators Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video explores fundamental concepts behind how some people might access materials using a keyboard and utilize visual focus indicators.

How Some People With Disabilities Use Technology Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This six minute video shares real-life examples of how some learners and parents with disabilities access and utilize technology to have an equitable experience.

Digital Accessibility: Three Points About The Law Video

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This six minute video describes the basic principles within two federal civil rights laws relevant to digital accessibility in the educational context: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Student-led Maker Projects to Design and Create More Inclusive and Accessible Experiences

Students in the Spectrum program at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School practiced learning how to make meaningful contributions to the world by participating in a redesign challenge to make educational tools (Assistive Technology) for peers with disabilities. The students visited with peers in a variety of environments including physical education, art, and other classrooms to learn about some of the equipment used to access instruction. They then went to work designing, redesigning, and making resources that would provide alternative ways to participate in the learning experiences. 75 projects were created which were then shared with students, staff, and the community. Staff from the Digital Media and Engagement office were invited to join a few classes to experience students presenting their projects. The collaborative efforts were also featured on the local news. Check out the segment featured at https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1145266

“AT Twister” by Cooke, B., Lisak, C., Bishen, R., and Podugu, T. (2022) is an example of one of the projects. Players are invited to target circles using multiple senses. People need not rely on one sense to play the game. A player can reach for a target based on color, a tactile descriptor (bumpy, soft, round), and/or number of items (three blue circles, five white cotton balls, etc.) making the game more accessible to the varying abilities of potential players.

“AT Twister” by Cooke, B., Lisak, C., Bishen, R., and Podugu, T. (2022) is an example of one of the projects. Players are invited to target circles using multiple senses. People need not rely on one sense to play the game. A player can reach for a target based on color, a tactile descriptor (bumpy, soft, round), and/or number of items (three blue circles, five white cotton balls, etc.) making the game more accessible to the varying abilities of potential players.

An Introduction to Digital Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Office of Civil Rights LogoThe U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. The introductory video provide insights on the importance of designing and delivering accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Live Captions Google Chrome Accessibility Feature

Google Chrome has a Live Captions accessibility feature that follows the user from tab to tab and provides overlying captions. This feature is available on most LCPS Chromebooks and staff laptops. Access this feature by following these directions:

  • Click on the three little dots in the top right of their Google Chrome browser;
  • Select “Settings”;
  • Select “Advanced” on the left of the screen;
  • Select “Accessibility” in the pull-down menu;
  • Toggle the “Live Captions” feature on or off from here.

The video below titled Google Live Captions further demonstrates how to access the feature.