Pre-Empting Accessibility Needs#

Tags accessibility welcoming chat connection access

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This page is under construction

Accessibility design ensures our courses are welcoming and effective for all participants. This pattern describes how we design for diverse needs from the start, rather than retrofitting accommodations later.

Using this pattern#

This pattern addresses these learning challenges:

  • How to support diverse participant needs

  • When to provide alternative access methods

  • How to maintain engagement across differences

  • Ways to ensure inclusive participation

  • Methods for adapting delivery

The pattern is particularly valuable when:

Context#

This pattern is most useful at the start of any module where you want to be respectful and welcome to everyone who joins the session.

Problem#

How to cater for potential accessiblity limitations of attendees.

Solution#

Create a habit of building alternative methods of access into the session

Forces#

  • Recognising participant challenges

  • Ensuring the design is open to all

Implementation#

  1. Be Inclusive: Don’t make assumptions that everything will work

  2. Consider different modes of access: Consider alternative means to communicate. Use large text, read out items.

  3. Offer Choice: Give participants a choice of what they can do.

Examples#

People joining on an iPad have chat view

  • Observation from CSV: “People with cameras off - hard to know if they are engaging “

  • Observation from CSV: “Ieva said the same thing, it was useful for her and Simina to do it together and can use this knowledge and incorporate it into their work life.”

Rationale#

Participants may otherwise be excluded.

Consequences#

  • Positive: More engagement, improved sense of connection.

  • Negative: None expected.

  • Starting new modules or courses

  • Onboarding diverse participants

  • Supporting remote participation

  • Adapting existing materials

  • Ensuring equal access

Architecture#

Core components:

Access Considerations:

  • Visual accessibility

  • Audio accessibility

  • Technical accessibility

  • Cognitive accessibility

  • Physical accessibility

Alternative Pathways:

  • Multiple engagement methods

  • Backup communication channels

  • Alternative activity formats

  • Flexible participation options

  • Support mechanisms

Design roles#

Course Designer:

  • Identifies potential barriers

  • Plans alternative approaches

  • Ensures inclusive design

  • Sets accessibility standards

  • Reviews accommodation needs

Content Developer:

  • Creates accessible materials

  • Provides alternative formats

  • Implements accessibility standards

  • Tests with different tools

  • Documents accommodations

Design examples#

Basic Implementation:

  • Standard accessibility features

  • Common accommodations

  • Essential alternatives

  • Basic support options

Common Variations:

  • Different access needs

  • Technical adaptations

  • Format alternatives

  • Support variations

Delivery considerations#

Key factors for successful delivery:

  • Participant communication needs

  • Technical support requirements

  • Alternative format availability

  • Accommodation coordination

  • Support resource access

Continuous improvement#

How to improve the pattern over time:

  • Gathering accessibility feedback

  • Learning from accommodations

  • Expanding support options

  • Improving documentation

  • Enhancing inclusivity

Design considerations#

Critical Factors:

  • Inclusive design principles

  • Technical constraints

  • Resource requirements

  • Support capabilities

  • Implementation trade-offs

References#

Related Patterns: - Using Chat Effectively to Enhance Engagement - welcome-latecomers