In competitive times like today, where knowledge constantly evolves, eLearning is finding its place in many organizations. Through teaching methodologies and techniques, organizations can ensure every member of their team understands their roles and responsibilities to contribute to the organization’s growth. However, learning, even in the workspace, should be accessible to everyone, especially for people with a disability.
To ensure this aspect is practiced in every industry, Section 508 compliance standards for online educational content must be met. It ensures people with disabilities can learn from the course materials without facing any learning limitations. The 508 compliance software has been helping businesses create eLearning materials that adhere to these standards while ensuring the organization doesn’t miss out on its competitive edge. But what is the 508 compliance, and how does one create eLearning modules to meet the criteria?
Following are some essential tips for developing e-learning modules that adhere to these guidelines.
What is 508 Accessibility Compliance in E-Learning?
The 508 accessibility compliance ensures that everyone has “access to information comparable to access available to others.” These sets of regulations are designed to guarantee that electronic and information technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The U.S. government established these standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to promote inclusivity in e-learning materials. By following these regulations, eLearning materials can increase their accessibility and create an educational space that is welcoming to everyone.
Why Is 508 Compliance Important?
Source: Freepik
It is mandatory for federal agencies and institutions receiving federal funding to be 508 compliant.
Imagine this: you have a disability that makes it challenging to clearly understand speech and for work purposes, you are required to go through a video-based e-learning program that contains animated videos and audio in varying volumes as well as pitches.
It will become exhausting to determine what’s being discussed in the course material, eventually making it challenging for you to work in accordance with the organization’s expectations.
The 508 Compliance bridges the gap, making information in all formats accessible to people with disabilities. In case additional features like screen readers are required, the compliance encourages the inclusion of them to make working and learning accessible for people with disabilities.
