Design and deliver accessible subjects

Accessibility is for everyone and should be the key focus of your subject design. Everyone should be able to access your subject, regardless of their individual differences. Prioritising accessibility contributes to a positive and ethical educational experience for all students and staff.

Brightspace has multiple features that can help you create accessible subjects. This article will outline these features with a focus on:

  • Content
  • Pedagogy

Content

Brightspace has built-in tools that help you generate accessible content. Wherever possible, we encourage you to create subject content using HTML pages. The HTML pages help you to organise and present content in a format that is not only visually accessible but also compatible with assistive technologies.

When using HTML pages, you should follow these guidelines:

Use HTML templates

At Charles Sturt, we have developed a range of HTML templates with accessibility in mind.

The HTML templates:

  • Use the correct HTML code for different elements.
  • Have heading styles that help you correctly structure content.
  • Have a high colour contrast between the text and background.

Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. Select Template has been clicked and the following options are available: -Browse for a template -00.blank.html -Activity.html -Help.html -Topic overview.html -Welcome.html Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. Paragraph has been clicked and the following options are available: -Paragraph -Heading 1 -Heading 2 -Heading 3 -Heading 4 -Blockquote -Code

Use the Accessibility Checker

Brightspace has an Accessibility Checker tool that helps determine if content is accessible. You can use the accessibility checker when creating HTML pages. The tool also exists in other places in Brightspace; for example, when you create an Assignment or Checklist. Look for the icon anywhere you enter text into an HTML editor box.

Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. Accessibility Checker has a red box around it, indicating where the Accessibility Checker is found in the HTML editor

Example of an accessible page

The example below uses an HTML template. After clicking the Accessibility Checker icon, we can see that there are no issues.

Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. The Accessibility Checker tool has been clicked. A pop-up appears that is green and indicates that there are no accessibility issues detected

Example of a page with accessibility issues

The example below uses content created without a HTML template. After clicking the Accessibility Checker icon, we can see that there are accessibility issues.

The first issue is a Warning. A warning allows you to select replacement formatting by selecting the down button below the warning and clicking Repair.

Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. The Accessibility Checker tool has been clicked. A pop-up appears that is yellow which indicates an accessibility warning.

The remaining issues are Errors. You will see the reason for the error and can select the Question Mark icon to learn more. This will direct you to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) website. You can move between the issues by using the scroll arrows in the top right-hand corner of the pop-up.

Screenshot of the HTML file page Brightspace. The Accessibility Checker tool has been clicked. A pop-up appears that is red which indicates an accessibility issue.

Pedagogy

Brightspace makes it easier for you to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a pedagogical approach; in other words, a strategy you use to guide learning and support students' development. At the core of UDL are the concepts of accessibility, usability, and inclusion.

UDL reflects the University’s values and is consistent with our duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and Disability Standards for Education 2005.

Would you like to discuss how to develop inclusive, accessible course materials, assessment items and teaching practices? Log a Service Request.

UDL features in Brightspace

  • Calendar tool - Show time-sensitive deadlines and provide guidelines for progress.
  • Video Note feature - Create accessible video recordings, feedback, announcements, discussion posts, etc. in audio or sign language.
  • Special Access in assignments and quizzes - Set different availability dates and times for specific users. For example, you could extend an assignment or quiz deadline for a student who needs flexibility.
  • Checklists feature - Help students keep track of what they need to complete for a topic or assessment.
  • Assignments tool – Allow students to upload in multiple formats.

Ally, a content accessibility service, is currently undergoing testing in Brightspace. Ally offers several benefits:

  • Automatically checks for accessibility issues and creates alternative accessible formats.
  • Provides University-wide reports on the accessibility of subject content.

We'll keep you updated on any developments related to Ally at Charles Sturt.

This page may be updated at any time. If you print it, you could miss future changes. Please check this page regularly for the latest updates.