Here’s How To Choose The Best Accessible Learning Management Systems
Are you adamant about ensuring your training meets everyone’s needs? Then an LMS for learning accessibility is your ideal solution. Organizations that are genuinely committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment take all the necessary steps to cultivate a workplace where everyone feels welcome. So, by offering LMS accessibility, individuals with auditory, visual, cognitive, and mobility difficulties can have easy access to Learning and Development content. Thus, by having all the tools they need, diverse trainees can achieve successful learning outcomes.
Thankfully, accessible LMS software creates inclusive experiences that take diversity and inclusion seriously. However, LMS accessibility doesn’t rely on a single feature. In fact, it consists of a variety of features and design principles for User Experience (UX) and interactivity. Besides, the LMS UX matters for every user. In addition, it should generate consistent learner outcomes across your entire organization. And the way to do so is by flexibly accommodating the needs of all users, including learners with diverse abilities and barriers.
So, to help you choose, we created a top list featuring the best solutions for learning accessibility.
Even if you are not familiar with terms like Section 508 LMS compliance, ADA, and WCAG, you’ll find plenty of tips on this special list.
These Are The Best LMS Solutions For Learning Accessibility
Top List Ranking: eLearning Industry’s LMS Selection Criteria
Globally recognized LMS experts, including C. Pappas and our editorial team, did a thorough review of each vendor’s eligibility and relevant published content (articles, eBooks, webinars). Our committee ranked the top LMS solutions for learning accessibility on the following 9 criteria:
- Customer support
- Customer experience
- Software features
- Software innovation
- Customer reviews
- Economic growth potential
- Company’s customer retention
- Employee turnover
- Company’s social responsibility
Now that you’ve gone through our top LMS list ranking, please make sure to read our tips and insights. All the information shared below will help you choose the best tool for your needs.
Learning Accessibility: The Best LMS Features For Designing Accessible Learning Content
When talking about LMS accessibility, you must be wondering what such a platform looks like. First off, an accessible LMS solution, like the ones in this list, should be able to support WCAG. This certification allows accessible Learning Management Systems to drive success among all employees, LMS admins, and external learners.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) framework is of great importance. It defines how software experiences can be inclusive for individuals with disabilities. By understanding the WCAG criteria, L&D leaders can foster improved learning technology experiences for a diverse workforce. The main goal remains to offer universally positive UX and outcomes.
To clarify, LMS tools that follow the WCAG framework have:
- The ability to offer distinguishable information and User Interface (UI).
- A knack for utilizing usable navigation experiences that are broadly interoperable.
- Input agents for assistance to make things easier for all users.
- An inclusive ease-of-understanding UX, language, operations, and diverse input requirements.
- The capacity to be robust by offering content interoperability, utilizing assistive technologies as well as current and future user agents.
So, here are some things to look out for when choosing accessible LMS tools:
- Use of high-contrast colors
- Consistent UI and icons
- Accessible multi-select lists
- Accessible text editors
- Screen-reader-accessible instruction information
- Support for accessible course content
Hence, learning solutions that strive to be at the top of their game for LMS accessibility conform with current WCAG standards. Both for learner and administrator experiences. Plus, they usually offer a range of features and UX designs to accommodate diverse accessibility scenarios.
Evaluating The Usability And Learning Accessibility Of LMS Tools
If your organization is in the process of adopting and implementing an LMS, focus on creating a shortlist of features you’ll need. Then you can begin your LMS free trials.
Generally, LMS platforms have useful tools that make the creation and management of course content easier. Also, collaborative learning support systems, test-authoring systems, and virtual classroom management systems are widely used. Yet, giving the opportunity to access course materials anywhere and anytime is not enough.
Accessible learning platforms allow trainers and learners access to the course content by having the end user in mind. As diversity and inclusion training becomes mandatory, offering easy access and determining the accessibility and usability of the eLearning software are vital.
Therefore, an accessible LMS allows diverse trainers and staff from different departments to access, upload assignments, send quizzes, download content, etc. Plus, it offers accessibility and usability of eLearning.
Here are some steps you can carry:
However, you might still have to customize the eLearning software depending on the needs of your trainers and learners. For example, you might need to add another language. Or maybe the navigation menu could use a bit of improvement. Customization can help increase and enhance the accessibility and usability of the software.
Next Steps
Indeed, training managers should base their critical evaluation of accessible LMS solutions on the instructional management component. First and foremost, the learning platform must be flexible. And it must allow the trainer to have free interaction with the users.
For example, there should be key interaction support features like:
- Discussion boards and groups
- Grade center and course reports
- Edit mode on/off
- Drag-and-drop features
- Course management
- Tests/surveys/polls
- Assignment and form assessments
Most importantly, an LMS for learning accessibility must have interactive and user-friendly features. Simultaneously, it should eliminate barriers in the User Experience when diverse users interact with the tool.
Of course, there are several standards and regulations for technology accessibility. As you can understand, this also affects LMS accessibility. For example:
- Section 508
In simple words, Section 508 is a federal U.S. standard. Compliance usually applies to nonprofit service companies and public sector agencies.
- ADA
This is a civil rights law that guarantees equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities.
- WCAG
In short, this is a set of independent, formal guidelines for developing accessible digital content. It is also known as ISO/IEC 40500:2012.
Therefore, all the above-noted standards share a common goal: they are set to accommodate individuals with cognitive, auditory, visual, and mobility impairments.
So, LMS users must have easy access to instructions, course management items, and management safety without problems. Likewise, access authentication, identification, and password management must work flawlessly.
Above all, an LMS for accessible learning must enable all users to interact and easily navigate through the platform. In addition, it needs to have clarity of direction and consistency. Most importantly, it should enable learner control. Providing enhanced intuitive access and appropriate multimedia for diverse audiences is vital.
What are your thoughts on learning management accessibility? Let us know in the comments!
