Designing Accessible Learning Content: A Practical Guide to Applying best-practice Accessibility Standards to L&D Resources

Making learning and development (L&D) content inclusive and accessible for everyone is not only a good thing to do, it's the right thing to do. Designing Accessible Learning Content is a practical guide on accessibility for anyone involved in the design, creation, development or testing of online learning content. Now updated to include detailed guidelines on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the nine new standards, this book provides HR and OD professionals and academics with evidence-based advice on designing inclusive digital learning content. Featuring real-world examples from industry-leading brands, this book demonstrates how accessible learning content can improve usability and provide the best possible learning experience for all. It is an essential handbook for all L&D professionals seeking to harness the benefits of accessibility in order to improve their learning content for everyone.

Table of Contents:
Section - ONE: Accessibility Fundamentals Chapter - 01: How to use this book Chapter - 02: Getting started Chapter - 03: Exploring disability Chapter - 04: Designing for assistive technology and access needs Chapter - 05: The case for digital accessibility Section - TWO: Accessibility frameworks Chapter - 06: The WCAG framework Chapter - 07: The eLa (eLearning Accessibility) framework Section - THREE: WCAG 2.2 level A and AA accessibility standards Chapter - 08: Perceivable standards Chapter - 09: Operable standards Chapter - 10: Understandable standards Chapter - 11: Robust standards Section - FOUR: WCAG 2.2 level AAA standards Chapter - 12: WCAG 2.2 level AAA accessibility standards Chapter - 13: Conclusion

About the Author :
Susi Miller is an internationally recognised expert in eLearning accessibility, with over 30 years' experience in the L&D industry. Her approach blends technical expertise with practical application and her passion lies in ensuring that learning is not only legally accessible but also pedagogically sound. She is a sought-after speaker and author, sharing her expertise at industry conferences and in publications around the world.

Review :
"Designing Accessible Learning Content is a game-changer for anyone looking to create truly inclusive learning experiences. As a learning professional, I've seen firsthand how this book helps bridge the gap between understanding accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 and putting them into practice. In this second addition, Susi Miller does more than just explain the rules; she gives real-world strategies and examples that make designing accessible content attainable and effective" "Practical, insightful and packed with advice and tips to ensure your learning is accessible and engaging for the widest audience. This is a 'must buy' manual for any learning designer that believes in equitable and inclusive learning provision. There is particular value in the storytelling and sharing of 'real life' best practices. A fantastic build on an invaluable first edition." "Susi Miller combines her own and others' lived experiences into an empathy-fuelled work that creates clarity and removes barriers for anyone seeking to understand how to produce accessible learning content and why. Her book has a compelling and comprehensive approach to digital accessibility and disability inclusion. This second edition updates the standards with the nine new WCAG 2.2 Success Criteria and reflects Susi's extensive experience in training, consultancy and auditing. It emphasises practical strategies, such as testing and remediating existing content, and considers the limitations of authoring tools and organizational constraints. Additionally, Susi's diagnosis of dyslexia has transformed her writing process and perspective, adding a unique dimension to her work. Having already benefited from the first edition, I find that this new edition offers even more valuable insights and practical guidance. The updated standards and Susi's expanded experience provide a deeper understanding of how to implement accessibility strategies effectively. This book is recommended reading for any professional producing digital content." "This is that rarest of things, a book you not only read, but keep perched on the edge of your desk for reference. Susi has created the definitive translation and guide of the WCAG standards for L&D professionals. Having these guidelines, that often feel like they were deliberately written to be unintelligible, translated and explained in plain English is an invaluable resource for creating genuinely accessible experiences. This second edition builds on the success of the first, clarifying, distilling and expanding to include new success criteria. This is the book I ensure every member of my team has to hand. If you work in L&D, create digital content, or are simply interested in accessibility, you need to read Susi's book asap." "This is an indispensable guide for L&D professionals navigating the complexities of accessibility in the modern learning landscape. As new legislation, such as the European Accessibility Act, prioritises accessibility across private and public organizations, this book equips practitioners with the knowledge and practical tools they need to comply with these standards and go beyond mere compliance to create truly inclusive learning experiences. The book highlights the critical role of accessibility in advancing DEI, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive. It also shows how by embedding accessibility into learning design, organizations can maximize their return on training investments and future-proof their workforce development strategies." "Among the many reasons I'm a longtime fan of Susi Miller is that she is an authentic voice still working and in touch with the practical reality of L&D. Her extensive, ongoing first-hand experience with instructional design helps her move past the common problem among lesser-skilled practitioners of overcorrecting for accessibility by stripping out interactivity. Instead, Susi offers a view of understanding the complexities of applying the standards to a learning experience rather than a website - and ultimately creating better learning content for everyone." "This book needs to be on the shelf of every e-learning instructional designer and developer. No wait, not on the shelf-that's too far away-always within arm's reach. Susi's go-to Bible for digital accessibility just got better. If you've ever stared at the WCAG guidelines and gotten overwhelmed, started implementing them but wondered if you were doing it right, or had trouble connecting the dots between what we do and these guidelines that don't seem to be written for our industry, then this is the book for you. Susi shares the technical guidance you need and uses her compassion and personal perspectives to keep you inspired as you continually elevate your designs." "Making learning accessible can feel overwhelming at first, but Susi Miller serves as your invaluable guide, turning complex guidelines into practical steps you can apply. Her approach is both supportive and compassionate, and helps you make learning that is more equitable and available to all." "Susi Miller has done the seemingly impossible task: making the complex topic of accessibility actually accessible. Susi lays it all out - from basic terminology to the ethics of accessibility to frameworks and how to's. If you're a learning practitioner looking to become more confident in applying accessibility principles to your work, be sure to add this essential resource to your library." "Nowhere does digital accessibility have the power to transform lives more, than in the area of learning. Susi Miller provides all the essential information in one clear, trusted resource. With a focus on applying principles, whichever product or platform is being used, having this book to hand will save time and provide reassurance to anyone who wants to create high quality learning materials in a rapidly evolving technology and legislative landscape." "This is an invaluable guide for L&D practitioners giving the how and why of making learning content accessible. It brings together an extensive range of resources and practical advice in one place, and will likely become a standard work in our field." "At a time where everything is changing, acquiring new skills is of paramount importance. Now more than ever learning is being delivered online and remotely. If we want everyone to have an equal chance of acquiring new skills learning content needs to be accessible. In this book Susi demystifies and explains what learning and development professionals need to know in order to make their content work for the widest possible learner base. The work recognises the difference between standard web content and learning materials and offers practical and pragmatic advice on accessible content creation." "Designing Accessible Learning Content is a unique and much-needed resource for L&D practitioners struggling with the complexities of eLearning accessibility. The wealth of background knowledge it provides, combined with practical frameworks, clear explanations and examples make this a vital handbook for anyone who believes that designing inclusive learning content is the right thing to do."