Learning accessibility
Accessibility - the ability of everyone regardless of their condition(s) to have access to something
It is important that the on-line learning be accessible to everyone in order to provide equal access and equal opportunity to people with disabilities. The Research Academy is continually looking to improve accessibility on our platform. We have embedded the following functionality (where appropriate) into our platform:
Logical keyboard navigation
Some of our users may prefer to use the keyboard to navigation our products. We have built our platform with this clearly in mind. Navigate a website, an eBook or a video with the keyboard primarily requires only a few keys, but they’re used constantly.
The following keys are most fundamental to using a website.
- TAB
- SHIFT+TAB
- SPACE
- ENTER
- The left, right, up, and down arrow keys.
Closed captioning and video transcription
Digital asset closed captioning allows d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to watch videos, helps people to focus on and remember the information more easily, as well as letting people consume content within sound-sensitive environments.
Our videos are supported by follow-along video transcription, that is our video content is fully transcribed and can be read alongside our video content. The content is synced with the narrative contained within our videos. This functionality allows our content to be consumed by users who may have limited or no hearing, as well as those working in sound-prohibitive environments. Transcriptions also allow enhanced search and navigation functionality throughout the video content
Alt-text and high-contrast text
Our Alt-text best practices provide context to images and graphics contained within our content as well as helping to provide visual impairment cues. The high-contrast text is an accessibility feature built into our platform (where appropriate) that assists people with vision impairment.
Screen reader compatibility
Our platform is screen reader compatible (for instance NVDA screen readers). A screen reader is a software application that enables people with severe visual impairments to use a computer. By using a screen reader, information from the device is announced in clear speech allowing a blind user to access devices on an equal footing with sighted counterparts. When used in conjunction with closed captioning and follow-along video transcription, the user experience should be enhanced.