Good Friday afternoon, all. As you may or may not know, there are some updates coming to Section 508 called, Section 508 Refresh. (Read about that here) This refresh applies to electronic and information technology procured by the federal government, including computer hardware and software, websites, multimedia such as video, phone systems, and copiers. It also applies to all electronic documents, which includes courses and websites. This also includes videos and all types of multimedia - yes, videos and audio files included. Making documents, websites and technology accessible is not something new; Learning Technologies has been encouraging that as a best practice for years (we even offered three professional development opportunities last year). What is new is that instead of us choosing if we want to make something accessible, now, we are required. Not only is it required BUT, it's the right thing to do.
I've been doing some research on accessibility with my team and Dr. Gibson. We've taken several certifications through the Department of Homeland Security as well as Montana State University; they have a great MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). The point is, we are learning too. Have we made documents accessible? Sure. Do we know how? Of course. Do we have resources to make captions? Yes. Even with all of that, we are still learning the best process and practices. There are several ways that faculty record videos and there are different methods of captioning and providing alternative media formats. While we are not experts in ADA, we are learning and trying to determine the best possible solution for our faculty, staff AND students. Yes, students will also need to make their submitted content accessible which includes all of the same mediums and we will have to provide them the same opportunities to learn how to ensure content is accessible.
While the law takes effect January 1st, that does NOT mean that we have to have everything converted by then - goodness! However, we will need to work actively, together, to develop a plan so that we can offer our content in multiple formats. How do we do that? I'm proud of our progress thus far. We have taken some great strides in providing tutorials, videos, presentations and education thus far and we have many plans to continue our progress. In fact, if your department is interested, we would be happy to present at your next faculty department meeting on the changes.
If you have not visited our newly updated website, I would encourage you to review it and click on the Accessibility tab. There are some good resources and videos to help you learn more about the upcoming change. Follow this link to go to the website to learn more.
As an Instructional Designer, designing courses that are accessible is critical. Addressing students needs and meeting different learning styles is practical, regardless of disabilities.
It's the right thing to do.
Anna J. Catterson, Ph.D
Educational Technology Coordinator
Emporia State University
For more information or questions, please email me at acatters@emporia.edu.
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