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According to the Digital Experience Insights Survey 2023, 18% of Ulster University students declared an impairment, health condition or learning difference. A few simple choices in the presentation of our content, for instance font or format, will make learning materials accessible to the broadest range of learners. It is a legal requirement for the university to produce materials that adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). However, adhering to simple accessibility guidelines can often make the learning experience more inclusive for all learners.

Accessibility guidance

You can use Blackboard Ally to generate accessible versions of your learning and teaching materials. The following guidance will improve the readability of your content and its accessibility for students with a range of conditions including anxiety (A), autism spectrum (AS),  Dyslexia (D), Deaf (D/d), low-vision (LV), physical or mobility disabilities and users of screen readers (SR).

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  • Break up large blocks of text with paragraphs and sub-headings (AS, D/d, D)

  • Use white space to separate different sections or concepts (D)

  • Add images, diagrams and videos to support text (D/d, D, AS)

  • Use simple, logical and consistent layouts (A, AS, D, D/d, LV)

  • Adopt a linear reading order (SR)

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  • Avoid bright colours and busy designs (AS)

  • Employ good colour contrast (LV)

  • Don’t just rely on colour for meaning, provide text description for instance charts descriptions (LV)

Tasks

  • Give users enough time to complete an action (A)

  • Let users check their answers before they submit them (A)

  • Provide clear instructions, repeat explanations and/ instructions throughout tasks . (A)

  • Make buttons descriptive and close to instructions (AS, LV)

  • Buttons should have large clickable areas (PMD)

  • Provide additional support (A)

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