This eLearning training was designed for digital content creators who must become aware of the importance of 508 Compliance standards and ensure legal and ethical implications of accessibility compliance are recognized. The learner will observe various real-world barriers that could arise for someone with a disability encountering digital content that is not accessible. The learner will become educated on various types of disabilities, such as motor, cognitive, speech, auditory, and visual. 

Audience: Team members who are involved in creating, managing, or using digital content, technology, or services. ​

Responsibilities: Research, Instructional Design, Design Document, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Animated Video Creation.

Tools: Articulate Rise 360, Vyond, Canva, Google Docs, Articulate Storyline 360, PowerPoint.

ID Models Used: ADDIE & SAM

Overview

508 compliance is of utmost importance as it ensures that digital spaces are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. By adhering to accessibility standards, we break down barriers that might otherwise prevent people from engaging with information, services, education, and opportunities online. 

In creating this course, I analyzed various forms of digital content and identified what makes a course 508 compliant and what does not. I also reviewed all types of disabilities and barriers someone might face while working with online content. My analysis revealed that not all digital content creators are adequately educated on the basics of 508 compliance.

To ensure all digital content creators are informed of the basics of 508 compliance, I designed and developed an eLearning training that provides the basic information about the laws and ethical standards of 508 Compliance. The goal for the learner is to become aware of critical terms and laws defining that individuals with disabilities have comparable access to information and services as individuals without disabilities by creating accessible digital content and technology.

The Process

Analysis

A needs analysis was conducted to begin the process of creating this course. When reviewing the target audience, it was concluded that all team members involved in creating, managing, or using digital content, technology, or services should complete this introductory training. Additionally, because the participant population is geographically dispersed, an asynchronous eLearning experience would best meet the learning goals of recognizing the critical factors to creating accessible digital content. 

Design 

A design document was created and presented to the subject matter expert (SME) for review. In this phase, a prototype was created, and various iterations were made before moving on to the next step of the process.

Develop

In the development phase of the process, the alpha and beta versions were created using Articulate Rise 360. There were several iterations during the alpha and beta versions, which led to a completed gold version.

Implement

The end product was distributed to all digital content creators who will use this 508 Compliance training as an introductory course to become more aware of digital accessibility guidelines and laws. This training is a requirement for all new digital content creators or employees who need to gain basic knowledge of 508 Compliance standards.  

Evaluate

Information was collected on every aspect of the training. The data will be used to improve any further introductory courses on 508 Compliance. After completing this course, all digital content creators must take follow-up coursework on creating and implementing digital content that is 508 Compliant.