Welcome to your next UDL Explorer Challenge Activity!
Our next activity comes from the UDL Principle of Representation and involves providing options for visual and auditory information.
Our Challenge for You
To complete this challenge, choose one document type/communication strategy/PowerPoint presentation and increase its accessibility by providing an alternative; for example, you could caption a video, provide alt text for an image, or structure the document to improve accessibility. You will find sample responses, helpful resources, and instructions below.
Why Is This Important for UDL?
We know people access information in different ways, so paying attention to how people perceive content helps reduce barriers to learning by offering information in a way that does not rely on just one of the senses (i.e., sight, hearing, movement, touch). Providing visual alternatives holds value in the classroom, support teams, and beyond. Consider how providing information in different ways can support your colleagues and the instructional teams you collaborate with.
Examples
Using style sheets
One approach I take to make my documentation more accessible is to use a document template and style sheet designed for our unit or a specific project. This includes an informative header that provides at-a-glance information about the originating source (e.g. unit logo with alt-text) and context (e.g. program or initiative) of the document. The footer includes author information, a document file name and page numbering so users can more easily locate the source file, especially if the document has been printed. The body of the document uses a style sheet so content is clearly navigable by structure and all formatting (e.g. typeface, font size, colour) can be changed easily in the style sheet without the need to edit the content itself. Not only does this make the document easier to edit and maintain in future iterations, but it also ensures screen readers or in-app read-aloud programs can navigate the hierarchy of information easily and accurately for those who wish to use audio to access the information.
Using screencasting
Using screen capture/casting together with audio narration can provide an additional channel of communication when supporting users performing complex tasks or troubleshooting problems. Not only does the screen capture provide visual information to highlight important information and guide the user through the task, but the inclusion of audio narration allows the user to listen to instructions while performing the task. The asynchronous video format also lets the user control the pace of information being presented by pausing and re-watching portions of the process at a time that is convenient for them. A narrated screen cast can provide additional information and clarity that would be difficult to obtain using text (e.g. an email) on its own.
Explore
UDL Principle: Learn more about the UDL principle for visual and auditory alternatives
Read: “Universal Design for Learning: Multiple Means of Representation – This article highlights practical examples to ensure perception for all students.
Watch:
- BC Campus PPT accessibility quick start guide
- This resource demonstrates how to improve accessibility in Presentation Software
- How to create a screencast in five easy steps
- This article outlines why screencasts are effective and how to create them. It also includes videos that provide examples for different contexts.
Next Steps: Reflect and Integrate
Think about the activity we just completed. What is one key takeaway or insight you gained from it? How did this activity enhance your understanding of the concept? Identify one action you can take to apply this new knowledge or skill in a real-world context.