Accessibility

Desire2Learn is dedicated to making our products accessible to all. Desire2Learn's approach to accessibility is through both standards adherence and functional accessibility assessment. Our accessibility program is well-integrated within our engineering lifecycle - so you can rest assured that the system will evolve in an accessible manner.

Standards Adherence

Accessibility first requires an even playing field.

International standards form an important basis for interoperability with current and future assistive technologies. Desire2Learn designs and tests our web applications against the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2 level AA. Desire2Learn is working towards compliance with W3C's Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG).

Desire2Learn follows accessibility standards development in order to be able to offer the latest advantages these standards present to our end-users.

Examples of standards adherence within the Desire2Learn Platform:

• Skip navigation links are included for ease of navigation.
• Descriptive alt text is included for all links. This text may be understood out of context. In our 8.x series, adherence to this requirement is enforced by the architecture.
• When time responses are employed the system supports grace periods on any time limits, as well as ability to allow for special time limits for particular users.
• Labels are matched to input ids to allow for assistive technology to describe the meaning of form field elements.
• Table headers and scope are used consistently. In our 8.x series, adherence to this requirement is enforced by the architecture.
• Descriptive table summaries are provided.
• All frames are properly titled with text to allow for frame navigation and identification.
• The Learning Environment prompts users for alternative text for images.
• The HTML editor allows designers to markup table headers.
• The HTML editor is keyboard accessible.
• All system documentation is available in accessible pdf format.

>> Desire2Learn Learning Environment WCAG 2.0 compliance checklist (141 kb)

>> Desire2Learn Learning Repository WCAG 2.0 compliance checklist (133 kb)

>> Desire2Learn ePortfolio WCAG 2.0 compliance checklist (152 kb)

>> Desire2Learn Learning Environment Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) (118 kb)

>> Desire2Learn Learning Repository Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) (118 kb)

>> Desire2Learn ePortfolio Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) (138 kb)

For more details

For more information of to send your comments or suggestions, email: accessibility@Desire2Learn.com

Functional Accessibility

While standards provide an excellent starting point for universal access, Desire2Learn understands that accessibility cannot be measured by standards adherence alone. Tools must be both technically and functionally accessible.

Desire2Learn works with interested clients and accessibility groups to improve both the usability and accessibility of our products. We consult regularly with our accessibility consortium about features under consideration and products in development.

Desire2Learn also seeks input from end-users with disabilities. Desire2Learn recently conducted usability testing with users with disabilities in conjunction with the web accessibility center at The Ohio State University.

Examples of functional accessibility within the Desire2Learn Platform:

• Language packs offer the ability to support users at different levels or with specific language requirements.
• Alternate learning paths may be defined through the competencies tool.
• The HTML Chat tool provides several different message list display options as recommended in IMS guidelines.
• Content and Discussions allow end users to tailor the information density of their display.
• Page layouts and graphics are standardized across the system.
• Our HTML editor contains several keyboard shortcuts for quick navigation between the main areas of the interface.

Organizational Commitment and Strategy

Accessibility is a moving target. It isn't enough to have the most accessible products today. It is also important to have the organizational commitment and strategy in order to consistently deliver products which meet the needs of users with disabilities.

Desire2Learn has taken a systematic approach to accessible design.

• Mark-up decisions are centralized: The next-generation Desire2Learn architecture has centralized decisions about page mark-up. A great deal of the mark-up used by assistive technology users is consistently and automatically included in Desire2Learn tools. The migration to this architecture is currently in progress.
• Design guidelines are in place: Design guidelines help ensure consistency between the various tools in the system. This in turn, helps with functional accessibility.
• Accessibility barriers are proactively identified: Desire2Learn does internal quality assurance testing with enabling technologies - specifically JAWS and Dragon Naturally Speaking to proactively identify and address issues. We test against the proposed WCAG 2.0 standards.
• The entire user experience is considered: Desire2Learn recognizes that accessibility is not limited to our products. This is why the documentation team is an integral part of accessibility efforts. The team has been looking for ways to better support assistive technology users and Faculty or Subject Matter Experts who need to accommodate for their needs.

>> Read Our White Paper: Accessible Learning Management Systems

Helping You Succeed

Desire2Learn wants you to meet your accessibility goals. Desire2Learn also offers consulting and guidance in course and content development to ensure that 508 and other general accessibility guidelines are adhered to.

• There is an orientation guide for users with disabilities. This helps these users quickly discover helpful features and settings.
• Desire2Learn has specific chapter in the "Teaching with Desire2Learn guide" with advice regarding features which may enhance course and system accessibility.
• Training related to accessible content creation is available.