Desire2Learn Awarded Another National Federation of the Blind Nonvisual Accessibility Gold Level Web Certification
Desire2Learn Incorporated receives a national award once again in recognition of their continuous commitment to accessibility for visually impaired users based on its latest release of Desire2Learn® Learning Environment
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON and Baltimore, MD, December 16, 2011
Desire2Learn Incorporated ("Desire2Learn"), a leading provider of enterprise teaching and learning platforms, is pleased to announce that Desire2Learn Learning Environment 9.4.1 is the first Learning Management System to be recertified with the Gold Level NFB-NVA Certification by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), one of the world's leading advocates for Internet access for blind Americans.
The NFB certification process includes a rigorous evaluation and testing procedure where websites and applications are required to meet specific criteria of being accessible to the blind. Nonvisual accessibility (NVA) certification, as defined in this process, means that screen access software can obtain sufficient information from the Web application to enable the blind users to:
- Access information in narratives, databases, forms, and graphical presentations without visual assistance
- Complete transactions that have been identified as primary to the application such as, but not limited to: creating and interacting with course materials, assignment areas, discussion boards, quizzes and communication tools that are central to online learning environments
The NFB-NVA Certification is an external verification of Desire2Learn's ongoing commitment to accessible learning technologies for all individuals.
"Yearly recertification of our learning technologies by organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind is a great way to showcase the stability and maturity of our accessibility program," states John Baker, President & CEO, Desire2Learn. "We are thrilled to once again be recognized with Gold Level Certification, the highest achievement awarded to a Learning Management System."
"We applaud Desire2Learn's continued commitment to accessibility in education, and their diligence in maintaining the highest standard," comments Anne Taylor, Director of Access Technology, National Federation of the Blind.
Desire2Learn focuses on improving accessibility within the Learning Management System throughout the year. Accessibility reviews are built into the company's research and development lifecycle to ensure individuals with disabilities, advocacy groups and clients have opportunities to impact the direction of products.
"We really appreciate the thought leadership that comes out of our client-led Accessibility Interest Group," states John Baker, President & CEO, Desire2Learn. "This type of collaboration ensures we are addressing the needs of institutions, instructors and students and are succeeding in our commitment to empower and engage individuals in achieving their learning goals without barriers."
Desire2Learn Learning Suite 9.4.1 includes of a number of rich media tools with innovative accessibility features, such as:
- Inline document viewers with machine readable text views
- Media integration using Kaltura™ Section 508 media player
- Audio recording tool with keyboard and ARIA support
- Desire2Learn Capture lecture recording solution with keyboard accessible player and captioning support
- Color Selector with built-in color contrast checks
- Accessible math support using LaTeX and MathML
Picture 1 demonstrates color selection that does not meet WCAG
Picture 2 demonstrates color selection that meets WCAG 2.0 standards
Built in accessibility check to determine whether your color selection for foreground and background meets international color contrast standards
Baker continues; "Accessibility is one of the key barriers that exist in education and we will continue our investment in ensuring our clients remain in a leadership position globally. Desire2Learn's technology is designed to provide equal and inclusive learning opportunities to all individuals."
Visit www.Desire2Learn.com/Access, call 1.888.772.0325 or email Info@Desire2Learn.com for further information about Desire2Learn's ongoing commitment to address accessibility in all aspects of its products and services.
For great insight into Desire2Learn accessibility, visit: http://www.desire2learn.com/learninginsights/2011/3/Is-this-section-508-compliant/
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004, the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. For more information, visit: http://www.nfb.org/nfb.
About Desire2Learn Incorporated
Desire2Learn Incorporated is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning solutions that enable institutions and other organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, goals, and branding. Desire2Learn and its subsidiaries support more than seven million learners worldwide. Clients include higher education, K-12, and healthcare as well as associations, government and other leading organizations. Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn has personnel in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), +44 808.234.4235 (U.K. and Europe), 0.800.452.069 (New Zealand) and 1.800.656.210 (Australia).
###
John McLeod
Sr. Director, Marketing & Alliances
Desire2Learn Incorporated
519.772.0325 ext. 378
PR@Desire2Learn.com
