Accessibility isn't a final polish step. It's part of how I plan, design, build, and test learning—so more people can actually use what we create.
Compare these two versions of a simple learning activity. One creates avoidable barriers; the other gives learners a clearer path.
Do the thing below.
Click the light-colored control to proceed.
Important directions shown only in a video with no captions.
What's getting in the way? Vague instructions, weak contrast, an ambiguous control, and information available in only one format.
Step 1: Review the customer record.
Read the instructions or watch the captioned demonstration. Both explain the same steps.
Keyboard users can Tab to this button and activate it with Enter or Space.
What's improved? Clear language, descriptive button text, visible focus, keyboard access, and equivalent instructions.
Choose a consideration to see what I look for during design and review.
I check that learners can complete every essential action using a keyboard—not just a mouse—and that the order makes sense.
I make the active control visually obvious so keyboard users can tell where they are. Focus should never disappear behind decorative styling.
I check readable text and distinguishable controls against their backgrounds. Color alone should never be the only way to communicate meaning.
I provide synchronized captions for prerecorded video with speech and transcripts or equivalent text where appropriate, so key information is available without audio.
Meaningful images need descriptions that convey their purpose. Decorative images should be ignored by assistive technology rather than adding noise.
I use direct instructions, descriptive labels, and predictable patterns so learners spend less effort decoding the interface and more effort learning.
I check that learners can complete every essential action using a keyboard—not just a mouse—and that the order makes sense.
I make the active control visually obvious so keyboard users can tell where they are. Focus should never disappear behind decorative styling.
I check readable text and distinguishable controls against their backgrounds. Color alone should never be the only way to communicate meaning.
I provide synchronized captions for prerecorded video with speech and transcripts or equivalent text where appropriate, so key information is available without audio.
Meaningful images need descriptions that convey their purpose. Decorative images should be ignored by assistive technology rather than adding noise.
I use direct instructions, descriptive labels, and predictable patterns so learners spend less effort decoding the interface and more effort learning.