As academic institutions increasingly rely on digital tools and platforms for learning, ensuring these resources are accessible to all students is critical. A digital accessibility audit plays a vital role in this process, comprehensively evaluating digital content and tools to ensure they meet accessibility standards. At Plymouth State University, these audits are essential for giving every student, including those with disabilities, the opportunity to thrive.

What are digital accessibility audits? 

Digital accessibility audits thoroughly review digital content, including websites, online courses, and educational tools, to identify barriers that might prevent users with disabilities from accessing information. These audits assess text readability, multimedia accessibility, navigability, and compatibility with assistive technologies. The goal is to ensure compliance with established accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and to create an inclusive digital environment.

Why every educational institution needs them

1. Legal and Ethical Obligations: Educational institutions have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide equal access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require that educational resources be digitally accessible. Audits help institutions identify and rectify compliance issues, reducing the risk of legal repercussions and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
   
2. Enhancing Learning Opportunities: Students with disabilities face unique challenges, and accessible digital resources can significantly improve their learning experience. For example, providing alternative text for images, video captions, and keyboard navigation options can make educational content accessible to students with visual, auditory, and motor impairments.
   
3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Addressing accessibility barriers, schools and universities show their commitment to supporting all students, regardless of their abilities. This commitment creates a diverse student body, enriches the learning experience, and prepares all students for the real world. Moreover, accessibility improvements benefit everyone, including students without disabilities, by enhancing the overall usability of digital resources.
   
4. Improving Digital Literacy: Accessibility audits also contribute to the broader goal of improving digital literacy. They encourage the best digital design and development practices, which helps raise awareness and understanding of accessibility issues among students, faculty, and staff. As a result, the academic community becomes more adept at creating and using accessible digital content, promoting a culture of inclusivity and technological competence.

How to do effective accessibility audits

1. Assemble a Diverse Team: A successful digital accessibility audit requires a team with diverse expertise, including web developers, accessibility specialists, and people with disabilities. This diversity ensures a comprehensive evaluation of digital content from multiple perspectives.
   
2. Utilize Automated Tools: Accessibility auditing tools can quickly identify and report many common issues. These tools are a valuable first step in auditing, providing a baseline assessment and highlighting areas that need further attention.
   
3. Conduct Manual Testing: While automated tools are helpful, manual testing is essential for identifying issues that automated tests might miss. Manual testing involves simulating the user experience of users with disabilities through assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
   
4. Engage Users with Disabilities: Involving students with disabilities in auditing provides invaluable insights into real-world accessibility challenges. Their feedback can help identify specific barriers and prioritize improvements.
   
5. Develop an Action Plan: After identifying accessibility issues, institutions should develop a clear action plan to address them. This plan should include measurable goals, timelines, and responsibilities to ensure accountability and progress.
   
6. Provide Ongoing Training: Accessibility is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time effort. Regular training and professional development for faculty, staff, and developers are crucial for maintaining and improving digital accessibility over time.

Breaking down barriers starts with digital accessibility

Digital accessibility audits are essential for creating an inclusive educational environment at Plymouth State University and beyond. Identifying and breaking down barriers fulfills a legal and ethical obligation that enhances learning opportunities, promotes diversity and inclusion, and improves digital literacy. As technology evolves, regular accessibility audits will remain critical for ensuring that all students have equal access to the educational resources they need to succeed.