The best thin an instructor can do to assist students with visual impairment is to make sure the format is the same throughout the document. The student without disabilities will also benefit from this also. Keep things familiar will benefit everyone.
LE,
Yes, the use of small font is particularly bad for many learners not just those with vision disabilities.
Renee Shaffer
Using a defined and consistent format that is simple and easy to read. The document should utilize headers and a page layout that is based on a standard template from Word. This will ensure that the largest possible number of readers are compatible with the document. Color should not be used to convey important elements of meaning since many students are color blind. Overall, a simple layout that can easily be used with a reader is good. As I age, I have found that I have a preference for larger fonts. Using 12pt fonts allow me to read the screen without glasses. So, I usually avoid small fonts and try to construct all materials in a way that allows me to increase the viewing magnification (zoom) without creating too much of a mess of the documents.
Karen,
Glad that you are getting so much out of the class. That makes my day!
Renee Shaffer
When making Word documents, take some time to consider the student audience and their needs, possible disabilities, etc.
Then, choose simple, basic font with larger sized text. I used to use color here and there in documents, but this class has taught me to do not do that (never gave it a second thought, so thanks!). When using an image, be sure to caption it, describe it, etc.
Karen B.
This question topic seems to have multiple correct answers. For examples: don’t use colors that can confuse those with color blindness; avoid tables so screen readers can be used effectively; avoid using bold because screen readers can’t read bold; to the extent possible avoid pictures and graphics that cannot be explained easily in text; and many others as well. The importance to the student of each one of these “helps for Word documents†depends on what visual impairment the student has. A student with macular degeneration has different needs from one who is color blind, so just one help would not necessarily fit both visual impairments.
First keep the documents simple in format, using large type and double space to make them easy to read by the viewer and for screen readers to read. Avoid graphics or photos unless necessary and if used provide clear captions for them.
As I remember from the lessons in this module, , documents need to be made into a digital format so that they can be easily read by screen readers and other assistive technology tools. For example, Word documents should have headings that can be accessed. Any image in a Word or PDF document should have a graphic description attached to it. Online instructors have the ability to make all of the written content accessible by using the keys already available to them in the most-used word processing software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Adobe. Again, as I remember it from the lesson!! :-)
Chastity,
So glad that you got a lot out of the course. With a few simple tweeks, your courses should be golden!
Renee Shaffer
Jaclyn,
I will have to utilize this in the future!
Renee Shaffer
I learned a lot in this class. I've been teaching for 8 years online and typically have at least one disabled students in each session. I learned from this course that I was making some very simple errors. In the past, I would bold Sub-Titles instead of using the headings and subheadings options on Word.
In the past, I would also use colors without realizing that I could use www.vischeck.com to view the color contrast for people with color blindness.
Thanks, CEE!
Make sure the font is appropriate both for online and printed reading. This discussion sparked my interest and I found a website about fonts and accessibility - http://webaim.org/techniques/fonts/#realvs
Using bold and large and easy to read (Arial, Times New Roman etc.) font and providing transcripts for all videos and images will help students with disabilities. It will also be helpful to work with students on case by case basis if possible!
Mara,
The tabs function can be very problematic as are any tables or graphs. We don't realize how important headings and subheadings can be for those using screen readers.
Renee Shaffer
If I'm understanding the text correctly, using the ALT key will help flag pictures and visual components of a Word document, or pdfs, for students with a visual impairment.
Using headings and subheadings and bullet points, rather than just tabs may also help students with visual impairments, and even students without them.
Alfred,
Good points. The alternative text is so helpful for everyone involved so it is best to use it whenever possible.
Renee Shaffer
One thing an online instructor can do is to organize your content into an easily readable format with highlighted/bold points. Alternative text can also help students with vial impairment.
Use bold print. Allow the student the ability to enlarge the information.
Kara,
They can also provide a written transcript which can be read by a screen reader.
Renee Shaffer
The online instructor needs to be sure to have some type of audio to go with it to help students with visual impairments.
