Accessible E-Learning Pulse: The Role of VR, AI, Descript, and Vyond in Accessible Technology
Accessibility News, Product Updates, Upcoming Events
The Ethics of Accessible Technology
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of ensuring that technology is accessible and human-centered cannot be overstated. By focusing on human needs and experiences, we create inclusive environments where technology becomes a seamless extension of daily life for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Human-centered design emphasizes understanding the diverse perspectives and requirements of all users, leading to solutions that are not only more inclusive but also more intuitive.
Designing technology with accessibility as a core priority brings numerous benefits. It enhances user satisfaction by providing equitable access to digital platforms, tools, and services, ensuring a positive experience for all. Additionally, by expanding market reach, companies can tap into new customer segments, increasing their potential audience and fostering brand loyalty. Accessibility-driven innovation often leads to the development of new, creative solutions that benefit everyone, not just those with specific needs.
Beyond the practical advantages, there are significant ethical and social responsibilities tied to creating accessible technology. As society becomes increasingly reliant on digital solutions, it is imperative to ensure that no one is left behind. By committing to accessibility, developers and companies demonstrate a dedication to equality, inclusion, and social justice, reinforcing their role as responsible innovators. In essence, a human-centered approach to technology enriches lives, bridges gaps, and builds a more inclusive world for all.
Learn more about my accessible e-learning services
E-Learning News Highlights
Stay informed with the latest happenings in the e-learning accessible ecosystem. From innovative technologies to policy changes, we've got you covered with the news that matters.
Apple’s Head of Accessibility highlights the importance of AI in helping people with disabilities
Image ID: Head of accessibility on a stage speaking
Summary:
Since 1985, Apple has been dedicated to making its products accessible, viewing accessibility as a fundamental human right that inspires innovation. At the Web Summit, it was highlighted how Apple leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Features like Eye Tracking allow device control through eye movement, while Sound Recognition assists those with hearing impairments by detecting alarms and doorbells.
Significant improvements are being made to Siri, making hands-free use of Apple devices even more seamless. Additionally, the Apple Watch's AssistiveTouch has evolved, enabling users to navigate the watch with hand gestures. The Series 9 and newer models now support the Double Tap gesture, allowing interaction without needing to touch the screen.
Apple is also addressing social stigma associated with disabilities. The latest updates to AirPods Pro 2 include advanced hearing health features built directly into the earbuds, providing clinical-grade hearing support.
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Invisible disabilities in social VR: To disclose or not?
Photo courtesy of MSN News
IMAGE ID: A woman with VR glasses on
Summary
Social virtual reality platforms like VRChat, AltspaceVR, and Rec Room offer immersive experiences that enable individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible, to engage in activities that might be inaccessible in the physical world. Cornell researchers have explored how people with invisible disabilities—conditions not outwardly visible but affecting movement, senses, or activities—navigate the decision to disclose their disabilities in these virtual environments. The study, presented at the ACM SIGACCESS Conference, involved interviews with 15 individuals with various invisible disabilities, revealing that disclosure decisions are highly context-dependent. Participants expressed preferences for nuanced and symbolic disclosure methods, such as avatar clothing and accessories, and identified three patterns of disclosure: activist, situational discloser, and non-discloser. This research highlights the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities in choosing whether to represent their disabilities in both virtual and non-virtual settings.
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Accessible E-Learning Product Review
Discover the tools and platforms making waves in e-learning. Our expert reviews will help you make informed decisions about the best resources for your learning needs. Please be aware that these product reviews reflect my personal opinions and are not sponsored endorsements.
Vyond Accessibility Features
Review Summary: Vyond offers robust accessibility features, enhancing video creation through closed captions and keyboard shortcuts. Likewise, Vyond also offers diverse avatars including those in wheelchairs and using mobility devices. The downside is that people find the learning curve steep due to the depth of customization options. The usability of the accessibility features are buried inside the system, which doesn’t make the accessibility feature as usable. Rating: 3/5
Descript Accessibility Features
Review Summary: Descript excels with its transcription capabilities and screen reader compatibility, providing an inclusive experience for creators. The platform's accurate speech-to-text conversion is crucial for accessibility, though users may encounter occasional glitches in transcript editing. The accessibility features are Rating: 5 /5
Accessible E-Learning Course Updates
Image ID: hands coming together that say Briding Humanity and Innovation One Person at a time; Human Tech Connect Logo
My accessibility e-learning skills are microlearning opportunities offering growth, which are designed to enhance your interpersonal team-building and advocacy abilities. Before I delve into technical expertise, it's vital for instructional designers and trainers to master the art of persuasion and advocacy for accessible training systems. I hope you explore these introductory courses I'm currently offering to begin your advocacy journey. (P.S. Technical Accessibility Skill Classes to Launch in 2025)
Check out The Human Tech Connect accessible e-learning platform
Course 1: Building Stronger Teams: Peer Coaching Techniques for Business Leaders
Image ID: Peer Coaching Course icon; Text says “Building Stronger Teams: Peer Coaching Techniques for Business Leaders: Develop the problem solving and decision making skill you need to help make accessibility possible.”
The Problem this Course is Solving:
Running a small business can be tough, especially when resources are tight and you want to get the most out of your team. Many small business owners struggle with building cohesive teams and improving communication without overspending. This course, "Building Stronger Teams: Peer Coaching Strategies for Businesses and Organizations," directly addresses these challenges by offering practical peer coaching solutions that can be implemented easily by any team members as we navigate choices around change and inclusion.
Peer coaching provides an effective framework for your team members to support each other, enhancing communication and collaboration naturally. This approach not only strengthens team bonds but also boosts morale and productivity. The course is designed to help you create a supportive workplace environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
By focusing on peer coaching these strategies to help in problem solving and decision making, leaders can begin to envision how your team operates, leading to greater job satisfaction and a more harmonious workplace. This is more than just a course—it's a pathway to overcoming common hurdles in team management, peer relationship development and driving your business towards sustainable success.
SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE
Course 2: Advocating for Quality Accessible Educational Materials
The Problem this Course is Solving:
The "Advocating Accessible Educational Materials" microcourse addresses the critical issue of inadequate adoption of accessible educational materials. It empowers educators and leaders to promote a Quality Assurance Matrix for Alternative Educational Materials (AEM), essential for ensuring inclusivity and compliance. By participating in this course, individuals will develop the skills to craft persuasive communications that encourage the adoption of Quality Indicators for inclusive learning materials and foster peer advocacy. The curriculum focuses on identifying challenges in creating accessible materials, proposing effective solutions, and integrating accessibility mandates. Through practical exercises, participants will enhance their ability to facilitate impactful dialogues, becoming catalysts for change in advancing quality and accessibility in education.
Update: We added TWO new Vyond videos showcasing the following:
A real use case from my own professional experience about a time my team and I advocated for an Accessible Educational System within a project
A demo of what a conversation using Stanier’s Coaching Habit looks like when advocating to peers for buy-in for an systems wide accessible education materials system
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Upcoming Events
Event 1: Accessible E-Learning Office Hours
Date & Time: Thursday, November 21st at 4:00-4:45 CST
Description: Designed to support learners in overcoming accessibility challenges in e-learning, these office hours offer expert guidance on best practices and personalized support.
Event 2: AI Unlocked: Problem-Solving Techniques to Enhance Your AI Prompting Skills with Traininng, LLC
Description: Join our exclusive webinar to explore advanced AI techniques for real-world applications. Gain insights to boost your efficiency and stay competitive in the AI landscape.
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