New to Accessible eLearning?
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If you're new to accessible e-Learning, you may be confused about what this means. It may help to understand a few of the common terms you'll see as you are researching this topic.
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Accessibility: generally describes the degree to which a product, device, service, or environment is available to as many people as possible. When referring to accessibility of online content, such as e-Learning, accessibility refers to the degree to which all people, especially those with disabilities, can access the content.
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Assistive (or Adaptive) Technology: Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities...", according to the definition proposed in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.
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Section 508: In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105 - 220), August 7, 1998 to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. Specifically, Section 508 of that act requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use EIT, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Read more at: https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies
