Nov. 19, 2025
Accessibility in Action: Inclusive Design for Every Learner
Designing truly inclusive learning experiences requires more than good intentions—it demands practical knowledge of accessibility principles that benefit every learner. Whether you're creating content for higher education, corporate training, or digital platforms, accessibility transforms from a technical requirement into a powerful tool for equity when approached with intention and care.
We dive into six actionable strategies you can implement immediately: adding meaningful alt text to images, incorporating captions and transcripts for all video content, ensuring proper color contrast, structuring documents with clear headings and formatting, providing multiple engagement options, and using accessibility testing tools to catch issues early. Each strategy comes with practical examples for both educational and corporate settings, demonstrating how accessibility enhances learning for everyone involved.
Take the first step toward more inclusive design by choosing just one strategy to implement in your next project, then build from there. Your small changes today create better learning experiences for all your learners tomorrow—and that's what designing with love truly means.
🔗 Episode Links:
Please check out the resources mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!
Accessibility in Action Course
WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
📑 References:
WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools. (n.d.). https://wave.webaim.org/
Join PodMatch!Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
💟 Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription.
🗣️ Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show
🌐 Check out the show's website here: Designing with Love
📱 Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.
👍🏼 Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!
00:00 - Introduction to Accessibility
01:26 - Common Barriers in Instructional Design
04:56 - Six Practical Accessibility Strategies
07:17 - Real-World Application Examples
09:39 - The Bigger Picture of Inclusion
11:19 - Episode Closing and Resources
WEBVTT
00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:04.107
Hello and welcome to the Designing with Love podcast.
00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:11.752
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you information, tips, and tricks as an instructional designer.
00:00:11.752 --> 00:00:22.121
Hello instructional designers and educators, welcome to Episode 65 of the Designing with Love podcast.
00:00:22.121 --> 00:00:30.728
Today, we're diving into a topic that is at the very heart of inclusive education and effective design accessibility.
00:00:30.728 --> 00:00:39.661
Whether you're working in higher ed, corporate training, or designing digital content, accessibility is more than a checklist.
00:00:39.661 --> 00:00:45.234
It's a commitment to equity and belonging and a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
00:00:45.234 --> 00:00:52.012
So grab your notebook, a cup of coffee, and settle in as we explore this topic together.
00:00:52.012 --> 00:00:59.231
Before we dive in, think about one course, workshop, or piece of content you've recently worked on.
00:00:59.231 --> 00:01:00.715
Keep that in mind.
00:01:00.715 --> 00:01:04.590
It will be useful as we explore practical strategies together.
00:01:04.590 --> 00:01:07.447
So let's start with the basics.
00:01:07.447 --> 00:01:12.403
What exactly do we mean when we talk about accessibility in instructional design?
00:01:12.403 --> 00:01:21.909
At its core, accessibility is about ensuring that every learner, regardless of ability, has equal access to learning experiences.
00:01:21.909 --> 00:01:28.707
But here's the key: Accessibility doesn't just benefit learners with disabilities; it benefits everyone.
00:01:28.707 --> 00:01:39.439
If you've been following the Designing with Love podcast, you might have caught episode 44, Designing for Everyone: A Universal Guide to Learning.
00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:50.915
In that episode, we dive into UDL and how providing multiple ways to engage with content, express knowledge, and access materials supports all learners.
00:01:50.915 --> 00:01:56.171
Accessibility is really the practical, actionable part of that philosophy.
00:01:56.171 --> 00:02:06.841
While UDL provides the framework, accessibility makes sure these principles are actually in action in your courses, videos, and digital content.
00:02:06.841 --> 00:02:10.372
For example, think about captions on videos.
00:02:10.372 --> 00:02:27.294
They were originally designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help non-native speakers, people learning in noisy environments, and even learners who retain information better when reading along or consider text alternatives for images.
00:02:27.294 --> 00:02:38.174
You might think, well, only someone using a screen reader will need that, but descriptive alt text can also clarify content for everyone and improve overall understanding.
00:02:38.174 --> 00:02:41.808
Accessibility is really just good design.
00:02:41.808 --> 00:02:49.926
Design that provides flexibility, multiple ways to engage in the content, and a welcoming environment for all learners.
00:02:49.926 --> 00:02:54.581
So take a moment and think in your last project.
00:02:54.581 --> 00:02:59.248
Where could small changes like captions or alt text make a big impact?
00:02:59.248 --> 00:03:05.402
Of course, even when we intend to be inclusive, there are barriers that can creep in.
00:03:06.530 --> 00:03:10.080
Let me share a few common ones I see in instructional design.
00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:13.680
First, there's an over-reliance on color.
00:03:13.680 --> 00:03:26.330
Some materials use color coding without providing text alternatives, which can be confusing for learners who are colorblind learners who are colorblind.
00:03:26.330 --> 00:03:30.542
Now, I am not colorblind myself, but I do have some vision impairments that make it difficult for me to read information on bright backgrounds or screens.
00:03:30.542 --> 00:03:36.770
Even these kinds of things should be taken into consideration when designing materials for your learners.
00:03:36.770 --> 00:03:41.705
Second, there's missing alt text or poorly structured documents.
00:03:41.705 --> 00:03:49.539
If images don't have descriptions or headings aren't used properly, learners using screen readers can get completely lost.
00:03:49.539 --> 00:04:00.413
One thing I also commonly see in this area is when documents link out to a website, instead of providing the full text of the link, take the time to provide a hyperlink.
00:04:00.413 --> 00:04:10.336
This way, it makes it for a cleaner design and also prevents a screen reader from having to read off the entire website address, especially when it's lengthy.
00:04:11.760 --> 00:04:15.034
Videos are another area where accessibility often breaks down.
00:04:15.034 --> 00:04:21.836
There's no captions or transcripts, which can make it impossible for certain learners to access key content.
00:04:21.836 --> 00:04:24.603
Finally, there's navigation.
00:04:24.603 --> 00:04:35.274
Complex menus, inconsistent layouts or unclear instructions can frustrate any learner, but they can be especially challenging for those relying on assistive technologies.
00:04:35.274 --> 00:04:43.721
I've personally seen courses where a small oversight, like a missing caption, can completely change a learner's experience.
00:04:43.721 --> 00:04:49.375
This is why being proactive about accessibility matters so much for every learner.
00:04:50.557 --> 00:04:53.543
So think about your LMS or training platform.
00:04:53.543 --> 00:04:57.680
How easy is it for a new learner to navigate and find what they need?
00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:04.663
Now let's get into the exciting part Practical strategies you can start using right away.
00:05:04.663 --> 00:05:09.615
Into the exciting part Practical strategies you can start using right away.
00:05:09.615 --> 00:05:10.778
These are simple steps that can make a big difference.
00:05:10.797 --> 00:05:12.319
Strategy number one alt text for images.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:16.855
Every image should have a short descriptive text alternative.
00:05:16.855 --> 00:05:19.901
Even a few words can give context.
00:05:19.901 --> 00:05:24.591
Strategy number two captions and transcripts for videos.
00:05:24.591 --> 00:05:28.233
This isn't just for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing.
00:05:28.233 --> 00:05:34.798
Captions help everyone engage with content, from noisy coffee shops to learners who prefer reading along.
00:05:34.798 --> 00:05:39.322
Strategy number three color contrast and design.
00:05:39.322 --> 00:05:46.627
Make sure text and background colors have enough contrast and avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning.
00:05:46.627 --> 00:05:54.553
A great tool out there to help you incorporate good visual design is the Color Wheel tool by Canva.
00:05:54.553 --> 00:05:59.843
I have provided the link to the tool in the show notes for you to access and bookmark for future use in your designs.
00:06:01.071 --> 00:06:03.418
Strategy number four document structure.
00:06:03.418 --> 00:06:07.100
Use proper headings, lists and clear formatting.
00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:12.221
This helps learners navigate materials quickly and make screen readers work correctly.
00:06:12.221 --> 00:06:16.980
Strategy number five multiple ways to engage.
00:06:16.980 --> 00:06:28.833
Provide content in more than one format, such as text, video, audio and interactive activities so learners can choose what works best for them.
00:06:28.833 --> 00:06:31.858
And finally, strategy number six test your work.
00:06:31.858 --> 00:06:40.841
Use accessibility checkers in Word, powerpoint, your LMS or free online tools like Wave to catch issues early.
00:06:40.841 --> 00:06:45.774
If you have not used this tool before, I have provided the link to it in the show notes for you.
00:06:47.338 --> 00:06:51.925
The key to incorporating these strategies into your designs is to start small.
00:06:51.925 --> 00:06:54.274
You don't have to fix everything at once.
00:06:54.274 --> 00:06:58.651
Pick one strategy and integrate it into your next course or resource.
00:06:58.651 --> 00:07:01.220
Remember every step counts.
00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:09.843
If you'd like guided examples and exercises for these strategies, make sure to check out the Accessibility in Action self-paced course.
00:07:09.843 --> 00:07:15.641
So which one of these strategies could you implement first in your next project?
00:07:15.641 --> 00:07:19.622
Make sure to jot it down, because it helps commit this to action.
00:07:19.622 --> 00:07:31.420
Before we zoom out to the bigger picture, let's walk through a real-world example of how an instructional designer can put these accessibility strategies into action.
00:07:32.865 --> 00:07:41.639
Imagine you're designing a college-level course, such as an introductory psychology course, or developing a corporate training program for an organization.
00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:48.565
Here's how you might integrate accessibility for an organization.
00:07:48.565 --> 00:07:49.750
Here's how you might integrate accessibility Videos.
00:07:49.750 --> 00:07:52.879
Include captions and transcripts for all recorded lectures, presentations or training videos.
00:07:52.879 --> 00:08:03.769
This helps students or employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, non-native English speakers or anyone who prefers reading along Materials and resources.
00:08:03.769 --> 00:08:11.916
Ensure all PDFs, slides or digital documents are properly structured, with headings, lists and alt text for images.
00:08:11.916 --> 00:08:16.711
This supports learners using screen readers and improves navigation for everyone.
00:08:17.894 --> 00:08:22.749
Assignments and activities Provide multiple ways for learners to demonstrate their knowledge.
00:08:22.749 --> 00:08:28.389
In a college course, this might be a written paper, a video presentation or a slide deck.
00:08:28.389 --> 00:08:35.754
In workplace training, it could be a reflective write-up, a demonstration video or a practical simulation.
00:08:35.754 --> 00:08:38.542
Navigation and instructions.
00:08:38.542 --> 00:08:43.849
Keep learning management systems, course sites or the facilitators and trainers.
00:08:43.849 --> 00:08:59.655
Make sure they are aware of accessibility features and best practices.
00:08:59.655 --> 00:09:09.691
Encourage them to provide multiple options for engagement during live sessions, like verbal explanations, written instructions and interactive discussions.
00:09:11.234 --> 00:09:15.690
By intentionally integrating these strategies, you're not just checking off boxes.
00:09:15.690 --> 00:09:26.899
You're creating learning experiences where all learners, whether students or employees, can participate fully, feel included and access content in ways that work best for them.
00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:34.739
Small adjustments like these can make a huge difference in engagement, satisfaction and overall outcomes.
00:09:34.739 --> 00:09:38.355
So picture your own course or training program.
00:09:38.355 --> 00:09:43.216
What's one small change you could make this week to improve accessibility?
00:09:43.216 --> 00:09:49.066
Now let's step back and take a look at the bigger picture.
00:09:49.908 --> 00:09:53.033
Accessibility is more than just a set of technical tasks.
00:09:53.033 --> 00:09:57.711
It's a reflection of values such as empathy, inclusion and equity.
00:09:57.711 --> 00:10:05.960
When we prioritize accessibility, we're sending a powerful message to learners you belong here, your learning matters.
00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:13.687
It's about creating learning environments where students or employees feel supported, respected and empowered to succeed.
00:10:13.687 --> 00:10:20.078
Accessibility also benefits the instructor, facilitator and organization.
00:10:21.004 --> 00:10:36.562
Courses and trainings designed with multiple ways to access content and engage learners often result in better overall learning outcomes, higher satisfaction and reduce barriers that might otherwise lead to frustration or disengagement.
00:10:36.562 --> 00:10:47.047
Also, focusing on accessibility encourages a mindset of flexibility, and innovation is a mindset of flexibility and innovation.
00:10:47.047 --> 00:10:56.135
Instructional designers who incorporate these principles think critically about different ways learners interact with content, which often leads to richer, more effective learning experiences for everyone.
00:10:56.135 --> 00:11:00.807
In short, accessibility isn't just a requirement or feature.
00:11:00.807 --> 00:11:05.639
It's a lens through which we can improve every part of the learning experience.
00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:14.211
It reflects care, intentionality and a commitment to equitable learning for all, and that's designing with love.
00:11:14.211 --> 00:11:23.698
So take a moment and reflect how can accessibility shape the learning experiences you create, both in higher ed and workplace settings?
00:11:25.248 --> 00:11:30.249
So, as we wrap up today, remember accessibility doesn't have to be overwhelming.
00:11:30.249 --> 00:11:36.727
Start small, start intentional, and start with one change that can make a meaningful difference.
00:11:36.727 --> 00:11:40.096
If you want to take these strategies a step further.
00:11:40.096 --> 00:11:45.596
Make sure to check out Accessibility in Action Practical Strategies for Inclusive Learning.
00:11:45.596 --> 00:11:54.869
Design a self-paced course with exercises, examples and tools to help make your courses or trainings accessible for every learner.
00:11:54.869 --> 00:11:58.197
You can find the link to the course in the show notes.
00:11:58.197 --> 00:12:04.356
Make sure to share your strategies with me on LinkedIn, youtube or buy me a coffee.
00:12:04.356 --> 00:12:10.832
Also, don't forget to subscribe and share this episode to help spread the word about designing for all learners.
00:12:12.275 --> 00:12:21.490
Before I wrap up, I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes about accessibility from Antonio Santos, which I think perfectly captures why this work matters.
00:12:21.490 --> 00:12:26.017
Accessibility is not a feature, it's a social trend.
00:12:26.017 --> 00:12:32.236
Until next time, keep designing with love and with accessibility in action.
00:12:32.236 --> 00:12:38.336
Thank you for taking some time to listen to this podcast episode today.
00:12:38.336 --> 00:12:40.653
Your support means the world to me.
00:12:40.653 --> 00:12:49.359
If you'd like to help keep the podcast going, you can share it with a friend or colleague, leave a heartfelt review or offer a monetary contribution.
00:12:49.359 --> 00:12:54.921
Every act of support, big or small, makes a difference and I'm truly thankful for you.
00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:04.107
00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:11.752
00:00:11.752 --> 00:00:22.121
00:00:22.121 --> 00:00:30.728
00:00:30.728 --> 00:00:39.661
00:00:39.661 --> 00:00:45.234
00:00:45.234 --> 00:00:52.012
00:00:52.012 --> 00:00:59.231
00:00:59.231 --> 00:01:00.715
00:01:00.715 --> 00:01:04.590
00:01:04.590 --> 00:01:07.447
00:01:07.447 --> 00:01:12.403
00:01:12.403 --> 00:01:21.909
00:01:21.909 --> 00:01:28.707
00:01:28.707 --> 00:01:39.439
00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:50.915
00:01:50.915 --> 00:01:56.171
00:01:56.171 --> 00:02:06.841
00:02:06.841 --> 00:02:10.372
00:02:10.372 --> 00:02:27.294
00:02:27.294 --> 00:02:38.174
00:02:38.174 --> 00:02:41.808
00:02:41.808 --> 00:02:49.926
00:02:49.926 --> 00:02:54.581
00:02:54.581 --> 00:02:59.248
00:02:59.248 --> 00:03:05.402
00:03:06.530 --> 00:03:10.080
00:03:10.080 --> 00:03:13.680
00:03:13.680 --> 00:03:26.330
00:03:26.330 --> 00:03:30.542
00:03:30.542 --> 00:03:36.770
00:03:36.770 --> 00:03:41.705
00:03:41.705 --> 00:03:49.539
00:03:49.539 --> 00:04:00.413
00:04:00.413 --> 00:04:10.336
00:04:11.760 --> 00:04:15.034
00:04:15.034 --> 00:04:21.836
00:04:21.836 --> 00:04:24.603
00:04:24.603 --> 00:04:35.274
00:04:35.274 --> 00:04:43.721
00:04:43.721 --> 00:04:49.375
00:04:50.557 --> 00:04:53.543
00:04:53.543 --> 00:04:57.680
00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:04.663
00:05:04.663 --> 00:05:09.615
00:05:09.615 --> 00:05:10.778
00:05:10.797 --> 00:05:12.319
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:16.855
00:05:16.855 --> 00:05:19.901
00:05:19.901 --> 00:05:24.591
00:05:24.591 --> 00:05:28.233
00:05:28.233 --> 00:05:34.798
00:05:34.798 --> 00:05:39.322
00:05:39.322 --> 00:05:46.627
00:05:46.627 --> 00:05:54.553
00:05:54.553 --> 00:05:59.843
00:06:01.071 --> 00:06:03.418
00:06:03.418 --> 00:06:07.100
00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:12.221
00:06:12.221 --> 00:06:16.980
00:06:16.980 --> 00:06:28.833
00:06:28.833 --> 00:06:31.858
00:06:31.858 --> 00:06:40.841
00:06:40.841 --> 00:06:45.774
00:06:47.338 --> 00:06:51.925
00:06:51.925 --> 00:06:54.274
00:06:54.274 --> 00:06:58.651
00:06:58.651 --> 00:07:01.220
00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:09.843
00:07:09.843 --> 00:07:15.641
00:07:15.641 --> 00:07:19.622
00:07:19.622 --> 00:07:31.420
00:07:32.865 --> 00:07:41.639
00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:48.565
00:07:48.565 --> 00:07:49.750
00:07:49.750 --> 00:07:52.879
00:07:52.879 --> 00:08:03.769
00:08:03.769 --> 00:08:11.916
00:08:11.916 --> 00:08:16.711
00:08:17.894 --> 00:08:22.749
00:08:22.749 --> 00:08:28.389
00:08:28.389 --> 00:08:35.754
00:08:35.754 --> 00:08:38.542
00:08:38.542 --> 00:08:43.849
00:08:43.849 --> 00:08:59.655
00:08:59.655 --> 00:09:09.691
00:09:11.234 --> 00:09:15.690
00:09:15.690 --> 00:09:26.899
00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:34.739
00:09:34.739 --> 00:09:38.355
00:09:38.355 --> 00:09:43.216
00:09:43.216 --> 00:09:49.066
00:09:49.908 --> 00:09:53.033
00:09:53.033 --> 00:09:57.711
00:09:57.711 --> 00:10:05.960
00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:13.687
00:10:13.687 --> 00:10:20.078
00:10:21.004 --> 00:10:36.562
00:10:36.562 --> 00:10:47.047
00:10:47.047 --> 00:10:56.135
00:10:56.135 --> 00:11:00.807
00:11:00.807 --> 00:11:05.639
00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:14.211
00:11:14.211 --> 00:11:23.698
00:11:25.248 --> 00:11:30.249
00:11:30.249 --> 00:11:36.727
00:11:36.727 --> 00:11:40.096
00:11:40.096 --> 00:11:45.596
00:11:45.596 --> 00:11:54.869
00:11:54.869 --> 00:11:58.197
00:11:58.197 --> 00:12:04.356
00:12:04.356 --> 00:12:10.832
00:12:12.275 --> 00:12:21.490
00:12:21.490 --> 00:12:26.017
00:12:26.017 --> 00:12:32.236
00:12:32.236 --> 00:12:38.336
00:12:38.336 --> 00:12:40.653
00:12:40.653 --> 00:12:49.359
00:12:49.359 --> 00:12:54.921