Accessibility Is Good Design: 5 Tips for More Inclusive eLearning

As instructional designers, we have a responsibility—and a legal and ethical obligation—to ensure our learning experiences are accessible to all learners. While building Together We Can: Accessible Learning Media Design, I had the opportunity to deeply explore how thoughtful design can remove barriers and support every learner’s success. Accessibility is not a checklist at the end; it’s a mindset that shapes every design decision from the start. Here are five practical takeaways that can help any designer strengthen the accessibility of their digital learning.

Design with POUR in Mind

POUR stands for Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. These are the core principles of the WCAG guidelines. I used POUR as a framework throughout my course to ensure that every element—from navigation to color contrast to document tagging—met the needs of diverse learners. If you only remember one acronym, make it this one.

Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions Are a Must

Video and audio can be powerful tools, but only if everyone can access the information. I built captions and full transcripts into all video content from the start, not as an afterthought. If your course includes visuals that convey critical information, consider audio descriptions to ensure no learner misses out.

Color Is a Helper, Not the Message

One of the simplest but most important design shifts I made was to avoid relying on color alone to communicate meaning. Color contrast was carefully checked, and I added labels, icons, or patterns so that learners with low vision or color blindness could fully participate.

Make Navigation Predictable and Consistent

Good accessibility benefits all learners. I learned quickly that clear headings, logical reading order, descriptive links (“Download Checklist” instead of “Click Here”), and consistent button placement not only supported screen reader users but improved the overall user experience for everyone.

Test Your Work with Real Tools

You can’t assume accessibility—you have to test it. I used tools like WAVE, Adobe Acrobat accessibility checker, and screen reader simulations to audit my course materials. Even small adjustments, like improving alt text or adding form labels, made a noticeable difference.

Building an accessible eLearning course challenged me to think differently and design better. It’s not just about meeting compliance standards; it’s about respecting every learner’s right to engage fully with your content. I walked away from this project with a stronger commitment to inclusive design—and I hope these tips inspire you to do the same.