Beyond Compliance: Cultivating Accessibility Expertise in a University Educational Technology Program

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Instructional Technology SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

This paper details how a university educational technology program that lacks courses focusing on accessibility sought to cultivate accessibility expertise by performing a student-driven accessibility evaluation on its website. Specifically, graduate students led the design, execution, and evaluation, as well as reporting results and developing recommendations for improvement. Evaluation unfolded using heuristic evaluation, along with supplemental materials developed in accordance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Data collected was analyzed using a mixed method to generate evidence for areas of improvement. Findings revealed that although the current website is able to foster user engagement with effective user interface design, issues related to accessibility and usability present potential barriers for users with disabilities.

Authors

• Jie Lu, University of Florida

• Matthew Schmidt, University of Florida