Ensuring Inclusion & Accessibility in Digital Learning

Every employee deserves access to learning that is usable, meaningful, and designed with them in mind. Yet far too often, digital learning platforms and content exclude users—not intentionally, but through oversight, speed, or lack of standards.

Inclusion and accessibility are not just legal checkboxes. They’re core to equity, talent development, and organizational performance.

Why Inclusion Matters in Learning

• Supports diversity goals and legal compliance
• Expands access to growth opportunities
• Improves usability for everyone, not just those with disabilities
• Signals a culture of care, not just compliance

Core Dimensions of Inclusive Learning

1. Visual Accessibility

• High color contrast
• Adjustable text sizes
• Avoidance of flashing content
• Alt-text for images and icons

2. Auditory Accessibility

• Captioning for videos
• Transcripts for audio content
• Avoiding background music or noise clutter

3. Motor Accessibility

• Keyboard navigation support
• Large and spaced-out click/tap targets
• Avoiding time-sensitive interactions

4. Cognitive & Neurodiversity Considerations

• Clear, simple language
• Consistent layouts and menus
• Optional reading speeds or formats
• Chunking content into manageable segments

Platform-Level Responsibilities

Your LMS or LXP must:

• Be WCAG 2.1 AA compliant (at minimum)
• Provide accessibility statements and VPATs
• Support screen readers and assistive technologies
• Offer accessible navigation and form inputs

Ask your vendors:

• Have you been audited for accessibility?
• Can you demonstrate conformance?
• How do you support accessibility updates?

Content-Level Responsibilities

Even with an accessible platform, poor content can ruin the experience.

Watch for:

• Slide decks with embedded text
• Images without descriptions
• Videos without captions
• Long blocks of dense, scrolling content

Inclusive Learning Beyond Compliance

Inclusion also means representation and belonging. Consider:

• Culturally relevant examples and imagery
• Multiple language options
• Flexible pacing and format
• Avoiding stereotypes or exclusionary scenarios

Intersection with DEI Strategy

Learning platforms are a key touchpoint in the employee experience. They should reflect your DEI values, not just your content strategy.

• Make inclusion a selection criterion in platform procurement
• Involve ERGs or DEI councils in reviewing content
• Measure usage and feedback across demographic groups

Final Thoughts

Accessibility is not an edge case—it’s the design standard for the world we actually live in.

And inclusion isn’t about being nice—it’s about being effective, equitable, and future-ready.

If your digital learning experience works for everyone, it works better for everyone.