One of the simplest ways to evaluate the accessibility of instructional resources begins with a checklist. While the tools used to assess the accessibility features of a resource will vary depending on its format (e.g., hardcopy, digital, audio, etc.), a checklist serves as a guide to help avoid overlooking key elements that should be present. The Achieve OER Rubric VIII: Assurance of Accessibility Standards(opens in a new window) offers a list of features that meet accessibility standards which can be used to evaluate instructional resources.
Some software programs and websites are capable of scanning a resource to determine what key accessibility features are missing. The Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker(opens in a new window) alerts users of possible accessibility issues in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. The Web Accessibility Initiative(opens in a new window) has compiled a list of software programs and online platforms that can be used to check for accessibility depending on the format of the resource. These accessibility checker tools coupled with an accessibility checklist can help you to evaluate the accessibility of an instructional resource.
(Contributor: Caroline Martin, Research Assistant, American Institutes for Research)