Imagine a world where education is truly accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities. A world where innovative edtech companies prioritize inclusivity and design products that empower students with disabilities to succeed. This is not just a dream, but a reality that is being shaped by the power of accessible UX design.

Learning Ally

One such company leading the charge is Learning Ally. With their human-narrated audiobook model, they have revolutionized the way students with print disabilities access educational content. By providing audiobooks and other assistive technologies, Learning Ally has made learning more accessible and inclusive for thousands of students, helping them thrive academically.

Canvas by Instructure

Another example of an edtech company embracing accessibility is Instructure, the creator of the popular learning management system, Canvas. With built-in accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, color contrast settings, and keyboard shortcuts, Canvas ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in online learning. Instructure's commitment to inclusivity has made a significant impact on the educational experience of diverse learners.

Going Beyond Features to Foster Empathy and Inclusivity

But designing accessible products goes beyond adding features; it requires a mindset shift towards inclusivity and empathy. Inclusive design, or universal design, focuses on creating products that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities. It involves understanding and addressing the diverse needs of all users, including those with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.

The impact of accessible UX design goes beyond just meeting regulatory requirements. It is about creating educational products that are truly inclusive, empowering, and transformative. It is about recognizing that every learner deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their abilities.

So, what can we do to promote and support accessible UX design in edtech? As learners, educators, and innovators, we can demand and advocate for inclusive design in all educational products. We can celebrate and support the efforts of edtech companies that prioritize accessibility. We can also provide feedback to companies to continually improve their products and make them more inclusive.

Innovating inclusion through accessible UX design is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of educational product success. Let's work together to create an inclusive future of education, where all learners can thrive and reach their full potential. Join the movement for accessible UX design in edtech and let's make education truly inclusive for everyone. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all learners, one where access, equity, and inclusivity are at the heart of educational innovation.