Introduction
Ensuring the accessibility of training materials is essential for creating an inclusive learning environment.
Here are some recommendations, valid for all training materials:
- Titles: Use the training material title to provide clear and meaningful context.
- Instructions: Use the training material description field to provide clear and concise instructions for learners on how to consume it.
- Headings: When creating content in the configuration of the training material, maintain a consistent structure for titles and subtitles to support content comprehension.
- External content: Docebo is not responsible for the content uploaded to the platform (SCORM, AICC, etc), and for the Creator content. It is your responsibility to ensure that this content is accessible.
- Number of views: When configuring the training material's number of views, keep in mind that some users may not be able to complete a task on their first attempt. Reviewing content can be crucial for the effectiveness of the learning process. If such limitations are required, be aware that the effectiveness of the training might be affected based on the learner's abilities and usage conditions.
- Alternative text: Always include alternative text for images and multimedia content to improve accessibility.
For more information about accessibility at Docebo, including a list of the available resources, refer to the article Accessibility at Docebo.
Uploaded videos
When you upload video training material, provide subtitles, transcripts, and audio descriptions when configuring it.
Additionally, consider that some users may need to navigate backward and forward through the video and adjust playback speed to fully access and review the content, as they may need to rewatch parts of it multiple times. This approach empowers all learners to engage with the content and tailor their training experience to their needs.
If limitations to the number of views are required, be aware that this might affect training effectiveness based on individual learner abilities and conditions.
Subtitles
Subtitles are available for video training materials and must be in VTT format and UTF-8 charset.
Use subtitles to provide multilingual content. Support as many languages as possible to make your content accessible to users who may struggle with a foreign language. Offering subtitles in learners' native languages helps them better understand complex concepts, reduces language barriers, and creates a more inclusive learning environment.
Transcripts and audio descriptions
Consider uploading a version of the video that includes the audio description directly within the file. In addition, you can offer transcripts, a textual rendition of spoken content that aids individuals with hearing impairments, as HTML content within the course.
In either case, remember to assign meaningful names to the resources.
Embedded videos
When you create a video training material from a video URL, provide subtitles and a video description or transcript.
Vimeo (accessible experience)
- Subtitles: Vimeo supports the upload of subtitle files in formats like SRT or VTT. Ensure that subtitles are synchronized with the video and include important sounds and visual elements. For more details, refer to How do I add captions or subtitles to my video? (opens in a new tab).
- Audio descriptions: You can add an audio description track to the video using external editing tools before uploading it to Vimeo, or upload a separate version of the video with the audio description and share the link. For more details, refer to Auto Subtitle Generator: Add Closed Captions to Video with Vimeo (opens in a new tab).
- Transcripts: Although Vimeo does not offer automatic transcript functionality, you can provide a separate transcript file describing all audio and non-verbal elements in the video. Learn more: Best Automatic Video Transcript Generator Online with Vimeo (opens in a new tab).
For more details, check Video accessibility at Vimeo: what you need to know (opens in a new tab).
YouTube
- Subtitles: YouTube allows you to upload subtitle files (for example, SRT or VTT) or use auto-generated subtitles (which may require manual corrections for accuracy). For more details, refer to the YouTube Help article Add subtitles & captions (opens in a new tab).
- Audio descriptions: YouTube does not yet support audio descriptions for videos. You can create your own audio descriptions and upload a separate version of the video or provide a link to one with the description.
- Transcripts: A detailed transcript that includes both spoken content and visual elements can serve the same purpose as the audio descriptions. Ensure the transcript describes all relevant audio and visual content. For more details, refer to the YouTube Help article Tips for creating a transcript file (opens in a new tab).
Wistia
- Subtitles: You can upload subtitle files in .srt or .vtt formats. Subtitles should be properly synchronized with the video, including both spoken content and important non-verbal sounds. How to upload subtitles on Wistia: Transcripts and Captions (opens in a new tab).
- Audio descriptions: Wistia allows creators to add audio descriptions by uploading an additional audio track with descriptions of the video’s visual elements. Learn more with the Wistia Help Center article Audio Descriptions (opens in a new tab).
- Transcripts: If needed, you can upload a transcript that describes all audio and visual elements, including background sounds and sound effects as described by the Wistia Help Center article Transcripts and Captions (opens in a new tab).
For further details, you can view Wistia's support page on this topic, Wistia’s Video Player Just Got More Accessible (opens in a new tab).
For more information about video accessibility, refer to Making Audio and Video Media Accessible | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C (opens in a new tab).
Tests
Tests can be a significant challenge for people with disabilities or neurodivergence. Here are some suggestions to make tests more accessible.
Time limits
When configuring time options for tests, consider the following:
- Minimize timed content: Reducing the amount of time-sensitive content facilitates interaction for people who are blind, have low vision, or experience cognitive or motor limitations. Enable the No time limit option for full accessibility.
- Adequate time: Many users with disabilities may need more time to complete tasks. If a time limit is necessary, ensure it is sufficient for all users.
Test navigation
When configuring test options, consider the following:
- One question per page: Enable the Show one question per page option to help screen reader users reduce the cognitive load. Ensure users can navigate back if needed.
- Previous page button: Enabling the Allow users to switch between pages of the test (enable the Previous page button) option is essential for users with cognitive or motor difficulties, as navigating back allows them to review and edit their answers.
- Save and resume: Enable the Allow users to save the test and resume it in another session (answers saved between sessions) option supports users who need more time or use assistive technologies to complete the test.
- Fixed order for questions: Enabling the Show all questions arranged in sequence set on test's Edit page option helps users with orientation difficulties and those using screen readers. If you enable the Show all questions in random order (set sequence ignored) option, you can create challenges for users relying on assistive technologies or needing stable visual references.
- Required answers: Avoid making all questions mandatory by default. Requiring users to answer every question can create barriers for people with cognitive disabilities or those using assistive technologies. Instead of blocking form submission due to unanswered questions, consider allowing submission and handle incomplete responses during the evaluation phase. Assess whether each required answer is truly essential.
Slide converter
At the moment, the slide converter training material is not fully accessible. Consider uploading an accessible downloadable version of your presentation using the File training material.