Articulate Rise is a powerful e-learning authoring tool that enables the creation of engaging online courses. Below are five ways to ensure that your Articulate Rise courses are accessible for all learners. Be sure to check out the Penn State Accessibility office’s new page on accessibility in Rise for more information.
1: Optimize text content.
When you create a course in Rise, you will want to make sure that your text content is accessible for all learners. Consider using clear and concise language and structure your content using proper headings to make it well-organized and navigable. Make sure to also include alternative text (alt text) for images to convey essential information to those who rely on screen readers or have difficulty viewing images.
2: Choose accessible colors.
There are lots of design options in Articulate Rise, and it is crucial to keep accessibility in mind when selecting visual features. Make sure to choose color palettes with high contrast to ensure that text and other elements are easily distinguishable. Also, use color-blind friendly combinations in your designs so that all learners are able to access content.
3: Enable keyboard navigation.
Some people are unable or simply prefer not to use a mouse and rely on their keyboards to navigate websites. When designing your e-learning course, make sure to enable keyboard navigation, which will allow learners to navigate through course content using the keyboard, including the tab key, arrow keys, and the space bar.
4: Include closed captions and transcripts.
Videos can easily be integrated into your Rise courses, and it is important to make sure this content is accessible. Providing closed captions for all video and audio content ensures that learners with hearing impairments or those who prefer visual reinforcement can access and understand the information. Transcripts also support learners who prefer to review the material at their own pace and would like to revisit topics.
5: Incorporate accessible interactive elements.
Incorporating interactive elements in Rise courses is an excellent way to create engaging content, and it is important to make sure that these elements are compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers. While most interactive features within Rise are accessible, there are some not considered accessible. Consult Articulate’s guide to help you choose accessible Rise components and avoid ones that are currently listed as inaccessible.