Designing Accessible Learning Experiences for Every Student

Higher education is increasingly digital and diverse. Students bring different experiences, goals, and responsibilities while balancing study, work, and family. They all need learning that feels flexible, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

Technology has reshaped how students connect with information, instructors, and one another. From online lectures to adaptive feedback, digital platforms now sit at the heart of learning. As this shift continues, accessibility must guide how we design and deliver education. When accessibility is built in from the start, courses function more smoothly, communication feels clearer, and students stay focused on learning rather than logistics.

Accessible design is not an extra feature. It is intentional design that supports all learners. When educators plan with flexibility, clarity, and empathy, they create courses that work across devices, fit around busy lives, and help students engage more meaningfully.

Rethinking Accessibility

For many educators, designing for digital accessibility can feel intimidating. Educators may not feel confident in their understanding of best practices or may not have received sufficient training and support. Updating their course materials may seem technical or time-consuming. However, this is a misconception. Accessibility often comes down to manageable, intentional adjustments that make learning smoother and more intuitive for everyone.

As someone who teaches digital accessibility at universities, I’ve seen how simple adjustments make a big difference. Clear structure, consistent headings, captioned videos and flexible formats help learners focus on content rather than navigating barriers. Small improvements such as using plain language, providing transcripts or checking colour contrast make materials easier to use and create a more seamless and engaging learning experience.

Use AI Thoughtfully to Enhance Design

Artificial intelligence offers new ways to enhance accessible learning. Today’s tools can scan materials, identify potential barriers, and suggest improvements—such as adding alt text, refining layouts, or checking colour contrast. These quick insights save time and allow educators to make informed design decisions.

AI excels at finding patterns that humans might miss, such as repeated formatting issues or inconsistent headings across a course. But while AI increases efficiency, it cannot replace human expertise. Educators understand the intent behind content, the context of learning, and the importance of tone.

When instructors use AI as a partner, they combine precision with empathy. Technology speeds up the process, and human insight ensures the results feel thoughtful and authentic. Together, they make accessibility a natural part of quality course design.

Building Educator Confidence

Confidence in accessibility grows with experience and reflection. The most effective design tools do more than point out errors; they teach educators why a change improves usability. This kind of feedback builds long-term understanding and strengthens overall design skills.

When educators see how small improvements—like reformatting headings or adding captions—enhance engagement, they carry those habits into every new course. Each improvement builds momentum, spreading best practices across teams and departments.

Accessibility is most powerful when it becomes a routine part of teaching. As educators integrate it into their daily work, they elevate the clarity and inclusiveness of every learning experience.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion

Accessibility flourishes when it becomes part of an institution’s culture. Collaboration across educators, course designers, and academic leaders fosters shared understanding and consistency.

Embedding accessibility into course development creates more reliable, adaptable materials. It encourages teamwork and helps every participant in the learning process, helping faculty, staff, and students feel supported.

Institutions that invest in training and intuitive design tools set a strong foundation for digital learning. They model inclusive practices that enhance collaboration, spark innovation, and reflect the diversity of their communities.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Purpose

Accessibility is a journey of continual improvement. As technology and teaching evolve, so do the ways we can make learning more inclusive. Each small step, a caption added, a layout refined, a conversation sparked, brings institutions closer to a culture where every student can learn without barriers.

When accessibility becomes a natural part of how education is designed and delivered, it strengthens the connection between educators and learners. It shows that higher education, at its best, is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

By Dr. Amy Lomellini, Director of Accessibility at Anthology