Accessibility at ACUE

ACUE is committed to providing accessible and inclusive learning experiences for all users. We work to ensure that our digital products, course content, and learning experiences are designed and maintained with accessibility in mind.

ACUE’s digital learning experience includes multiple platforms and technologies. Accessibility responsibilities and documentation vary by product and component, as described below.

Accessibility Standards

ACUE works to align its digital products and course content with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA.

We incorporate accessibility considerations into the development and maintenance of our products and content and work to address identified accessibility barriers as part of our ongoing improvement efforts.

ACUE Pathway Courses

ACUE Courses are delivered through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), provided by Instructure.

The accessibility of the underlying Canvas platform, including its core navigation, interface, and functionality, is evaluated and documented by Instructure. Institutions seeking detailed information about the accessibility of Canvas should refer to Instructure’s current Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), commonly referred to as a VPAT.

ACUE is responsible for the instructional content and custom functionality delivered within Canvas. This includes course text, images, video and multimedia, downloadable materials, and Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) integrations developed by ACUE.

ACUE works to incorporate accessibility considerations into the development and maintenance of these experiences.

Accessible Course Content

ACUE’s accessibility practices for instructional content and multimedia include the following:

Images and non-text content
ACUE works to provide appropriate alternative text or other text-based descriptions for meaningful images and non-text content. Decorative images are identified so they can be appropriately ignored by assistive technologies.

Video and audio
Video content is presented using players that provide standard playback controls, including the ability to play, pause, and navigate through content. ACUE works to provide captions for prerecorded video content and transcripts or other accessible alternatives where appropriate. ACUE avoids the use of content that flashes in a manner known to present accessibility risks.

Documents and downloadable materials
ACUE works to create accessible downloadable materials, including PDFs and Microsoft Office documents. Where applicable, documents use structural elements such as headings, lists, tables, document styles, and tags to support navigation and interpretation by assistive technologies.

Content structure
Course content is organized using meaningful headings and semantic structure where supported by the underlying platform. ACUE works to maintain a logical reading order and avoids using visual presentation alone to communicate the organization or meaning of content.

Color and visual presentation
ACUE works to maintain sufficient color contrast and avoids relying on color alone to communicate meaning or instructions.

Navigation and links
ACUE works to provide clear and consistent navigation within course content. Links use descriptive text intended to communicate their purpose or destination rather than relying on URLs or generic phrases when practical.

Keyboard access
ACUE works to ensure that course content and learner-facing interactions can be accessed and operated using a keyboard where applicable.

ACUE-Developed Functionality

ACUE-developed integrations may be used within Canvas to support course functionality and administrative workflows. These integrations vary in their purpose and level of interaction with learners. ACUE considers accessibility as these tools are developed and maintained and works to address identified accessibility barriers as part of our ongoing product improvement efforts.

Accessibility of the underlying Canvas LMS is documented in Instructure’s current Canvas Accessibility Conformance Report. Institutions seeking detailed information about the accessibility and conformance of the underlying LMS should refer to Instructure’s current Canvas ACR.

ACUE Commons

ACUE Commons is developed and maintained by ACUE. The accessibility of Commons has been evaluated against applicable accessibility standards and is documented in the ACUE Commons Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR).

ACUE reviews the accessibility of Commons annually to assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform ongoing remediation efforts. Identified accessibility issues are reviewed, prioritized, and tracked through our accessibility remediation roadmap as part of continued product development and improvement.

The current ACUE Commons Accessibility Conformance Report and accessibility remediation roadmap are available upon request.

Assistive Technologies and Readability

ACUE works to support users who access our products and course experiences using assistive technologies and accessibility features, including screen readers, keyboard navigation, screen magnification, text-to-speech tools, and browser-based readability tools.

ACUE aims to present content in a clear and readable format while supporting users’ ability to use the assistive technologies and accessibility preferences that work best for them.

User experiences may vary depending on the combination of assistive technology, browser, device, operating system, and underlying platform. Users who encounter an accessibility barrier are encouraged to contact ACUE so that we can investigate the issue and determine an appropriate solution or alternative means of access.

Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

Accessibility is an ongoing process. As our products, course content, and underlying technologies evolve, ACUE continues to consider accessibility as part of our development and maintenance efforts.

Our accessibility efforts include:

• Incorporating accessibility considerations into new and updated course content
• Considering accessibility during product development and quality assurance
• Reviewing accessibility issues identified through assessments and user feedback
• Maintaining accessibility documentation for ACUE products
• Reviewing and prioritizing identified accessibility barriers for remediation
• Monitoring changes to accessibility standards and practices as they relate to our products and learning experiences

We will continue to review and improve our accessibility practices as ACUE’s products and course experiences evolve.

Accessibility Support

If you experience difficulty accessing an ACUE product, course, resource, or feature, please contact us via email at support@acue.org. ACUE will work to investigate reported accessibility barriers and provide assistance or an alternative means of access when appropriate.

When reporting an accessibility issue, it is helpful to include the product, course, page, or feature you were using; a description of the issue; and, if applicable, information about your browser, device, or assistive technology.

For additional accessibility information, including the ACUE Commons Accessibility Conformance Report or documentation related to the Canvas Learning Management System, please contact ACUE.