#43046
Speaker(s)
- Christine Foushi, Principal Consultant, OneStep Beyond
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Interactive/Discussion
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Digital accessibility is often reduced to "adding alt text," but complex content—like interactive assessments, data-heavy infographics, and dynamic media—requires a more strategic approach. This session provides a masterclass in determining when a simple text description suffices and when it’s time to pivot to something more than just an alternative format.
Abstract
As digital learning and communication become more interactive, the gap between simple images and complex functional content continues to widen. This session bridges that gap by combining three critical pillars of digital inclusion: effective alternative text, accessible media, and inclusive assessments.
We begin by redefining the "what, when, and why" of alternative text, moving past basic descriptions to strategic textual strategies. Participants will then apply the POUR accessibility foundation to digital assessments, learning how to remediate non-standard items like "drag-and-drop" or interactive simulations. Throughout the session, we will explore a toolkit of modern resources—ranging from AI-assisted description generators to long-description templating tools—to streamline the creation of high-quality alternatives. Finally, we move into the realm of complex media, where we will conduct a hands-on evaluation using screen readers and keyboard-only navigation to identify and rectify WCAG conformance issues. Attendees will leave with a decision-making framework and a curated "tool-belt" for choosing between alt text, long descriptions, and entirely alternative formats.
Keypoints
- Differentiate between simple and complex imagery to determine the correct delivery format.
- Apply authoring techniques to ensure interactive assessment types achieve POUR criteria.
- Identify and utilize tools for authoring alt text and long descriptions, understanding ethical limitations.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Alternate Format, Artificial Intelligence, Faculty Development & Support, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Christine Foushi
Christine Foushi, a self-proclaimed publishing nerd, is a journalist by trade, has worked within the higher education technology and publishing industry for the last 20 years, and is an advocate for accessibility. Ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all is her passion not only in her career, but within her community and personal life. She's the Principal Consultant of OneStep Beyond, an organization intended to empower individuals and organizations to navigate the digital landscape through innovative technology solutions while maintaining a commitment to accessibility.