At ANK Designs Studio in Sydney, we know that great instructional design doesn’t just teach—it reaches everyone. That’s why accessibility is at the heart of everything we create.

So, how can you ensure your learning materials are truly accessible? Here are 10 key strategies you absolutely cannot miss when designing for inclusivity.

1. Use Clear, Simple Language

It sounds basic, but using simple and straightforward language is one of the easiest ways to make your content more accessible. Did you know the average person only reads at a grade 8 level? (Even adults!) That’s why using clear, simple language is so powerful.

A great example of this is NASA’s training modules. They translate complex scientific jargon into bite-sized, easy-to-understand concepts so everyone (yes, even astronauts) can learn efficiently. It’s not about “dumbing down” content—it’s about making sure everyone understands it, from beginners to experts.

2. Provide Alt Text for Images

If you’re using images, charts, or diagrams in your learning materials, don’t forget to include alt text. Alt text gives a short description of what the image is showing, so learners using screen readers can still access the information. Only only this assists visually impaired users, but it’s also helpful for learners in low-bandwidth environments where images may not load.

3. Add Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia

Multimedia content like videos and audio recordings can be engaging, but they can exclude learners with hearing impairments or those who prefer reading.

One of our clients at ANK Designs Studio once created an incredible training video series. But guess what? It didn’t resonate with part of their audience—those who were hard of hearing. After adding captions and transcripts, the same content reached so many more learners. It’s like subtitles in foreign films—sometimes you’re not hard of hearing, but those captions make all the difference when the dialogue gets too fast!

4. Ensure High Color Contrast

Visuals are a key part of instructional design, but the wrong color choices can make content hard to read for some learners. High contrast between text and background helps everyone, including people who have low vision or are colourblind. Colourblindness can affect up to 1 in 12 (8%) men and every 1 in 200 (0.5%) women. That’s a lot of learners! This means those trendy light grey fonts on white backgrounds? Not a good idea.

Try using online contrast checkers, like the ones built into design tools such as Canva, to ensure your colors are accessible. The Airbnb website is a great example of accessibility done right. They make sure every visual element, from their fonts to buttons, passes color contrast standards.

5. Allow for Keyboard Navigation

Some learners may not use a mouse and instead rely on a keyboard to navigate through learning materials. It’s crucial that your design allows them to do this smoothly.

Here’s a challenge for you: try navigating through your own website or eLearning course without using a mouse. Yep, it’s trickier than you’d think! But that’s the reality for some learners with physical disabilities.

Make sure all your interactive elements, like buttons, quizzes, and forms, are fully navigable with a keyboard alone. Always test your content with keyboard-only navigation to ensure usability.

6. Structure Content with Headers and Lists

Well-organized content isn’t just easier to read—it’s also more accessible. Use headers, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up your content and make it easier to navigate. Screen readers rely on headers to help users jump from section to section, so proper formatting here is key.

7. Use Descriptive Links

When adding links to your learning content, make sure they’re descriptive. Instead of writing “click here,” use text that tells the learner where the link will take them, like “Learn more about accessibility strategies.” This helps screen reader users and ensures all learners know what to expect when clicking a link.

8. Be Mindful of Time-Based Content

If your course involves timed assessments or tasks, make sure you give learners plenty of time to complete them. Timed quizzes or assignments can be super stressful for learners who need extra time. Imagine being in an escape room with a ticking clock and no way out—yikes!

We learned this first-hand when designing a course for corporate executives. Initially, some struggled with the strict time limits. After we offered more flexible timing options, completion rates soared. Time pressure isn’t always the best way to test knowledge!

9. Design with Different Abilities in Mind

Not all learners interact with content in the same way. Some might have physical disabilities, while others might have cognitive impairments.

Here’s an inspiring story: LEGO created Braille bricks to help visually impaired children learn to read. Talk about accessible design! Instructional design works the same way—designing for different abilities creates a richer learning experience for everyone.

At ANK Designs Studio, we once designed a course that offered multiple ways to interact, including voice commands and non-timed assessments. This not only helped those with disabilities but also made the course more interactive and fun for everyone.

10. Test, Test, Test!

Last but not least, testing your content is crucial! Once you’ve designed your learning materials with accessibility in mind, run tests with real users—including those with disabilities.

Some of the world’s largest companies, like Apple, regularly test their products for accessibility with users who have disabilities. Apple even has an Accessibility Lab dedicated to ensuring their products are inclusive.

At ANK Designs, we never release a product without testing it with real users, including those with disabilities. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring the content really works for everyone. So don’t forget, testing is key to getting it right!

Wrapping It Up

Accessibility is not just a “nice-to-have”; it’s essential. Whether it’s as simple as adding alt text to images or designing keyboard-friendly navigation, each of these 10 strategies will make a huge difference. And here’s the best part: accessible design doesn’t just help those with disabilities—it creates a smoother, more engaging experience for all learners.

At ANK Designs Studio, we’re committed to creating learning experiences that everyone can enjoy and benefit from. Want to know more about how we can make your instructional materials accessible? Let’s chat—we’d love to help!

Nitin Dayal, ANK Designs Studio

Sydney, Australia