At the heart of our digital learning content lies a commitment to align, where applicable, with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA. These standards are woven into our production processes and subject to regular review.
In line with industry best practice, we're phasing out inbuilt voiceover from HSC Access Learn courses, impacting those scheduled for maintenance. This strategic shift is driven by a desire to elevate the learning experience and ensure inclusivity for all learners.
The decision to remove voiceover from our online courses is underpinned by a range of benefits for learners, including:
Enhanced accessibility | Embracing text-based content empowers learners with hearing impairments to fully engage with course material without needing additional accommodations. |
Language flexibility | Learners can absorb content at their own pace and in their preferred language, breaking down language barriers and enhancing comprehension for non-native speakers. |
Cognitive empowerment | Text-based content allows learners to process information at their own speed, potentially reducing cognitive load and bolstering retention. |
Personalised learning | Learners can tailor their learning experience by adjusting reading speed, revisiting sections, or utilising translation tools as required. |
Cost-effectiveness | Removing voiceovers can reduce production costs, opening the door to a wider array of course offerings and updates. |
Universal compatibility | Text-based content seamlessly integrates with various devices and platforms, ensuring a consistent learning experience for all. |
When we embrace these benefits, course creators can enrich the accessibility, flexibility, and overall learning experience for a diverse range of learners.
For those who require a voiceover, alternative options such as browser-based solutions, which can be found by searching ‘read’ in your browser extension store, or screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, iOS VoiceOver, and Android TalkBack are available to provide voiceover functionality.
For more information, refer to our article on the Access Group digital content accessibility statement.