Workflow
Optimization for
Inclusive OERs
Amanda Grey, MLIS
Karen Meijer, MLIS
Photo by David Kovalenko on Unsplash

Acknowledgement of Country
Kwantlen Polytechnic University campuses
are located on the unceded traditional and
ancestral territory of the
qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen)
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie)
SEMYOME (Semiahmoo)
Photo © KPU, ARR

scəwaθən məsteuəxʷ
(Tsawwassen)
qiqeyt (Qayqayt)
kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem)

Introduction
What is this
presentation about?

Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash

Presentation Outline

• Publishing Workflow
• Weaving Accessibility In
• Accessibility Audit

Photo by McKayla
Crump on Unsplash

Publishing Workflow

Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplashh

Publishing
Workflow
1. Project Conception
2. Project Planning
3. Writing
4. Editing/Revision
5. Pre-Publication
6. Publication
7. Post-Publication

Weaving Accessibility
Conception
Planning
Writing
Editing
Photo by Andrew Bertram on Unsplash

Project Conception
Accessibility Statement
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Why?
• set expectations
• explicitly express commitment
• educate

Accessibility
Statement 1/2
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For OERs to be truly open they must be accessible. In the
same way that a free resource does not mean that the
resource is open, a resource is not open just because it is
available. When OER projects are accessible, they become
more:
• inclusive, accounting for different methods,
mediums, and modes of engaging with the content
• sustainable, delivering content when
tools and technologies break down
• sharable, expanding reach and impact

Accessibility
Statement 2/2
Photo by Andrew Bertram on Unsplash

To encourage accessibility in KPU OER projects, OPUS
ensures OER web content is compliant with Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by requiring OER Grant
projects comply with BCcampus' Checklist for Accessibility
and providing advice and guidance during project planning,
conversion to Pressbooks, and doing an Accessibility
Assessment before publishing.

Project Planning
OER Grants
Photo by Andrew Bertram on Unsplash

We ask
“How will you address accessibility in your
project? Consult the BCcampus Accessibility
Toolkit (link provided) for ideas.”

E.g. Videos made will be captioned with transcriptions
available…

Level 1 – Does not meet

Level 2 – Meets

Level 3 - Exceeds

Application does not consider
potential accessibility needs of
students.

Application covers basic
accessibility needs and
concerns.

Application goes above and
beyond basic accessibility needs.

No consideration for
accessibility standards or need

Meets basic accessibility
standards, ensuring resources
are usable for students with
disabilities.

Incorporated advanced features
like accessible navigation and
interactive elements

Lacks alternative formats or
accommodations for diverse
learners

Includes alternative formats for
content, such as text
descriptions for images or
captions for videos.

Comprehensive range of
alternative formats and
accommodations

Does not mention accessibility
testing

Plans for accessibility testing
with users or consultations with
accessibility experts are
mentioned.

Detailed plan for ongoing
accessibility testing and updates

Project Planning
Publishing Agreements
Photo by Andrew Bertram on Unsplash

Flagging accessibility during project planning:
•

All images will have alt text

•

Graphs and interactive content will support written
material, have at least 7:1 contrast ratio, and not rely
on colour alone to convey information.

•

All text will be in 12-point font and URL links will be
formatted to support screen readers.

•

All audio content will be supported with a complete
transcript and all video content will have
corresponding captions.

Writing/Creation
Accessibility Training

• Learn standards
• Reflect on impact
• Demo tools

Editing/Revisions
Accessibility Review
Photo by Andrew Bertram on Unsplash

• Accessibility review pre-publication
• Front Matter
 Accessibility Statement
 How to Use this Book

Individual Accessibility
Statements
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The web version of Organic Chemistry II has been designed with
accessibility in mind by incorporating the following features:
It has been optimized for people who use screen-reader
technology.
•

all content can be navigated using a keyboard

•

links, headings, and tables are formatted to work with
screen readers

There is an option to increase font size
(see tab on top right of screen).

Example “Accessibility Statement”

Example “How to use this book”

Accessibility Audit
Assessing the back
catalogue

Photo by Mike Lewis HeadSmart Media on Unsplash

Arts Practicum
Student Project
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2022 – develop and apply rubric
2023 – no student
2024 – editing for accessibility

Conclusion
Weave accessibility into as many
publishing stages as possible
Set clear expectations
Iterate for continual
improvement
Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash

Thank you!

Amanda Grey

Karen Meijer

Open Education Strategist

Librarian, Scholarly
Communications & Copyright

amanda.grey@kpu.ca

karen.meijer@kpu.ca