Workflow Optimization for Inclusive OERs

In recent years, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has made significant strides in ensuring that its Open Educational Resources (OERs) are accessible to all learners. This presentation outlines our efforts, challenges, and strategies in addressing accessibility within our OER publishing workflows. We will also touch upon the next steps we plan to take to further enhance accessibility of our publications. In 2022, KPU Open collaborated with a co-op student to develop an accessibility rubric aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The goal was to evaluate the accessibility of KPU's Pressbooks catalogue, which hosts a diverse range of OERs. The rubric served as a critical tool for assessing various aspects of accessibility, including text structure, alt text, multimedia content, and layout design. The student meticulously evaluated 29 OERs using the newly created rubric. Unfortunately, the results revealed several common accessibility gaps: - Heading Structure: Many OERs lacked a consistent and well-organized heading structure, making it challenging for users to navigate content effectively. - Text Emphasis: Overreliance on bold or italicized text for conveying meaning led to inconsistencies and hindered comprehension. - Alt Text Mismatch: Images often had alt text that did not accurately describe their content, limiting accessibility for visually impaired users. - Tables and Captions: Some OERs contained layout tables without proper headers, and videos featured auto-generated, unedited captions. Across the 29 books assessed, the accessible design success ranged from intermittent (level 1) to marginal (level 2) Following the assessment, KPU's Open Publishing Suite (OPUS) implemented several measures to enhance OER accessibility: - Accessibility Statement: KPU created a clear and explicit accessibility statement for its website, emphasizing the importance of OER accessibility. - Student Assistant Training: Open Education Student Assistants now receive training in accessibility standards along with the rest of their training. Equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, they contribute to making OERs more accessible during the creation process by being able to spot and fix accessibility issues immediately when doing the initial conversion. - OER Grant Application: The grant application process now includes a question specifically asking how applicants plan to address accessibility in their OER projects. This proactive step encourages thoughtful consideration of accessibility from the outset. - Project Agreements: OPUS revised its Project Agreements with OER Grant recipients, explicitly discussing common accessibility pitfalls identified during the assessment. This ensures that creators are aware of potential issues and can plan accordingly. - Pre-Publication Accessibility Review: An accessibility review is now part of the pre-publication checklist. By catching any oversights early, KPU aims to minimize accessibility gaps in its OERs. KPU's commitment to accessibility extends beyond compliance—it reflects a dedication to equitable learning experiences. As the university continues to refine its OER publishing workflows, it remains steadfast in its mission to make education accessible to all.