5 common misconceptions about creating
accessible digital learning content
As digital learning becomes the backbone of modern workforce development, accessibility is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a necessity. Yet, many learning content authors and instructional designers still operate under misconceptions about creating accessible learning content that can unintentionally exclude learners with disabilities. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths!
In this short article tailored for learning content authors and instructional designers in Learning and Development (L&D) departments, we focus on five of the most common misconceptions about creating accessible digital learning content. We’ve also created an infographic that’s provides a great summary – here’s a link.
Misconception 1: “Accessibility is just about adding captions.”
While captions are essential for learners who are deaf or have hearing loss, accessibility encompasses much more. It includes:
- Keyboard navigation for those who can’t use a mouse
- Screen reader compatibility for blind or low-vision users
- Colour contrast and font readability for users with visual impairments
- Clear, simple language for cognitive accessibility
Tip: Think of accessibility as designing for flexibility – ensuring content can be perceived, operated and understood by all.
Misconception 2: “Accessible design limits creativity.”
Some fear that accessible content is bland or overly simplified. In reality, accessibility often enhances creativity by encouraging thoughtful design choices that benefit everyone.
Tip: Use multimedia with purpose, provide multiple means of engagement, and design with clarity. Accessibility can drive innovation, not hinder it.
Misconception 3: “If the platform is accessible, my content is too.”
An accessible Learning Management System (LMS) or learning content authoring tool doesn’t guarantee your content is accessible. You still need to:
- Use proper heading structures
- Add alt text to images (your authoring tool may support this when creating your content)
- Avoid using colour alone to convey meaning
- Ensure interactive elements are navigable and labelled
- Test and review your content
Tip: Test your content manually and with accessibility checkers and, if possible, real users with differing accessibility needs.
Misconception 4: “Accessibility is only for a small number of people.”
Many assume that accessible content is only necessary for people with permanent disabilities – and that such individuals are rare in their organisation. This belief often leads to inaction or lack of buy-in from stakeholders.
The reality? Disabilities can be visible or invisible, permanent or temporary. Accessible design benefits everyone, from mobile users and non-native speakers to employees in noisy environments or with situational limitations.
Tip: Accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating flexible, inclusive learning experiences that work for all.
Misconception 5: “We’ll fix accessibility later.”
Retrofitting accessibility is often more time-consuming and costly than designing with it in mind from the start.
Tip: Adopt a shift-left attitude and integrate accessibility into your workflow from the beginning. Make it a shared responsibility across your team.
Final thoughts about creating accessible learning content…
Creating accessible digital learning content isn’t just about compliance, it’s about inclusion, equity and effectiveness. By challenging these misconceptions, L&D professionals can create richer, more engaging learning experiences that truly reach everyone.
If you’d like support in ensuring your learning content is accessible for all, we’ve created a free Digital Guide: Meeting Accessibility Standards for Digital Learning Content, for content authors and instructional designers. Our Guide takes you through the accessibility standards you need to consider at various stages of course development, from setting up the digital learning environment through to providing instructions, interactions and media that place the learner at the centre of the design process, finishing with tips for testing and reviewing the accessibility of your digital learning resources.
If you would like more hands-on learning, our virtual training workshop: how to create accessible learning content is designed to help content authors and instructional designers apply the WCAG guidelines to their learning content design, using the content authoring tool dominKnow | ONE. Each session includes a series of short demonstrations of an accessible learning course, teaching delegates how to apply WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 standards to their course development.