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Enhancing Digital Learning: The Effect of an LMS Accessibility Tool in Higher Education.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Enhancing Digital Learning: The Effect of an LMS Accessibility Tool in Higher Education.
Authors: Irizarry, Marisabel1 irizarrm@seminolestate.edu
Source: Journal of Postsecondary Education & Disability. Summer2026, Vol. 39 Issue 2, p171-181. 11p.
Subject Terms: *Learning management system, *Educational technology, *Digital learning, *Students with disabilities, *Higher education, *Digital inclusion, Obligations (Law)
Geographic Terms: United States
Abstract: In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights released a Dear Colleague letter reminding colleges and universities of their legal obligation to provide accessible digital content to students. Despite these legal obligations, research indicates that much digital content remains inaccessible. To help improve digital accessibility, a medium sized state college in the southeast United States adopted a digital accessibility tool and integrated it into its learning management system. The goal of this study was to investigate how accessibility scores were affected during the first semester of adopting this learning management system accessibility tool. Accessibility scores (n = 515) were analyzed to determine if there was a difference in the mean accessibility scores before and after adopting the learning management system accessibility tool. The findings showed statistically significant results (p <.001) with accessibility scores increasing by five percentage points in the first semester of adoption. These improved scores indicate an improvement in the accessibility of digital content that can benefit all students, but especially students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights released a Dear Colleague letter reminding colleges and universities of their legal obligation to provide accessible digital content to students. Despite these legal obligations, research indicates that much digital content remains inaccessible. To help improve digital accessibility, a medium sized state college in the southeast United States adopted a digital accessibility tool and integrated it into its learning management system. The goal of this study was to investigate how accessibility scores were affected during the first semester of adopting this learning management system accessibility tool. Accessibility scores (n = 515) were analyzed to determine if there was a difference in the mean accessibility scores before and after adopting the learning management system accessibility tool. The findings showed statistically significant results (p <.001) with accessibility scores increasing by five percentage points in the first semester of adoption. These improved scores indicate an improvement in the accessibility of digital content that can benefit all students, but especially students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:23797762