Accessibility Literacy: Increasing accessibility awareness among young content creators

TL;DR

This study investigates a simple, scalable educational module to improve web accessibility awareness among young content creators, demonstrating that brief training can positively influence perceptions and willingness to implement accessibility features.

Contribution

The paper introduces a mini training module using infographics and quizzes to enhance accessibility literacy in educational settings for young content creators.

Findings

Participants showed increased accessibility awareness after training.

Brief exposure to accessibility materials shifted perceptions positively.

Participants expressed greater willingness to implement accessibility tools.

Abstract

The proliferation of audiovisual and web content has created an increasing need for media accessibility education in various fields. However, accessibility remains a low priority in university curricula. This project explores the feasibility of an alternative learning experience aimed at increasing the accessibility literacy of young content creators, taking web accessibility as a case study. We propose a mini module that uses simple, easy-to-use training materials, such as infographics and short quizzes, and can be easily incorporated in educational programmes along existing courses. A survey was conducted to investigate the participants' accessibility literacy before and after training. The findings show that young content creators generally have limited accessibility literacy but even brief exposure to accessibility materials contributed to a shift in perceptions. After training, participants expressed more willingness to implement accessibility tools in their content, with ways varying depending on content type and purpose. This suggests that small, yet targeted interventions could be an alternative for integrating accessibility training into formal education across various disciplines. While some responses reflected traces of the medical model of disability and a particularlist view of accessibility, accessibility was recognised as important for increasing inclusion, improving content, and shaping a fairer society.