How accessibility in online learning improves learner engagement and outcomes

Accessibility in online learning has always been essential in helping to create inclusive and effective learning experiences. As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline approaches on 28th June 2025, there is now a greater urgency for L&D teams and organisations to ensure their learning content is accessible - not only to remain compliant but to support all learners in a meaningful way.

In our previous blog, ‘What is the European Accessibility Act and how does it impact digital learning?’, we explored the key requirements of the EAA and what steps organisations should take before and after the 28th June deadline. However, accessibility overall isn’t just about meeting legal standards and ticking a box - it has a direct impact on learner engagement and outcomes. In this blog, the second of four in our accessibility in eLearning series, we’ll look at how accessible learning benefits all users, leading to better learning experiences for everyone.

How Accessibility Enhances Engagement

When digital learning is designed with accessibility in mind, it benefits all learners. Key accessibility features such as captions, transcripts, alternative text/descriptions and adaptable user interfaces can improve general comprehension, knowledge retention and overall learner satisfaction. 

Some examples of this include:

• Captions and transcripts help not only those with hearing impairments but also learners in noisy environments, non-native speakers and those who prefer reading over listening.
• Adjustable text sizes and colour contrast can improve readability for those with visual impairments, while also reducing eye strain for all learners, particularly those with dyslexia or other reading challenges.
• Keyboard navigation and voice commands make content accessible to individuals with motor impairments, enhancing usability for anyone using different devices, including mobile users who may find touch controls difficult.
• Structured content and clear navigation improve usability for learners with cognitive disabilities, helping them follow the material more easily and reducing frustration.
• Flexible interaction options allow learners to engage with content in ways that suit their personal preference, such as offering both interactive and passive learning formats.
• Personalisation features such as adjustable playback speed and text-to-speech functions help cater to different learning speeds and styles, increasing engagement and motivation to engage and learn more.

Accessible learning helps to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent individuals from fully engaging with learning content. It fosters a more inclusive learning environment where all participants can interact with learning materials in a way that suits their needs, leading to higher course completion rates and improved learner confidence and satisfaction. Let’s explore this a bit more…

3) Encouraging diverse learning styles, ensuring every learner can interact with content in the way that suits them best. For example, some learners retain information better through visual aids, while others prefer detailed text explanations.

4) Supporting learners with disabilities by integrating features such as screen reader compatibility and high-contrast visuals, ensuring no one is excluded from learning.

5) Boosting learner confidence by removing barriers to participation, helping learners feel more comfortable and engaged with the learning content.

6) Improving knowledge retention and practical application by offering accessible review materials, interactive simulations and varied content formats that reinforce learning.

7) Fostering independence, enabling learners to access materials in a way that works best for them, reducing reliance on external assistance.

The impact of accessibility goes beyond individual learners, creating a more equal and productive learning environment for organisations of all sizes. Employees who feel included and supported are more likely to develop their skills and contribute effectively to their roles.

Practical steps for L&D teams to improve accessibility

L&D teams can start making an impact and improving accessibility generally by implementing some of these key strategies:

Audit existing learning content to help you identify accessibility gaps and prioritise improvements.

Apply Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards and POUR principles to ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust.

1) Perceivable – Ensure content can be consumed in multiple ways:

- Provide text alternatives for non-text content, including images, charts and videos.

- Offer transcripts and captions for multimedia content.

- Use high contrast and resizable text to support visually impaired learners.

2) Operable – Make learning materials easy to navigate and interact with:

- Ensure all content is keyboard-accessible for those unable to use a mouse.

- Avoid time-limited interactions where possible and provide pause and rewind options for video content.

- Include clear and consistent navigation structures to help learners find information easily.

3) Understandable – Present information in a clear and intuitive way:

- Use plain language and avoid unnecessary jargon to improve comprehension for all learners, particularly those with cognitive disabilities or lower literacy levels.

- Structure content with headings, lists, and clear instructions to aid comprehension.

- Offer customisation options like text-to-speech and adjustable playback speeds.

4) Robust – Ensure content works across different devices and assistive technologies:

- Design content to be compatible with screen readers and voice recognition software.

- Use standardised coding practices to ensure learning materials remain accessible as technology evolves.

- Test content across different devices, browsers and operating systems, as well as with diverse learners to identify and address accessibility challenges.

For a deeper look at accessibility best practices and web writing standards, download our Making Your Content Accessible Checklist to help guide your approach.