Blackboard Learn Certified for Accessibility by National Federation of the Blind
By Schaffhauser, Dian; T.H.E. Journal (Technology Horizons in Education),Publication Date: August 20, 2010
Article features the latest version of Blackboard’s online learning management system (LMS), Learn version 9.1, from the point of view of accessibility to blind users. Improvements in accessibility to blind users include faster navigation and better form interaction, making it easier to submit assignments, participate in discussion forums, submit responses to tests, upload files, and create content. The LMS has received Nonvisual Accessibility Gold Certification by the National Federation of the Blind. The federation’s certification program teams vendors with experts on blindness and accessibility to put websites or applications through an evaluation and testing procedure to ensure they are accessible to, and usable by, blind people employing screen access software. Gold Certification requires two levels of accessibility: (1) that the top 100 URLs for the product are completely accessible; and (2) that the 20 most frequently access documents as well as resources such as Flash, video, or audio, are compliant.
Published by: 101communications (Website:http://www.101com.com)
T.H.E. Institute (Web Site: http://institute.thejournal.com )
Link to text: http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/08/20/blackboard-learn-certified-for-accessibility-by-national-federation-of-the-blind.aspx

