igital accessibility has become a major concern for training organizations. It is not just a legal requirement, but also a key tool to ensure equal opportunities and improve the learning experience for all trainees.

How can you ensure compliance with regulations and offer truly accessible training?
This article details the legal obligations, best practices, and solutions to implement to make your training programs more inclusive.

The legal framework for digital accessibility in france

Since the Law of February 11, 2005, digital accessibility has been a legal requirement in France. This regulation aims to ensure equal access to digital services for all individuals, including those with disabilities.

who is required to comply?

  • Public institutions: universities, schools, vocational training centers (CFA)
  • Continuing education organizations linked to public institutions
  • Private companies exceeding a certain revenue threshold

what are the key obligations?

  • Compliance with accessibility standards, particularly the RGAA (Référentiel Général d’Amélioration de l’Accessibilité) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
  • Publishing an accessibility statement, specifying the level of compliance and any non-conformities.
  • Implementing an assistance system, allowing users to report accessibility issues.

These obligations apply to websites, online training platforms, and mobile applications used for learning.

How to ensure compliance?

Adapting training programs to accessibility requirements involves several key steps.

1️⃣ assess the current state of accessibility

An accessibility audit helps identify areas for improvement across all digital materials:

  • Websites and training platforms: compatibility with screen readers, smooth navigation, and accessible content.
  • Educational documents: accessible formats (PDF, subtitled videos, interactive courses).
  • Mobile applications: compatibility with built-in accessibility tools on mobile devices.

tools to conduct an audit:

  • WAVE: a tool for analyzing website accessibility.
  • Axe: a browser extension for evaluating web page accessibility.

2️⃣ train teams on accessibility

Digital accessibility concerns all training stakeholders:

  • Instructional designers, to structure accessible content.
  • Web and mobile developers, to comply with RGAA and WCAG standards.
  • Trainers, to adapt teaching methods to the needs of learners with disabilities.

There are specialized training programs to support teams in these adaptations.

3️⃣ adapt educational content

Accessible training relies on well-structured materials:

  • Clearly structure documents with headings and well-organized paragraphs.
  • Provide text alternatives for images and graphics.
  • Include subtitles in videos and offer written transcriptions.
  • Enhance color contrasts for better readability.

Well-structured and accessible content benefits all learners, not just those with disabilities.

4️⃣ optimize the training platform

LMS platforms and training tools must meet certain requirements:

  • Compatibility with screen readers.
  • Smooth keyboard navigation (without requiring a mouse).
  • Properly labeled forms and buttons for intuitive navigation.

A well-designed platform improves the user experience and reduces the risk of dropout during training.

The role of mobile applications in accessibility

Digital accessibility does not only apply to websites. Mobile applications play a crucial role in learning, offering a smooth interface tailored to each user’s needs.

why do mobile applications improve accessibility?

  • Use of built-in phone accessibility settings: voice synthesis, text magnification, high contrast.
  • Simplified and intuitive navigation, with an ergonomic interface.
  • Quick access to documents and training materials, with centralized files (courses, quizzes, attendance sheets).
  • Real-time notifications, reminding learners of key deadlines and boosting engagement.

With a well-designed mobile app, training programs become more accessible and engaging, regardless of the learner’s situation.

The benefits of digital accessibility in training

Rather than being a restriction, digital accessibility represents an opportunity for transformation for training organizations.

  • Expanding the audience: accessible content includes a wider audience, including people with disabilities.
  • Improving the user experience: a smooth and well-structured interface benefits all learners.
  • Optimizing SEO: search engines favor websites that adhere to accessibility best practices.
  • Strengthening brand image: a commitment to accessibility enhances an organization’s reputation and demonstrates dedication to inclusion.

Tools and resources to improve accessibility

Here are some useful solutions to enhance the accessibility of training programs:

evaluation tools

  • WAVE: analyzes website accessibility.
  • Axe: a browser extension for testing accessibility.

training and guides

  • MOOC “Understanding Digital Accessibility Rules” on FUN MOOC.
  • Specialized training programs for developers and instructional designers.

optimization solutions

  • Mobile applications adapted for better accessibility.
  • LMS platforms compliant with RGAA and WCAG standards.
  • Edusign: a solution to centralize all educational and administrative documents on a single accessible and optimized platform.

conclusion: accessibility as a driver of innovation in training

Digital accessibility is not just a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to improve the learning experience, expand audience reach, and optimize educational resource management.

Thanks to mobile applications and centralized platforms, it is possible to offer simple, smooth, and inclusive access to training materials and administrative documents.

📢 want to go further?

Discover Edusign, a solution designed to facilitate accessibility and centralize educational documents with full compliance.

👉 Request a demo now and make your training more accessible. 🚀