Accessibility, generally speaking, refers to how easily people with different disabilities can use or access something. This can apply to both physical (e.g., a building) and digital (e.g., a website) entities.

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While gaining access to physical entities such as buildings and public transportation presents its own challenges, these are relatively stable. For a person who uses a wheelchair to enter a building, they need a ramp or a lift. This is not likely to change over time. On the contrary, the Internet and other digital technologies are always changing and always presenting new and unique accessibility challenges with which many sectors, including higher education, continue to struggle.

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The World Wide Consortium's (W3G) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the widely accepted standards for creating websites and other web content that are accessible to people who require assistive technologies or other accommodations. 

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When it comes to e-learning, many researchers and practitioners have embraced Universal Design of Learning. This approach contends that designers and instructors should keep the widest audience possible in mind when designing online courses. It also reinforces the importance of providing multiple different means of presenting and engaging with information as well as demonstrating learning.

 

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