Learning Center Accessibility Policy

MBA Research is committed to providing accessible, high-quality learning materials that support all students. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity, we are working to ensure that our online courses and downloadable content on the Canvas LMS platform align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. This plan outlines a sustainable approach to integrating accessibility into our content development process, reinforcing its importance within our broader educational mission. 

We have conducted an internal audit of our Learning Center materials, which include 277 Learning Activity Packages (LAPs), 96 “Just For You” (JFYs) modules, 28 Learning Center Course Guides (LCCGs), and 21 standalone tests (pretests and exams). 

Based on this review, we have determined that approximately 70% of our total content is currently accessible, primarily within our Canvas LMS pages. Our enhancement efforts will focus on the remaining 30% of our content, which consists mainly of downloadable Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents that require remediation. 

Our accessibility initiative will be guided by the following principles: 

• Integration: We will integrate accessibility best practices directly into our existing content revision and development workflows. 

• Sustainability: We will empower our internal team with the skills and tools necessary to create and maintain accessible content for the long term. 

• Prioritization: We will focus our initial efforts on the content that is most frequently updated and utilized by students and educators. 

Our plan to achieve full conformance is structured in a phased, multi-year approach that aligns with our current operational workflows. 

Phase 1: Foundational Tools and Training (Current & Ongoing) 

• Objective: Equip our team with the necessary tools and knowledge. 

• Actions:  

• • Leverage the built-in accessibility checkers within Microsoft Office 365 (Word and PowerPoint) and the Canvas LMS. 

• • Identify and adopt a cost-effective solution for remediating and validating Adobe Acrobat PDFs. We will explore options such as Adobe Acrobat Pro’s built-in accessibility tools or other available resources. 

• • Develop internal training resources and checklists based on WCAG 2.1 AA standards to guide our content authors. 

Phase 2: Systematic Remediation through Annual Revisions (Ongoing) 

• Objective: Methodically remediate all existing downloadable materials. 

• Actions:  

• • As part of our standard operational schedule, we revise approximately 50 Learning Activity Packages (LAPs) each year. This revision cycle will now include a mandatory step for ensuring all associated downloadable documents (Word, PowerPoint, PDF) are brought into full WCAG 2.1 AA conformance. 

• • Remediation for the “Just For You” (JFY) modules and supplementary course files will be addressed concurrently, prioritizing the most frequently used materials. 

Phase 3: “Born Accessible” Content (Effective Immediately) 

• Objective: Ensure all newly created content is fully accessible from the point of creation. 

• Actions:  

• • All new LAPs, JFYs, Courses, and downloadable documents will be developed in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. 

• • Our content creation checklists will be updated to include accessibility requirements, such as proper use of headings, alternative text for images, accessible table structures, and sufficient color contrast. 

• Validation: We will use the accessibility checking tools within Canvas, Microsoft Office 365, and other similar tools to validate conformance. Manual checks will be performed as part of our quality assurance process to ensure usability. 

We understand that accessibility is an evolving priority that requires continued attention and care. By incorporating WCAG 2.1 AA standards into our workflows, we are strengthening the usability and reach of our educational materials. This strategic plan reflects our commitment to making meaningful progress toward full conformance, supporting a more inclusive learning experience for all students over time.