Creating an inclusive learning management system (LMS) doesn’t always require a complete redesign. As a Digital Learning Consultant, I work with institutions across higher education and workplace learning who want to make practical accessibility improvements that are scalable, sustainable, and achievable. Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) may be over, but now is the perfect time to turn awareness into action. I’m sharing five quick, high-impact actions you can take to improve accessibility across your LMS.
Each of these ideas helps to reduce barriers, enhance usability, and support more inclusive digital learning experiences for every learner.
When Does Accessibility Matter, and Who Is It For?
Accessibility means designing systems, content, environments, and tools so that everyone can use them effectively, not just those with permanent disabilities.
That includes people with:
- Visual impairments (e.g. blindness, low vision, colour blindness)
- Hearing loss
- Mobility or motor impairments
- Cognitive or learning disabilities
- Neurodivergent conditions (e.g. autism, ADHD)
- Temporary impairments (e.g. a broken arm, concussion)
- Situational limitations (e.g. using a phone in bright sunlight or a laptop in a noisy room)
So yes, accessibility is about supporting disabled users, but it’s also about universal design: creating digital learning experiences that work for a wide range of people, in a wide range of contexts.
1. Add Descriptive Alt Text to LMS Images
Why it matters:
Without alt text, images are invisible to screen reader users, meaning vital content can be missed.
Quick fix:
- Review key courses and add descriptive alt text for every image that conveys meaning.
- Keep it concise and contextual: “A manager and two colleagues are talking in a hallway, they are smiling.”
- Avoid “Image of…” jump straight to the relevant description.
Bonus benefit: Improves content clarity for all users, including those using mobile devices.
2. Use Proper Heading Structure for Accessibility
Why it matters:
Learners using screen readers or keyboard navigation rely on headings to understand and move through content. Bold text isn’t enough.
Quick fix:
- Use semantic heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to create a logical structure.
- Avoid skipping levels, and keep a consistent hierarchy throughout your courses.
Add heading prompts to your accessible course templates to scale best practice.
Catalyst tip: A clear heading structure improves navigation and helps all learners find and absorb information more easily.
3. Improve Colour Contrast Across Your LMS
Why it matters:
Low contrast text is hard to read for users with low vision, colour blindness, or dyslexia, and causes eye strain for everyone.
Quick fix:
- Review your LMS theme using accessibility tools like Tota11y, WAVE, axe, or Lighthouse.
- These tools help you evaluate contrast ratios across live pages and provide visual cues or reports to highlight where improvements are needed.
- Focus on key interface elements like buttons, banners, links, and navigation, not just content blocks.
Catalyst tip: We often use Tota11y during the branding and theme development phase to spot contrast failures early and ensure accessible colour palettes are embedded from the start. Tools like WAVE, axe, and Lighthouse also support broader evaluations of your platform’s UI, from form elements to logo contrast and navigation clarity.
4. Fix Unclear Link Text in Your Learning Platform
Why it matters:
Generic links like “Click here” or “Read more” provide no context for screen reader users or anyone quickly scanning a page.
Quick fix:
- Use clear, descriptive link text.
- Example: “Download the 2025 programme handbook (PDF)” instead of “Click here.”
Catalyst tip: Improving link text is one of the simplest changes to implement, and it immediately enhances usability.
5. Use Built-in LMS Accessibility Tools
Why it matters:
Your LMS may already include tools that support accessibility improvements, but they’re often underutilised. If your LMS doesn’t have a built-in accessibility checker, you could use external plugins or third-party tools to help ensure your content meets accessibility standards.
Quick fix:
- Enable plugins like Brickfield Education Labs to run accessibility audits and identify content issues.
- Consider ReadSpeaker for text-to-speech and assistive support.
Accessibility is an Ongoing Commitment
Meeting minimum standards is not the same as delivering a truly inclusive learning experience. As a Digital Learning Consultant, I advise clients to view accessibility as a continuous process, a core part of learner experience and platform performance.
The tips above are quick wins but also lay the foundation for bigger shifts in how we design and deliver digital learning.
Make Accessibility a Core Part of Your LMS Strategy
Creating an inclusive LMS isn’t just about compliance, it’s about designing better learning for everyone.
At Catalyst IT, we help universities and training teams embed accessibility into the foundations of their LMS from accessible course template design and theming to strategic audits and staff training.
Ready to take action? Speak to our team about building a roadmap for LMS accessibility that’s scalable, sustainable, and designed around your learners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is LMS accessibility?
LMS accessibility means designing your platform so that all learners, including those with disabilities, can access content, navigate the system, and participate fully in online learning.
What is accessible learning?
Accessible learning is the practice of designing educational experiences that can be used and understood by all learners, including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, or neurodiverse needs.
It goes beyond legal compliance and involves removing barriers to learning by:
- Using clear, consistent layouts and language
- Providing alternative formats (e.g. captions, transcripts, alt text)
- Ensuring navigation works with assistive technologies
- Considering varied learning styles and preferences
Accessible learning benefits everyone, not just those with diagnosed disabilities. It supports inclusion, flexibility, and better outcomes across the board.
What are some common LMS accessibility issues?
Common issues include missing alt text, poor colour contrast, unclear link text, inconsistent navigation, and lack of semantic structure in content.
How can I make my LMS more accessible?
Start with small changes like improving alt text and link clarity, using heading structures, and checking colour contrast. Use tools like Brickfield or ReadSpeaker to support ongoing improvements.
Why is accessibility important in digital learning?
Accessibility ensures all learners can access and engage with learning materials, regardless of ability, device, or context. It improves learner satisfaction, reduces support requests, and supports compliance with standards like WCAG and legislation such as the Equality Act.
How can institutions ensure their LMS is accessible for all students?
Take a whole-platform approach that combines:
- Standardised course templates with accessible design
- Staff training on inclusive content creation
- Accessibility auditing and reporting tools
- Inclusive theming and user interface design
It’s also important to follow evolving standards like WCAG 2.2 and involve accessibility considerations in every stage from procurement to platform development.
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