Everybody Wins With Inclusive Training

Are you doing everything you can to reach all your learners? That is, are you using all the implements in your toolbox to reach non-native speakers, neurodivergent employees, as well as those who may have a disability?

In "Enhance Accessibility in Virtual Training Environments," Gwen Navarrete Klapperich guides L&D professionals on how to structure their learning assets and conduct training to give them and their learners the greatest chance of a successful learning program.

Among her tips for the training environment:

• Use large text, symbols, and images. The latter will help not only learners who have low vision but also non-native speakers.

• Check to ensure proper lighting and acoustics to aid individuals with low vision and those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

• Stick with simple instructions, which benefits learners who are neurodivergent, have low literacy levels, or who are non-native speakers.

• Provide transcripts and record the training. All learners may want to review content.

• Supply real-world examples, which can aid non-native speakers and learners with low literacy.

• Design electronic work so that learners can complete it with a keyboard and limited scrolling.

Regularly incorporating assistive technologies greatly enhances inclusive learning. However, for the most effective learning, ask learners in advance what accommodations—such as a sign language interpreter—they may need.

These tips were adapted from the October 2024 issue of TD at Work. Learn more at td.org/TDatWork.