SMART Technologies has introduced accessibility updates to its Lumio cloud-based teaching and learning platform, bringing the core student experience into alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standard. The company said the enhancements are designed to help students who use assistive technologies participate more independently in classroom lessons and activities.
“Accessibility isn’t a feature you add at the end – it has to be part of how learning experiences are designed from the beginning,” said Sara Murray, Chief Product Officer, SMART Technologies. “These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to creating classrooms where every student can participate, contribute and succeed. By aligning Lumio with WCAG 2.2, we’re helping educators deliver more inclusive learning experiences for all learners.”
The update adds support for students to sign in, join classes and participate in Lumio activities such as Response and Shout it Out using assistive technologies. Whiteboard pages now support keyboard navigation, while images and annotations include alternative text for screen readers. Lumio is also compatible with screen readers including JAWS, NVDA, ChromeVox, VoiceOver and Narrator.
SMART said the new accessibility features build on Lumio’s existing support for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and Microsoft Immersive Reader integration, which provides features such as text-to-speech, translation and contrast controls. The accessibility updates are available now for all Lumio users.
