____________________
Assistive Technology

Desire2Learn Awarded Another National Federation of the Blind Nonvisual Accessibility Gold Level Web Certification

Kitchener-Waterloo - Desire2Learn Incorporated announced that Desire2Learn Learning Environment 9.4.1 is the first Learning Management System to be recertified with the Gold Level NFB-NVA Certification by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), one of the world's leading advocates for Internet access for blind Americans.

The NFB certification process includes a rigorous evaluation and testing procedure where websites and applications are required to meet specific criteria of being accessible to the blind. Nonvisual accessibility (NVA) certification, as defined in this process, means that screen access software can obtain sufficient information from the Web application to enable the blind users to:

-Access information in narratives, databases, forms, and graphical presentations without visual assistance
-Complete transactions that have been identified as primary to the application such as, but not limited to: creating and interacting with course materials, assignment areas, discussion boards, quizzes and communication tools that are central to online learning environments

The NFB-NVA Certification is an external verification of Desire2Learn's ongoing commitment to accessible learning technologies for all individuals.

"Yearly recertification of our learning technologies by organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind is a great way to showcase the stability and maturity of our accessibility program," states John Baker, President & CEO, Desire2Learn. "We are thrilled to once again be recognized with Gold Level Certification, the highest achievement awarded to a Learning Management System."

"We applaud Desire2Learn's continued commitment to accessibility in education, and their diligence in maintaining the highest standard," comments Anne Taylor, Director of Access Technology, National Federation of the Blind.

Desire2Learn focuses on improving accessibility within the Learning Management System throughout the year. Accessibility reviews are built into the company's research and development lifecycle to ensure individuals with disabilities, advocacy groups and clients have opportunities to impact the direction of products.

"We really appreciate the thought leadership that comes out of our client-led Accessibility Interest Group," states John Baker, President & CEO, Desire2Learn. "This type of collaboration ensures we are addressing the needs of institutions, instructors and students and are succeeding in our commitment to empower and engage individuals in achieving their learning goals without barriers."

Desire2Learn Learning Suite 9.4.1 includes of a number of rich media tools with innovative accessibility features, such as:

- Inline document viewers with machine readable text views
- Media integration using Kaltura™ Section 508 media player
- Audio recording tool with keyboard and ARIA support
- Desire2Learn Capture lecture recording solution with keyboard accessible player and captioning support
- Color Selector with built-in color contrast checks
- Accessible math support using LaTeX and MathML

Demonstrating color selection that does not meet WCAG

Demonstrating color selection that meets WCAG 2.0 standards

Built in accessibility check to determine whether your color selection for foreground and background meets international color contrast standards

Baker continues; "Accessibility is one of the key barriers that exist in education and we will continue our investment in ensuring our clients remain in a leadership position globally. Desire2Learn's technology is designed to provide equal and inclusive learning opportunities to all individuals."