Dear instructional designers: i process speech at 600 WPM. My brain does not want to listen at 160. If your "self-paced" learning module presents the text but makes me wait out the speaker before i advance), i can't focus on learning bc i'm boiling with frustration.

Forcing anyone into a learning modality they don't enjoy is counterproductive, hostile & — especially with asynchronous learning — avoidable. Imposing a speed limit on a Blind or disabled speed listener is also an ableist microaggression. Have some respect.

Anti-ableist practice takes more than just removing barriers to participation. It also requires a commitment to affirm and amplify the value of our uniquely developed strengths. If I can finish a 30-minute training in 10 and still pass the quiz? Just. Let. Me. Do. That!

It makes me feel horribly guilty when i'm so distracted by instructional speed limits that i can't fully engage with important DEIA trainings. If the trainings themselves weren't an automated micro-aggression, i could better focus on the important concepts they offer.

If you don't think this seems like a priority, try to learn something from a video or podcas playing at 0.3x. Something you normally care about and find interesting. I almost guarantee you will have a deeply unpleasant time and the speed will be more memorable than the content.

This kinda took off, so a small disclaimer: this thread reflects my experiences over decades, not just one instance. All the orgs i affiliate with are receptive to feedback and always iterating — if you're on a team i work with, this hot take is not aiming at you or any one org.