This course aims to increase your competency in making digital content accessible to your students, including adult students with disabilities. You will learn practical techniques and best practices for creating accessible Word documents, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and video lectures.

Accessibility isn't simply a matter of compliance; it's about creating a truly inclusive learning experience for everyone. By making your digital materials accessible, you're opening doors for learners with disabilities and enhancing the learning experience for all. Plus, accessible materials are often easier to use for everyone, making them more engaging and effective for your students.

The course is divided into two sessions, with an assignment to complete between the two sessions. The first session will provide an overview of the current landscape of accessibility research, legal mandates, and foundational skills in developing digitally accessible materials in education. The second session will provide a guided opportunity to reflect on your assignment and get additional hands-on practice. 

During this training, you will practice the following skills: 

• Using styles and headings for structure
• Adding alternative text for images
• Ensuring proper use of tables and lists
• Converting documents to accessible formats
• Using tools for accessibility
• Tagging and setting reading order
• Using layouts and templates effectively
• Adding captions and subtitles to multimedia
• Ensuring color contrast and readability
• Adding captions and transcripts to videos
• Providing audio descriptions
• Finding resources for further learning and support

Course Format & Requirements: To complete this course, you must attend the two synchronous 1.5-hour sessions via Zoom, and complete asynchronous work between sessions.

• Part 1: Virtual workshop on Zoom (4/9/25, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
• Part 2: Independent activities on Canvas (4/9/25 to 4/16/25)
• Part 3: Virtual workshop on Zoom (4/16/25, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

Course Access & Support: Before the course opens, registrants will receive an email with a Zoom link for synchronous sessions and instructions on how to access Canvas for asynchronous work, discussion boards, and course materials. If you do not receive this information, please check your Spam folder, then email Jane Brandt at jane_brandt@worlded.org.  

If you need technical assistance or have questions about accessing the course, please contact Jane Brandt at jane_brandt@worlded.org. If you have questions about the requirements, format, or content of the course, please contact Eliana Stanislawski at eliana_stanislawski@worlded.org.

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