Digital Accessibility Accelerator Program
Foundations in Digital Accessibility
This immersive 8-module program equips your team with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address accessibility barriers. From understanding disabilities to mastering tools and techniques for accessible design, development, and testing, this course empowers cross-functional teams to build inclusive, user-friendly websites that leave no one behind.
Program Description
Largely based on hands-on practical training experiences, this participant-centered instructor-led training program is designed to empower cross-functional web design and development teams with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive digital solutions.
Delivered virtually via platforms like Zoom or Teams, the course is structured into eight 2-hour modules, including Q&A, spread across multiple days for flexibility and effective learning.
Participants will explore essential accessibility concepts, from foundational principles to actionable strategies for designing, developing, and testing accessible web solutions. Each session emphasizes real-world applications, hands-on techniques, and testing methods, ensuring participants can identify and address accessibility barriers with confidence.
This program is tailored for designers, developers, content creators, QA testers, and project managers who are committed to creating inclusive digital experiences. Whether you’re new to accessibility or refining your practices, this course equips your team with the tools and knowledge to succeed.
Course Outline (per session)
01 - Understanding Digital Accessibility
Module 01
Understanding Digital Accessibility
This foundational session will introduce the principles of digital accessibility, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) framework, and how people with disabilities interact with content online. Participants will explore the legal, ethical, and business reasons for accessibility while using personas to understand common barriers faced by people with disabilities. Through hands-on exercises and testing activities, they will learn to identify accessibility challenges on real-world web pages. This session will lay a strong foundation in inclusive design by teaching participants what to look for and how to evaluate websites for accessibility, setting the stage for more advanced topics in future modules.
Session Outline
- Introductions and icebreaker
- Fundamentals of digital accessibility
- Accessibility barriers and user experience
- Accessibility principles and guidelines
- High-level accessibility evaluation
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Define digital accessibility and explain the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Identify common accessibility barriers through the lens of user personas presenting various disabilities.
- Discover how to ealuate real-world web pages for common digital accessibility challenges and opportunities.
02 - Keyboard Accessibility
Module 02
Keyboard Accessibility
Keyboard accessibility is essential for users who rely on alternative input devices instead of a mouse. This session will explore how to ensure full keyboard operability through both theory and hands-on activities. Participants will learn key concepts such as focus management, logical tab order, skip links, and avoiding keyboard traps. They will practice evaluating sample interfaces, identifying issues, and implementing solutions to improve keyboard usability. By the end of the session, participants will have the skills to design and test web pages that allow all users, especially those with motor disabilities, to navigate and interact with content effectively.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Introduction to keyboard accessibility
- Identifying keyboard operability challenges
- Crafting seamless keyboard navigation experiences
- Practical keyboard accessibility improvements
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of keyboard operability for users who rely on alternative input devices.
- Learn to identify and remediate issues like logical tab order, focus management, and keyboard traps.
- Design and test interactions for keyboard accessibility to ensure seamless keyboard navigation for all users.
03 - Testing with Automated Tools
Module 03
Testing with Automated Tools
Automated tools play a key role in efficient accessibility testing. This session introduces tools like Axe DevTools and WAVE, guiding participants through conducting high-level audits and interpreting results. Participants will learn to identify common accessibility issues, understand the capabilities and limitations of automated tools, and recognize when manual checks are essential. Through hands-on exercises, they will run tests on real-world examples, pinpoint issues, and prioritize fixes. By the end of the session, participants will have the knowledge and skills to effectively use automated tools as part of a comprehensive approach to accessibility testing.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Introduction to automated accessibility testing tools
- Basics of running automated accessibility testing
- Integrating automated testing tools in the workflow
- Applying insights to real-world scenarios
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Explore the capabilities and limitations of automated accessibility testing tools like Axe DevTools and WAVE.
- Conduct high-level automated accessibility spot checks to identify the most common barriers on web pages.
- Interpret automated test results and prioritize fixes based on accessibility standards and user needs.
04 - Colours & Visual Considerations
Module 04
Colours & Visual Considerations
Accessible visual design is about more than aesthetics – it ensures inclusivity for all users. This session focuses on meeting WCAG contrast requirements, minimizing reliance on colour, and designing with visual impairments in mind. Participants will use tools like contrast checkers and colour-blind simulators in hands-on exercises to evaluate and improve designs. They’ll gain a clear understanding of WCAG guidelines for perceivable content, particularly for users with low vision or colour perception challenges. By learning simple evaluation techniques, participants will develop the skills to create visuals that are accessible and effective for all users.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Contrast, legibility, and use of colour
- Leveraging colour contrast checking tools
- Techniques for improving visual accessibility
- Common visual barriers in real-world projects
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Understand WCAG colour contrast requirements and the role of colour in creating accessible experiences.
- Evaluate and improve designs using tools like contrast checkers, greyscale filters, and colourblindness simulators.
- Design visuals that are perceivable for users with visual impairments or colour perception deficiencies.
05 - Screen Reader Accessibility
Module 05
Screen Reader Accessibility
Screen readers are vital tools for users who are blind or have low vision, offering them a way to navigate the web. This session explores how screen readers interact with web content and what makes a site accessible for non-visual navigation. Participants will learn how to structure content effectively, use ARIA landmarks, and test accessibility with popular tools like NVDA and VoiceOver. Combining theory and practice, the session includes hands-on activities where participants navigate sample web pages and address accessibility barriers. By the end, they’ll gain practical skills to improve the screen reader experience and create more inclusive content.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Introduction to screen readers
- Navigating with screen readers
- Improving screen readers workflows
- Screen reader testing techniques
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Understand how screen readers interact with web content and support users with visual impairments.
- Learn to structure content effectively and use ARIA landmarks to improve screen reader navigation.
- Test web pages with popular screen readers like NVDA and VoiceOver to identify and address accessibility barriers.
06 - Accessibility of Images and Graphics
Module 06
Accessibility of Images and Graphics
Making images and graphics accessible requires meaningful descriptions and alternative formats to ensure all users can understand visual content. This session focuses on creating effective alt text, long descriptions, and accessible charts. Participants will explore WCAG guidelines for non-text content and practice assessing visual elements using screen readers. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, they’ll learn to write descriptive alt text and remediate inaccessible charts. The session will also emphasize the importance of clear, descriptive visuals for users who are blind or have low vision, providing both practical skills and a deeper understanding of the impact on accessibility.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Introduction to accessible visual content
- Best practices for writing effective alt text
- Techniques for improving image accessibility
- Accessibility testing for images and graphics
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Learn to create meaningful alt text, long descriptions, and accessible charts for visual content.
- Explore WCAG guidelines for non-text content and apply them to real-world examples.
- Assess visual elements using screen readers to ensure usability for users with visual impairments.
07 - Code & Semantic Considerations
Module 07
Code & Semantic Considerations
Semantic HTML is the foundation of accessible web design, providing the structure that ensures content is understandable and navigable for all users. This session will focus on structuring content with native HTML elements, including the proper use of headings, landmarks, and ARIA roles. Participants will learn how semantic code supports assistive technologies, improves usability, and creates a more inclusive user experience. Hands-on activities will include identifying and fixing poorly structured web pages, applying best practices, and testing them with automated tools and screen readers. By the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to build semantically sound, accessible websites that effectively meet diverse user needs.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Value of semantic HTML for accessibility
- Best practices for accessible coding
- Optimizing semantic structure for accessibility
- Accessibility testing for semantic HTML
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of semantic HTML for creating accessible and navigable content.
- Learn to structure content using proper headings, landmarks, and other semantic HTML elements.
- Test web pages for semantic accuracy using automated tools and screen reader technology.
08 - Accessibility of Forms and Tables
Module 08
Accessibility of Forms and Tables
Forms and tables are essential for interactivity and data presentation but often pose significant accessibility challenges for users with disabilities. This session will focus on creating accessible forms with clear labels, predictable instructions and intuitive error handling, along with designing tables that present data meaningfully using headers and summaries. Participants will explore what to look for when testing these elements with screen readers and keyboard navigation to identify and address common barriers. Hands-on activities will involve remediating sample forms and tables, while theoretical insights will connect these practices to WCAG requirements, empowering participants to create accessible, user-friendly solutions.
Session Outline
- Quick recap and context
- Introduction to accessible forms and data tables
- Impact of common accessibility barriers on end users
- Best practices for accessible forms and data tables
- Accessibility testing for forms and data tables
- Hands-on workshop activities
- Debriefing and discussions
- Q&A and session wrap-up
Learning Objectives
- Design accessible forms with clear labels, predictable instructions, and intuitive error messaging.
- Learn to optimize the structure of data tables with meaningful headers, summaries, and logical organization.
- Test forms and tables for accessibility using screen readers and keyboard navigation to ensure accessibility.
Program Handout
Kick off your learning journey with a free copy of the Inklusiv Digital Accessibility Accelerator handout (PDF, 2.9Mb). This resource offers a sneak peek into the foundational principles covered in the Foundations in Digital Accessibility program, giving you valuable insights into accessibility best practices and key concepts.
Program Details
This comprehensive program offers a step-by-step approach to mastering digital accessibility and creating inclusive web experiences.
- Duration: Delivered over multiple days with 8 interactive modules.
- Sessions Length: Each session is 90 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session for deeper learning.
- Additional Support: Optional “Office Hours” or “Ask Me Anything” sessions to address specific challenges or questions.
- Continued Access: All sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing, ensuring participants can revisit key concepts anytime.
Take the first step toward building accessible and user-friendly websites! Your journey to creating truly inclusive digital experiences starts here.
Upcoming Calendar
May 2025 Cohort
Scheduled for 120 minutes including Q&A, every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 PM EST, from May 5th to May 28th.
- Module 01 – Understanding Digital Accessibility
///// May 5th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 02 – Keyboard Accessibility
///// May 7th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 03 – Testing with Automated Tools
///// May 12th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 04 – Colours & Visual Considerations
///// May 14th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 05 – Screen Reader Accessibility
///// May 19th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 06 – Accessibility of Images and Graphs
///// May 21st 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 07 – Code & Semantic Considerations
///// May 26th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 08 – Accessibility of Forms and Tables
///// May 28th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST
June 2025 Cohort
Scheduled for 120 minutes including Q&A, every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 PM EST, from June 2nd to June 25th.
- Module 01 – Understanding Digital Accessibility
///// June 2nd 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 02 – Keyboard Accessibility
///// June 4th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 03 – Testing with Automated Tools
///// June 9th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 04 – Colours & Visual Considerations
///// June 11th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 05 – Screen Reader Accessibility
///// June 16th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 06 – Accessibility of Images and Graphs
///// June 18th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 07 – Code & Semantic Considerations
///// June 23rd 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST - Module 08 – Accessibility of Forms and Tables
///// June 25th 2025 – 1:30 pm EST to 3:30 pm EST
Did you know?
Findings from the Conference Board of Canada suggest that the share of people with disabilities in the overall Canadian consumer market will rise sharply over the coming years. In 2017, the consumer market for Canadians with physical disabilities made up about $165 billion CAD or 14.3% of the total consumer market in the country. By 2030, this share will reach 21%, with spending rising to $316 billion CAD annually. Is your business even aware of this untapped market?