Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusivity
• 1.1 What is Digital Accessibility? Understand the importance of accessibility in the digital world and its impact on individuals with disabilities. • 1.2 Overview of Disabilities and Assistive Technologies Explore different types of disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, motor) and the assistive technologies used by people with disabilities. • 1.3 The Role of Inclusive Design in Promoting Diversity Learn how inclusivity strengthens design and fosters a diverse user base by addressing diverse needs. • 1.4 Legal Frameworks for Accessibility (ADA, Section 508, and WCAG) Gain insight into legal standards and guidelines that promote digital accessibility.
0/4
What is Digital Accessibility?
00:00
Overview of Disabilities and Assistive Technologies
00:00
The Role of Inclusive Design in Promoting Diversity
00:00
Legal Frameworks for Accessibility (ADA, Section 508, and WCAG)
00:00
Module 2: The POUR Principles in Web Design
• 2.1 Perceivable: Creating Content for All Senses Explore strategies to ensure that all content (text, images, audio, video) can be perceived by users with different disabilities. - Lab: Writing effective alternative text for images - Lab: Using transcripts and captions for media • 2.2 Operable: Designing Functional Interfaces Learn how to make digital interfaces operable for users with diverse abilities, including keyboard navigation and accessible control mechanisms. - Lab: Creating keyboard-accessible navigation - Lab: Designing intuitive form controls • 2.3 Understandable: Clear and Consistent Design Understand how to make content and design easy to comprehend, using clear language, logical layout, and predictable functionality. - Lab: Designing for readability and cognitive load • 2.4 Robust: Future-Proofing Your Design Discover ways to ensure your design remains accessible across various devices, browsers, and assistive technologies. - Lab: Testing your design on multiple platforms and with screen readers
0/4
Perceivable: Creating Content for All Senses
00:00
Operable: Designing Functional Interfaces
00:00
Understandable: Clear and Consistent Design
00:00
Robust: Future-Proofing Your Design
00:00
Module 3: Applying WCAG Standards
• 3.1 Introduction to WCAG 2.1 Guidelines Deep dive into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and their application to digital design. • 3.2 Levels of Conformance: A, AA, and AAA Learn about the different levels of accessibility conformance and how to prioritize accessibility improvements. • 3.3 Evaluating Your Website for WCAG Compliance - Lab: Conducting an accessibility audit using online tools
0/3
Introduction to WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
00:00
Levels of Conformance: A, AA, and AAA
00:00
Evaluating Your Website for WCAG Compliance
00:00
Module 4: Designing for Specific Disabilities
• 4.1 Designing for Visual Impairments (Including Color Blindness) Learn how to optimize your design for people with visual impairments, using contrast, screen readers, and magnification tools. - Lab: Implementing high-contrast color schemes • 4.2 Designing for Auditory Disabilities Discover ways to make multimedia content accessible to users with hearing impairments, including transcripts and sign language options. - Lab: Adding captions to videos • 4.3 Designing for Motor Disabilities Learn best practices for designing websites and apps that are easy to navigate for users with motor impairments. - Lab: Simplifying navigation and form inputs for motor disabilities • 4.4 Designing for Cognitive Disabilities Explore strategies to simplify content and interface design to support users with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, or neurological conditions. - Lab: Reducing cognitive load through simple UI design
0/4
Designing for Visual Impairments (Including Color Blindness)
00:00
Designing for Auditory Disabilities
00:00
Designing for Motor Disabilities
00:00
Designing for Cognitive Disabilities
00:00
Module 5: Tools and Resources for Accessible Design
• 5.1 Accessibility Evaluation Tools Explore various online tools and plugins that help evaluate the accessibility of digital designs. • 5.2 Assistive Technology Simulations Experience how users with disabilities interact with websites using screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technologies.
0/2
Accessibility Evaluation Tools
00:00
Assistive Technology Simulations
00:00
Module 6: Best Practices for Ongoing Accessibility
• 6.1 Creating an Accessibility Plan for Your Organization Learn how to develop a comprehensive accessibility plan that integrates POUR principles into your design process. • 6.2 Accessibility Testing and Maintenance Understand the importance of continuous accessibility testing and strategies to keep your digital designs inclusive over time. • 6.3 Case Studies of Successful Accessible Designs Review real-world examples of websites and applications that have successfully implemented accessibility standards.
0/3
Creating an Accessibility Plan for Your Organization
00:00
Accessibility Testing and Maintenance
00:00
Case Studies of Successful Accessible Designs
00:00
Module 7: Final Project
• 7.1 Capstone Project: Designing an Accessible Web Page Apply all the concepts learned in the course by designing a fully accessible web page, meeting WCAG 2.1 guidelines and incorporating POUR principles. Participants will receive feedback on their designs. ________________________________________ Assessment • Quizzes and Knowledge Checks Each module will contain quizzes and exercises to reinforce the principles and practices discussed. • Final Project Evaluation The capstone project will be assessed for accessibility, usability, and compliance with WCAG standards.
0/3
Capstone Project: Designing an Accessible Web Page
00:00
Quizzes and Knowledge Checks
00:00
Final Project Evaluation: Capstone Project Assessment Criteria
00:00
The POUR Principles of Design: Inclusivity and Accessibility for People with Disabilities
About Lesson

Introduction: Understanding Disabilities

Disabilities can affect how individuals interact with digital content. These disabilities generally fall into four categories: visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor. Understanding the specific challenges associated with each disability and the assistive technologies available to overcome these challenges is essential to creating accessible designs.

1. Visual Disabilities

Visual disabilities range from partial vision impairments to complete blindness. People with these disabilities face challenges in perceiving digital content visually, but assistive technologies can bridge these gaps.

Types of Visual Disabilities:
  1. Blindness: Total or near-total loss of vision.
  2. Low Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly, even with corrective lenses.
  3. Color Blindness: Inability to differentiate between certain colors (most commonly red and green).
Assistive Technologies for Visual Disabilities:
  • Screen Readers:
    Software that reads aloud text, images (via alternative text), and other elements on a webpage to users. Examples include:
    • JAWS (Job Access with Speech)
    • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)
  • Screen Magnifiers:
    These tools enlarge text and images on the screen, helping users with low vision.
    • ZoomText
    • Windows Magnifier
  • Braille Displays:
    Devices that translate on-screen text into braille, enabling users to read through tactile means. An example is the Refreshable Braille Display.
Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Users cannot perceive images.
    Solution: Provide alternative text (alt text) for images and use descriptive links.

  • Challenge: Small text size can be hard to read for users with low vision.
    Solution: Use scalable fonts and provide the option to adjust text size.

2. Auditory Disabilities

Auditory disabilities range from partial hearing loss to complete deafness. Challenges arise when digital content includes sound elements, such as videos, music, or voice instructions.

Types of Auditory Disabilities:
  1. Deafness: Complete loss of hearing.
  2. Hard of Hearing: Partial hearing loss, often helped with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Assistive Technologies for Auditory Disabilities:

  • Captioning:
    Captions provide a text alternative for spoken dialogue and sound effects in multimedia.

    • YouTube auto-captioning
    • Amara (manual captioning tool)

  • Transcripts:
    Written versions of audio content, making it accessible for those who cannot hear.

  • Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants:
    Devices that amplify sound, although they do not fully restore normal hearing.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Users cannot hear audio content, such as videos or podcasts.
    Solution: Provide closed captions or transcripts.

  • Challenge: Audio instructions without visual counterparts are inaccessible.
    Solution: Use text-based or visual instructions in addition to audio.

3. Cognitive Disabilities

Cognitive disabilities affect how individuals process information and understand content. These disabilities may include learning disabilities, memory problems, or neurodivergent conditions like ADHD or autism.

Types of Cognitive Disabilities:
  1. Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing.
  2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Difficulty with focus and organization.
  3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Difficulty with social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.
Assistive Technologies for Cognitive Disabilities:

  • Text-to-Speech Software:
    Converts written text into spoken words, helping users process content more easily. Examples include:

    • Kurzweil 3000
    • Natural Reader

  • Simplified User Interfaces:
    Websites and apps with simplified design, minimal distractions, and consistent navigation are easier for people with cognitive disabilities to use.

  • Content Customization Tools:
    Tools like BeeLine Reader use color gradients to make text easier to follow, which is helpful for users with dyslexia or visual processing issues.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Complex navigation or inconsistent design increases cognitive load.
    Solution: Use simple, intuitive navigation with clear labels and a consistent layout.

  • Challenge: Long or complicated content may be hard to comprehend.
    Solution: Use plain language, shorter sentences, and bullet points to break up information.

4. Motor Disabilities

Motor disabilities affect physical movement, including fine motor skills. People with these disabilities may have difficulty using a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen.

Types of Motor Disabilities:
  1. Paralysis: Complete or partial loss of movement in parts of the body.
  2. Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination.
  3. Arthritis: Joint inflammation causing pain, which may limit hand mobility.
Assistive Technologies for Motor Disabilities:

  • Voice Recognition Software:
    Allows users to control computers, enter text, and navigate websites using voice commands.

    • Dragon NaturallySpeaking
    • Windows Speech Recognition

  • Switch Devices:
    Hardware devices used by individuals with limited mobility to interact with computers, often with simple buttons or joysticks.

  • Eye-Tracking Systems:
    Users control the cursor by moving their eyes, enabling hands-free navigation of digital content.

    • Tobii Dynavox Eye-Tracking System
Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Users cannot use a mouse to navigate websites or fill out forms.
    Solution: Ensure your website can be navigated using a keyboard alone or voice commands.

  • Challenge: Small touch targets and drag-and-drop elements are difficult to use.
    Solution: Use large, clickable areas for links and buttons.

End of Lecture Quiz

1. Which of the following is a common assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments?

  • a) Voice recognition software
  • b) Screen reader
  • c) Hearing aid

Answer: b) Screen reader
Rationale: Screen readers help people with visual impairments by reading aloud the content of web pages.

2. What assistive technology can help people with motor disabilities navigate a website?

  • a) Text-to-speech software
  • b) Braille display
  • c) Voice recognition software

Answer: c) Voice recognition software
Rationale: Voice recognition software allows users with motor disabilities to control devices without using their hands.

3. What is the primary purpose of captions in videos?

  • a) To enhance the video’s aesthetic
  • b) To provide an alternative to audio for people with hearing impairments
  • c) To translate spoken language into other languages

Answer: b) To provide an alternative to audio for people with hearing impairments
Rationale: Captions offer a written alternative to audio content for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

4. Which type of disability is helped by text-to-speech software?

  • a) Visual
  • b) Motor
  • c) Cognitive

Answer: c) Cognitive
Rationale: Text-to-speech software helps users with cognitive disabilities by reading text aloud, which can improve comprehension.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Screen Readers and Accessibility Audits A public transportation website was redesigned after a visually impaired user reported that the screen reader couldn’t navigate through the ticket booking process. After an audit, the site was updated with better labels for buttons and improved alt text for images. As a result, screen reader users were able to complete bookings independently.

Case Study 2: Voice Recognition in Higher Education A student with a motor disability faced challenges completing typed assignments. The university provided voice recognition software, enabling the student to complete written tasks by dictating essays. This solution greatly improved the student’s ability to participate fully in academic activities.

Online Accessibility Tools

Templates for Accessible Design

WCAG Guideline Reference Sheets

Video Tutorials on Accessibility Practices

Sample Accessible Website Designs

  • WebAIM:
    A resource that offers insights into accessible web design and provides examples of accessible websites.
    https://webaim.org/
Join the conversation
Previous
Next