Why Does it Matter?

Digital spaces are part of nearly every aspect of modern life. From classrooms and workplaces to social media and government services, everyone communicates online and your our messages are important and deserve to be understood. When these spaces are not accessible, people with disabilities are left out of critical opportunities to learn, connect, and participate fully in society. This course is designed to help participants understand the principles of accessibility and put them into practice across key areas: digital content, documents, PDFs, and social media. By learning practical strategies and tools, participants will be better prepared to create inclusive content that meets accessibility standards and ensures equal access for all.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of digital accessibility and its role in ensuring equity and inclusion.
• Identify common barriers faced by people with disabilities in digital environments.
• Apply accessibility best practices when creating Word documents, slide decks, and other standard files.
• Recognize the features of accessible PDFs and describe strategies for remediation.
• Design social media content that is more inclusive through alt text, captions, and clear communication.
• Understand the basics of legal and policy requirements (such as Section 508, WCAG, and ADA) that shape accessibility work.
• Evaluate digital materials for accessibility and suggest improvements.
• Use available tools and resources to support ongoing accessibility in everyday work.

Intended Audience

• Students
• Educators
• Community Leaders
• Policy Makers
• Software Developers
• Content Creators
• Technologists
• General Public
• Disability Services
• Assistive Technology
• AT Act Staff