The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each part includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Introduction to Accessibility Planning
September 11, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
This is a live session to learn the details of the Learning Lab, the Canvas site, and expectations for the microcredential. In addition, the facilitator will discuss key considerations when developing a digital accessibility plan for an organizational unit or institutional setting in higher education. There will also be time to get to know your fellow Lab partners and facilitator.
Learning Goals
- Identify core principles of digital accessibility planning.
- Discuss current challenges.
- Compare and contrast accessibility models and frameworks.
- Discuss current accessibility standards and design principles.
Part 2: Digital Accessibility Planning & Policy
September 16, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
Learn the basics of a campus-wide digital accessibility planning strategy and policy development. Understand the common challenges and the key components of an effective plan (e.g., use of a framework and templates, policy development, communication, networking, research, budget, and buy-in). Participants will use a case example to illustrate and discuss how to develop and apply a successful digital accessibility framework and how to move it forward into the adoption of a plan.
Learning Goals
- Discuss the purpose of models and frameworks.
- Apply concepts in setting a budget for digital accessibility efforts.
- Describe the importance of implementing a communication strategy.
- Compare and contrast digital accessibility statements and policies.
- Identify successful evaluation strategies.
Part 3: Digital Accessibility Practices & Building Community
September 19, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
Learn the core best practices for reaching digital accessibility technical compliance goals, recruiting people, and building a digital toolkit for wide-scale adoption. Understand common challenges and how to apply practices related to training, recruiting experts, and technical practices (e.g., use of checklists, document remediation, captioning, inclusive design, standards, testing, and metrics). Participants will use a case example to illustrate and discuss how to develop and apply successful practices and where to include people in the overall plan for the best results.
Learning Goals
- Discuss the core components of a digital toolkit.
- Compare and contrast the core elements of technical application.
- Identify best practices for remediation and compliance goals.
- Describe the benefits of inclusive design practices.
- Develop a strategy for building a community of experts and evangelists.
Part 4: Putting It All Together
September 25, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
The Learning Lab will conclude with a final project (described below) and a closing live session to review and process the learning from the lab.
Learning Goals
- Create the outline of a digital accessibility program plan.
- Apply the principles of the J4P Framework to digital accessibility planning.
- Develop a plan or presentation for digital accessibility implementation.
- Discuss the core success criteria of a digital accessibility plan.
Lab Project/Assignment
The final project is to complete a planning rubric and apply essential criteria to developing an outline of a digital accessibility plan and toolkit that includes the four core domains of planning, people, practices, and policies (J4P Framework). The final project includes drafting an implementation strategy based on the planning checklist for your institution, organizational unit, or online course.