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: Why a Strategic Digital Accessibility Program?
February 2, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Part 1 frames the need for a strategic digital accessibility program in higher education. Participants will examine how accessibility connects to institutional mission, risk management, student success, and equity. We will discuss regulatory drivers, including the ADA Title II web accessibility rule, alongside reputational and cultural benefits of a campus-wide program. Participants will practice discussing accessibility from these important institutional perspectives. Part 1 highlights how a strategic lens shifts accessibility from tactical fixes to sustainable outcomes. Participants will:
- Articulate the institutional, legal, and equity-based reasons for a strategic accessibility program.
- Differentiate between compliance-driven efforts and strategic approaches.
- Evaluate the current level of accessibility maturity and match approaches to key institutional stakeholders.
Part 2: Building Blocks of a Strategic Digital Accessibility Program
February 5, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Every mature program rests on strong foundations. Part 2 reviews the structural elements of successful accessibility programs, including governance, policy, training, procurement, content creation, communication, and measurement that are applied across domains. Participants will examine models from peer institutions and consider how to adapt these building blocks for their own contexts. The goal is to move beyond one-off projects and toward cohesive, campus-wide frameworks that embed accessibility into everyday practices. Participants will:
- Identify core structural components of a strategic accessibility program.
- Evaluate governance, policy, and procurement practices that support maturity.
- Outline strategies to embed accessibility across workflows and roles.
Part 3: Successful Implementation Practices for Digital Accessibility
February 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Strategy becomes reality through consistent implementation. Part 3 focuses on practices that embed accessibility into organizational practices: faculty and staff training, accessible course and content design, IT and vendor partnerships, and usability testing with people with disabilities, among others. Participants will explore scalable models for training and support, mechanisms to monitor progress, and approaches to communicate impact. Part 3 explores components of developing an actionable roadmap to implement (or mature) their institution's program. Participants will:
- Apply practical strategies for implementing accessibility across selected campus domains (i.e. teaching, IT, and content workflows, purchasing, etc.).
- Design scalable training and support structures for faculty and staff.
- Create an implementation roadmap toward maturing an institutional accessibility program.
Part 4: Leading Sustainable Change for Digital Accessibility
February 17, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Strategic programs succeed when leaders champion change. Part 4 focuses on leadership strategies to secure executive support, build cross-campus coalitions, and align accessibility with institutional priorities. Participants will explore techniques for influencing decision-makers, fostering accountability, and cultivating a culture of shared ownership. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring the sustainability of accessibility work beyond initial efforts or individual champions. Participants will:
- Apply leadership strategies to secure buy-in and resources.
- Identify approaches to build cross-campus coalitions and accountability.
- Develop a tailored plan to sustain accessibility progress over time.
Lab Project/Assignments
This Learning Lab project is designed to help you make tangible progress toward advancing institutional accessibility efforts. You will identify key stakeholders, craft messages that resonate with them, and select focus areas based on the pillars of a holistic digital accessibility program. Then you will define early or next milestones, align key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, and build plans that turn short-term wins into sustained institutional change.
Whether you are just beginning to introduce accessibility initiatives within your team or managing a mature, enterprise-wide program, the Lab and project activities will help you refine your approach and gain practical feedback from facilitators and peers to strengthen your next steps.