Introduction to Web Accessibility

Accessibility is essential for individuals and organizations that want to create high-quality websites and apps – and not exclude people from using their products and services. This course gives you the foundation in accessibility you need to excel in digital professions. It is designed for:

• developers
• designers
• content authors
• project managers
• people with disabilities
• and others

Optional material help you learn more about the topics you are most interested in.

In this course, you will learn about the international standards for web accessibility from the W3C – including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and WAI-ARIA for Accessible Rich Internet Applications – and first steps in applying them.

You will also learn the broad scope of web accessibility, how people with disabilities use different assistive technologies and adaptive strategies, the business benefits of web accessibility, and where to find W3C resources on implementing accessibility.

The course is structured so that you can focus on the topics that you are most interested in. Optional activities and additional materials provide more learning on specific topics. Learn more.

Don’t miss this unique course from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technology in Education (IITE). It brings together international expert trainers from Deque, Infoaxia, Intopia, Knowbility, The Paciello Group, and Web Key IT, and implements the open curriculum developed by the W3C WAI Education and Outreach Working Group (EOWG).

This course is based on the open curricula from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

Module 1: What is Web Accessibility (2 sections)

• Introduces the broad scope of digital accessibility through real stories of people with disabilities
• Examples of how accessibility impacts the lives of interacting in the digital world

Module 2: People and Digital Technology (5 sections)

• Explores how people with different disabilities use various assistive technologies and adaptive strategies
• Introduces accessibility barriers and accessibility solutions
• Explores how design decisions impact interactions
• Explains the essential components of web accessibility

Module 3: Business Case and Benefits (2 sections)

• Presents direct and indirect return of investment and the organizational business case
• Explains the broader benefits for everyone, with or without disability

Module 4: Principles, Standards, and Checks (5 sections)

• Covers international accessibility standards from W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
• Explains the guiding principles of web accessibility: Percievable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)
• Guides through first steps in checking accessibility and applications

Module 5: Getting Started with Accessibility (2 sections)

• Explains approaches for integrating accessibility into your design and development processes
• Provides tips to get started with accessibility right away