Making Digital Content Accessible for Learners
Accessibility by individuals with disabilities to digital materials is one of the major technology issues of our time. The growth of online learning, and the increased use of digital materials in blended and flipped classrooms in K-12 and higher education has created more accessibility issues. Texas regulations make it clear that academic institutions need to attend to accessibility issues. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice enforcement of accessibility issues has made explicit the actions academic institutions should be engaged in to ensure that all students have full access to learning.
TxDLA offers a Digital Accessibility Certificate Program three to four times a year which positions online course instructors, instructional designers, program administrators, ADA coordinators and researchers to be on the leading edge of this important issue by providing them with an understanding of the current state of accessibility for people with disabilities; the latest legal enforcement actions including resolution agreements, court cases, and consent decrees, while equipping them with an understanding of Universal Design for Learning and practical skills in making digital content accessible.
Upcoming Program Dates
2022 Program Dates:
Spring: April 4 - May 8, 2022
Summer: June 20 - July 25, 2022
Fall: October 3 - November 14, 2022
$600.00: All Online Program
Digital Accessibility Certificate Program Includes:
Facilitated by a Certified Accessibility Specialist, with contributions from several TxDLA specialists in accessibility.
Capstone project with both peer and instructor review.
Participants assigned to a small group for one interactive assignment during the first 10 days. Discussions must be revisited for replies and interactions during the 5 week course. Remainder of course is self-paced.
Free One-Year TxDLA Membership ($35 value)
Topics Include:
Definition of disabilities
The current compliance issues identified by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and US Department of Justice; WCAG 2 level standards; compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Understanding of common issues and current legal developments in the Disability Rights Movement
NEW! Administrative Topics: Exploring administrative issues including establishing institutional accessibility statement and policy, processes to procure accessible resources, reducing complaints, responding to OCR complaints and investigations and establishing corrective action plans
Hands-on experience with online tools, software, and assistive technology to understand the definition and application of reasonable accommodations
Application of Universal Design for Learning and inclusive environments
Creation of a Capstone project demonstrating knowledge of laws, current issues in online accessibility, practical knowledge of accommodations and assistive technology
Disclaimer: Electronic Accessibility is an ever-changing craft, combining both art and science. The TxDLA Digital Accessibility Certificate indicates successful completion of a rigorous 5-week online accessibility training program as of the certification date. However, TxDLA does not guarantee the quality of any products produced by the certified individual, and cannot be responsible for any issues that may arise as a result of information that is received from this training.
Spring 2022 Program - $600 Course Fee (All Online)
Summer 2022 Program - $600 Course Fee (All Online)
Fall 2022 Program - $600 Course Fee (All Online)
Limited Scholarships Available
If you are unable to register online, please contact Lisa Tomsio via email at lisa@txdla.org to register over the phone.