WCAG Foundations
Understanding WCAG 2.1 Level AA is essential before applying accessibility to documents, web content, multimedia, or eLearning. These resources introduce the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) and show how success criteria translate into real-world design, development, and content decisions.
- W3C Introduction to Web Accessibility (WAI Course) ↗Free self-paced course introducing WCAG principles, assistive technologies, and inclusive design from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.
- Section508.gov Accessibility Fundamentals ↗Self-paced courses covering accessibility fundamentals aligned with federal standards.
Accessible Documents and Presentations
Documents must use proper heading structure, accessible tables, meaningful links, logical reading order, alternative text, and properly tagged PDFs.
- Harvard Digital Accessibility ↗Guides for creating accessible documents across common formats.
- Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Tutorials ↗Official Adobe guidance for creating and verifying PDF accessibility.
- WebAIM: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel ↗Practical techniques for making Microsoft Office documents accessible.
- Accessible Electronic Documents (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Etc.) ↗Section508.gov guides for accessible document creation across common formats.
- Pope Tech Blog ↗Resource hub offering articles, guides, updates, and training materials focused on improving web and course accessibility through practical tips and platform support.
Accessible e-Learning and LMS Development
Interactive learning environments introduce additional accessibility considerations. Authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise require careful management of focus order, labeling, interaction design, transcripts, and testing with assistive technologies.
- Accessibility eLearning in Articulate 360 ↗Official Articulate guidance on building accessible courses in Storyline and Rise. <br/><small>LinkedIn Course: account required.</small>
- Use the Storyline Accessibility Checker ↗Built-in tool to identify and resolve common accessibility issues in Storyline 360 courses.
Multimedia Accessibility
Accessible video and audio content requires captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions.
Captions
A synchronized text representation of audio — including dialogue, speaker identification, and relevant sound effects. Auto-generated captions should always be reviewed and corrected before publishing.
Transcripts
A text alternative for users who cannot access video or audio content. Unlike captions, transcripts do not need to be synchronized with the media.
Audio Descriptions
Narrate key visual information for blind and low-vision users. When possible, plan for audio descriptions during production rather than adding them after the fact.
- W3C Making Audio and Video Accessible ↗Comprehensive guidance on captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, and accessible media players.
- 3Play Media Captioning ↗Guidance on captioning workflows, quality standards, and caption formats.
- Adobe Video Accessibility Guide for Content Creators ↗Adobe guidance on producing accessible video content.
- Captions, Transcripts and Audio Descriptions ↗Section508.gov guidance on synchronized media accessibility requirements.
- Described and Caption Media Captioning Key ↗Industry standard reference for caption formatting, style, and quality.
Accessible Communications and Public Engagement
Public-facing communications must be accessible across formats — social media posts, newsletters, press releases, public notices, and live or virtual events. Considerations include alternative text, plain language, captioning, accessible email design, and accessible event materials.
- Accessible Social ↗Practical guidance for making social media content accessible, including alt text, captions, and hashtag formatting.
- Writing for Web Accessibility (W3C) ↗Tips for writing content that is accessible to people with cognitive, language, and learning disabilities.
- Plain Language Guide Series ↗Federal plain language standards and guidelines for clear, direct public communications.
- Live Captioning Best Practices ↗Guidance on CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) and live captioning for events.
- Creating Accessible Emails ↗Best practices for accessible email design, including structure, color contrast, and alt text.
Professional Development, Certifications, and Conferences
Sustained accessibility requires ongoing skill development across roles — developers, content creators, procurement professionals, communications teams, and leadership.
- WebAIM Document Accessibility Training ↗Live and on-demand training covering document and web accessibility.
- L'Etoile Education — Curated List of Accessibility Offerings ↗Curated catalog of accessibility courses, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
- M-Enabling Summit ↗Annual conference focused on accessible and assistive technology for seniors and users with disabilities.
- IAAP Certifications and Courses ↗Professional certifications in web accessibility (CPACC, WAS) and other accessibility specializations.
- Deque University ↗Comprehensive web accessibility training library for developers, designers, testers, and content creators.
- National ADA Symposium ↗Annual event covering ADA compliance, digital accessibility, and implementation across sectors.
- ADA National Network Training Programs ↗Free and low-cost training from regional ADA centers covering disability rights and accessibility.
