Fall 2016 Web Accessibility eClasses

ITSS is pleased to offer 4 web accessibility eClasses this semester. The series begins September 19.

One of the key UMD Accessibility Task Force recommendations, which Chancellor Black and the Campus Climate Leadership Team approved, is that all UMD developers complete web accessibility training. Here's your chance to start with instructor-led online courses.

Education is the cornerstone of born-accessible Web sites. In contrast lack of awareness and lack of skills or knowledge of Web accessibility are responsible for a great majority of Web site accessibility issues identified in a Web Accessibility audit conducted by the UMD Accessibility Task Force. To aid the campus in becoming aware of and integrating accessibility, ITSS is offering the following 4 Web Accessibility eClasses this semester.

Web Accessibility 101: Introduction

This eClass will answer questions such as:

  • "What does web accessibility really mean?"
  • "What all does that term encompass?"
  • "Why is it that some people are unable to use certain web sites - and whose job is it to provide access?"

In addition this class features the popular "disable your browser" exercise. The Web Accessibility: Introduction eClass will occur between September 19 and September 23, 2016.

Web Accessibility 102: Tools

In this eClass we will start exploring how to solve access problems on Web sites, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and do some work! We'll discuss some tools and use the WAVE to spot barriers that prevent people from fully using our web sites. The Accessibility: Tools eClass will occur between September 26 and October 7, 2016.

Web Accessibility 103: Structure

In this eClass you will learn how following web standards, especially in terms of creating structured markup using headings makes a document more accessible and inclusive. The Accessibility: Structure eClass will occur between October 10 to 21, 2016.

Web Accessibility 104: Images

By examining the most basic of techniques - making images accessible - you will explore methods that enable inclusiveness. In this eClass we discuss the what, when, why, and how of both short and long textual alternatives. Accessibility: Images eClass will occur between October 24 to November 4, 2016.

Further Information

Our eClasses utilize Moodle and have no set meeting time, although courses do have definite start and end dates. This allows participants to attend class at a time most convenient to them, yet it still provides logically organized communication between class participants. It is a convenient way to expand your knowledge and skills.

To register and more information please visit: