An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/accessibility

Introduction

### Course Review: An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design In today's world, where inclusivity is reaching unprecedented importance, understanding accessibility and inclusive design is essential for professionals in various fields. Coursera's course, **"An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design,"** provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone looking to become a more informed and effective contributor to the growing movement for accessibility. #### Course Overview This course introduces the fundamental principles of accessibility, equipping learners with critical skills to promote inclusive practices in their respective disciplines. Through a thoughtful blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, learners can expect to explore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the relevant legal frameworks, and the guiding principles of universal design and accessible content creation. The course also features spotlight guest videos that offer firsthand perspectives from individuals with disabilities, enriching the learning experience. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Orientation** The orientation session sets the stage for an engaging learning journey, familiarizing you with the course layout and technical requirements. You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow learners, fostering a collaborative environment right from the start. 2. **Module 1: Understanding Disability and Assistive Technology** This module dives into the diverse types of disabilities, including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments. Students will gain insights into the challenges these disabilities present and the array of assistive technologies available. The highlight of this module is a spirited panel discussion featuring disability experts, providing a rich context around disability etiquette and lived experiences. 3. **Module 2: The Legal Landscape and the Workplace** Understanding the legal framework surrounding accessibility is crucial for navigating the workplace effectively. This module covers key legislation that impacts accessibility and includes firsthand accounts from professionals such as web developers and media specialists. These insights enhance the learner's understanding of workplace accommodations and demonstrate the practical importance of legal knowledge in fostering an accessible environment. 4. **Module 3: Universal Design** Universal design principles are at the core of effective accessibility strategies. This module introduces the seven principles of universal design and explores their application in educational contexts through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Engaging video interviews with field experts provide further depth, bridging theory with real-world applications. 5. **Module 4: Accessible Digital Materials** In a digital age, creating accessible digital content is paramount. This module covers accessibility considerations for common formats, including HTML, MS Word, PDF, and PowerPoint. Learners will participate in hands-on activities that provide practical experience in making digital materials more accessible. This practical approach is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their digital literacy in accessibility. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design" for anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of accessibility principles. Whether you're a web developer, educator, content creator, or simply passionate about inclusivity, this course offers valuable knowledge that can be applied across various sectors. The guest perspectives, practical activities, and comprehensive curriculum make it an engaging and informative experience. By the end of the course, participants should feel more confident in their ability to advocate for and implement accessibility measures, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive world. If you aspire to be an ally for individuals with disabilities and seek to create inclusive spaces in your professional practice, this course is an outstanding starting point. Enroll today to take a significant step toward promoting accessibility in all areas of life!

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

This module will give you a basic understanding of some of the major disability types (visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive), their main functional challenges, and some of the related assistive technologies. You’ll also get valuable firsthand perspectives on disabilities and assistive technology from people with different disabilities, including a spirited panel discussion on disability etiquette from a team of disability experts.

In this module, you’ll develop a basic understanding of some of the key legislation that impacts accessibility. From the workplace perspective, you’ll have an opportunity to explore some insightful firsthand occupation-specific perspectives from a web developer, a media specialist, an instructional designer, and a computer science instructor. Finally, you’ll get an insider’s view on accommodation from a team of accommodation specialists who handle document conversion, captioning, audio description, accessible document design, and testing accommodations.

This module will give you a basic understanding of the seven principles of universal design and the roots of universal design in architecture. You’ll learn how universal design can be applied in a learning context through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its inclusive design practices. Video interviews with recognized experts in the field will highlight insightful IT perspectives on universal design along with higher ed perspectives on Universal Design for Learning.

This module will give you an introduction to some of the major accessibility considerations that apply to common digital formats like HTML, MS Word, PDF, and PowerPoint. You’ll also learn some of the key accessibility considerations for multimedia, including areas like captioning and complex images. Helpful demos and hands-on activities will give you a clearer idea of how you can make your digital content more accessible.