How do I teach staff about accessibility?

Annie Mannion | 15 Apr 2021

Are you seeking a cost-effective, straightforward way to provide accessibility guidance to your staff?

To help UK public sector organisations meet the requirements of the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, AbilityNet has created two customisable online eLearning modules on digital accessibility, so you can train your staff in accessibility dos and don'ts. The courses are designed specifically for higher and further education institutions (HE and FE).

Module 1: Introduction to accessible teaching and learning course
Module 2: Accessibility and Me: Lived experience series of mini courses

 

Find out more about our eLearning modules
 

Module 1: Introduction to accessible teaching and learning course

A man and a woman looking at a laptopIn this training course staff are introduced to the importance of digital accessibility.

Participants learn what accessibility is, why it is important and how they can play their part in creating a learning environment where nobody is excluded. 

The course contains:

  • Introduction to assistive technologies, models of disability and impairment types​ 
  • Introduction to legislation​ 
  • Personal stories to articulate the ‘why’ of accessibility
  • Student case studies  
  • Introduction to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines​ 
  • Top tips on how to create accessible learning experiences​ 
  • Video demonstrations of  dos  and don’ts
  • Resources and tools that can help​ 
  • Tests to check learning
     
“The digital accessibility course really opened my eyes up to the importance of designing and creating content which can be used by everyone, regardless of what condition one might be experiencing. It taught me that removing as many barriers as possible proactively - rather than reactively - is what makes a great user experience for all”

- feedback about Module 1 from staff member at The University of Westminster. 
 



Module 2: Accessibility and Me: Lived experience series of mini courses

Module 2 is a collection of shorter, person-centred mini modules which introduce staff to accessibility requirements via stories from people with lived experiences.

The series of mini-courses contains:

  • Introduction – general overview and key considerations​ for delivering content online
  • Personal stories to articulate the ‘why’ of accessibility
  • Visual impairment​ 
  • Hearing Impairment​ 
  • Mental health concerns​ 
  • Physical Impairment​ 
  • Neurodivergence​ 
  • A summary of best practices
  • Video demonstrations of  dos  and don’ts
  • Tests to check learning

University feedback on the modules

Speaking on our recent HE/Public Sector Update webinar, Claire Gardener of the University of Derby explained how her university has been using the Accessibility and Me set of courses (Module 2).

"It is very emotive and I think it provides a really powerful imperative to change," said Claire on the webinar, about the Accessibility and Me module.

The university incorporated a survey to help them understand the impact of the training. "90% have agreed that the courses provide advice and guidance that is beneficial to their job....so it's having great impact on those that have used it," Claire continued.


“This was a really great training session. I am not very confident with technology but found that everything was explained so I could understand it.”

- feedback about Module 2 from staff member at The University of Derby. 
 

Further resources:

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology