Introduction

  1. Learning Outcomes
  2. Suggested Prerequisites
  3. Required Technology
  4. Content Structure
  5. Storyline
  6. Readings & References
  7. Beyond Business Practices
  8. Disclaimer

Learning Outcomes

Welcome to Digital Accessibility as a Business Practice. We are glad that you are learning about this important topic!

By the time you complete the instruction here, you should be able to:

  • Communicate business cases for digital accessibility
  • Identify how people with disabilities access IT systems and digital content
  • Identify elements of your business IT environment where attention to accessibility is needed
  • Recognize how key accessibility guidelines in WCAG 2.0 can be leveraged
  • Identify accessibility requirements when working with international clientele
  • Choose resources that staff in various roles can use to learn about accessibility
  • Implement accessible hiring practices
  • Describe employee accommodation within the context of digital accessibility
  • Develop an IT accessibility plan and policy
  • Identify training for employees in varied roles
  • Write and evaluate digital accessibility requirements in procurement contracts and RFPs
  • Put together an accessibility committee and/or assign an accessibility champion
  • Identify basic digital accessibility issues in web content and electronic documents
  • Develop a policy document to guide a digital accessibility implementation plan and a strategy to sustain its impact on organizational change

(More specific learning objectives are included with each unit.)

Key Point: Though this resource has some focus on web accessibility as it pertains to those who reside in Ontario, Canada, most of what is covered here will be relevant regardless of where you are in the world. Where we do provide Ontario-specific information, use it as an opportunity to compare what Ontario is doing with the efforts in your country or region.

Suggested Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to successfully learn from the materials provided here. However, basic familiarity with the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) will be beneficial.

To learn more, read through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Introduction to WCAG.

Required Technology

You will need the following applications to apply the knowledge you’ll gain and to complete the activities:

  • A word-processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, Google Docs)
  • A PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Reader)

Content Structure

The content here is made up of the introductory section that you are reading now, plus six units.

Throughout the units there are a number of short Challenge Tests that will help reinforce what you are learning. They are interactive, with instant feedback in the web ebook version, and with a text-based alternative and answer key in the other available formats.

Storyline

Throughout the materials, a storyline about “The Sharp Clothing Company” will unfold, and as a project manager for the company, you will investigate what the company must do to create a “digital accessibility culture.” The company will be introduced in Unit 2, and the story will continue from there.

Readings & References

There are many Readings & References boxes mentioned throughout the units that expand on the content being presented. You are encouraged to explore these resources, but you will not be tested on them.

Readings & References:

Beyond Business Practices

For those who would like to go beyond what they’ve learned here, The Chang School offers additional resources on digital accessibility aimed at a variety of audiences.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is for instructional purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any particular issue, including compliance with relevant laws. We specifically disclaim any liability for any loss or damage any participant may suffer as a result of the information contained. Furthermore, successful completion of activities contained here does not result in formal accreditation or recognition within or for any given field or purpose.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Digital Accessibility as a Business Practice Copyright © 2018 by Digital Education Strategies, The Chang School is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.