Training Course on Designing Accessible Learning Environments

Training Course on Designing Accessible Learning Environments

Introduction

In today’s digital age, inclusive education and universal design for learning (UDL) have become essential components in the development of effective learning environments. Training Course on Designing Accessible Learning Environments equips educators, instructional designers, and administrators with the necessary tools to create equitable, engaging, and accessible educational experiences for all learners, including those with disabilities. Through the integration of assistive technology, responsive design, and accessibility standards, participants will explore innovative strategies for building environments that support diverse learning needs.

As educational institutions strive toward compliance with accessibility laws like the ADA and Section 508, this training emphasizes the importance of proactive design rather than reactive accommodation. By the end of the course, learners will have the skills to conduct accessibility audits, implement UDL principles, and foster inclusive classrooms that promote academic success and equity for every student, regardless of ability or background.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the fundamentals of accessible design in educational settings.
2. Apply universal design for learning (UDL) principles in course planning.
3. Identify and implement assistive technology tools in learning environments.
4. Conduct a digital accessibility audit using standard compliance checklists.
5. Create inclusive multimedia content for diverse learners.
6. Apply Section 508 and ADA standards to course materials.
7. Integrate responsive design techniques to enhance accessibility.
8. Promote neurodiverse inclusion strategies in online and blended learning.
9. Evaluate barriers to access in physical and digital environments.
10. Develop alternative assessment methods for students with accommodations.
11. Collaborate with accessibility support services and stakeholders.
12. Utilize learning analytics to track accessibility improvements.
13. Design and deliver equity-focused learning modules.

Target Audiences

1. K–12 Educators
2. Higher Education Instructors
3. Instructional Designers
4. Learning Technologists
5. School Administrators
6. Curriculum Developers
7. Disability Support Coordinators
8. Educational Policy Makers

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Accessibility in Learning

• Define key accessibility terms and concepts
• Understand the scope and impact of accessibility in education
• Explore legal requirements (ADA, Section 504, Section 508)
• Identify common barriers learners face
• Introduce accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1)
• Case Study: How a university revamped its course materials for full ADA compliance

Module 2: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

• Explore the three main UDL principles: engagement, representation, action/expression
• Identify examples of UDL in various educational settings
• Align UDL with curriculum design
• Use UDL to support learner variability
• Evaluate course materials through a UDL lens
• Case Study: Implementing UDL in a virtual high school curriculum

Module 3: Assistive Technology Integration

• Overview of assistive technologies (screen readers, captioning tools, etc.)
• Select the right tools for various learner needs
• Implement tools across learning management systems (LMS)
• Train educators on effective use of assistive tech
• Troubleshoot common assistive technology issues
• Case Study: Supporting a visually impaired student using JAWS and alternative text

Module 4: Designing Accessible Multimedia Content

• Apply accessibility best practices to videos, images, and audio
• Use closed captioning and descriptive transcripts
• Choose accessible color schemes and fonts
• Integrate alternative text for images and diagrams
• Optimize interactive media for accessibility
• Case Study: Redesigning an eLearning video library for full multimedia accessibility

Module 5: Conducting Accessibility Audits

• Learn tools for auditing digital content (WAVE, Axe, etc.)
• Identify common accessibility errors and fix them
• Document and report audit findings
• Create an accessibility improvement plan
• Collaborate with IT teams on fixes
• Case Study: Institutional accessibility audit leading to LMS overhaul

Module 6: Inclusive Assessment and Evaluation

• Design flexible assessments for diverse learners
• Include alternative formats (oral, project-based, open-book)
• Align assessments with UDL and IEP accommodations
• Use rubrics that value effort and creativity
• Provide accessible feedback methods
• Case Study: Improving student outcomes through inclusive assessment redesign

Module 7: Building an Inclusive Learning Culture

• Foster an inclusive mindset among faculty and students
• Implement classroom accommodations effectively
• Promote empathy and understanding through training
• Address microaggressions and implicit bias in learning
• Use student feedback to inform inclusive practices
• Case Study: Building a peer mentoring program for students with disabilities

Module 8: Future of Accessible Learning

• Explore AI and emerging tech in accessibility
• Plan for long-term accessibility in course design
• Track accessibility trends and innovations
• Invest in ongoing educator training
• Partner with advocacy organizations
• Case Study: A college using AI to generate real-time captions for lectures

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and expert-led presentations
• Hands-on exercises using real tools and platforms
• Collaborative workshops and breakout sessions
• Case study analysis to apply theory to practice
• Accessibility checklists and templates for implementation
• Peer reviews and reflective discussions

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.