Digital Accessibility Essentials

Introduction to Web Accessibility

In Introduction to Web Accessibility, you will discover fundamental knowledge related to disabilities and disability laws. You will also be introduced to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which serve as the foundation for the remainder of this course.

In this module, participants will:

• • define “disability” and describe challenges faced by learners with a disability when engaging with digital content.
  • describe assistive technology and its importance.
  • describe the purpose of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • define WCAG and its purpose.
  • identify the four WCAG principles and the purpose of each.
  • differentiate the three levels of WCAG requirements.

Principle 1: Perceivable

In Principle 1: Perceivable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 1, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

• • differentiate among informative, functional, decorative, and complex images. (1.1)
  • identify non-text elements that require descriptive identification alt text. (1.1)
  • compose appropriate alt text for non-text content. (1.1)
  • recognize the benefits and challenges of various methods of making time-based media accessible. (1.2)
  • apply appropriate techniques for adding captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts to time-based media. (1.2)
  • apply meaningful sequence to a text selection. (1.3)
  • recognize HTML5 input types and their purposes. (1.3)
  • evaluate heading structures and sensory characteristics for accessibility and correct usage. (1.3)
  • evaluate input purposes. (1.3)
  • apply the proper use of color in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper use of audio controls in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper contrast minimums for text and non-text digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper use of images of text in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the accessibility requirements for resizing, reflowing, and spacing digital text and content. (1.4)

Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 2: Operable

In Principle 2: Operable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 2, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

• • explain the different uses of keyboard compatibility. (2.1)
  • explain the benefits of keyboard compatibility. (2.1)
  • identify examples of timed response. (2.2)
  • explain the benefits of allowing users enough time to read and use content. (2.2)
  • define the three flashes or below threshold. (2.3)
  • explain the benefits of the three flashes or below threshold. (2.3)
  • describe the benefits of “bypass blocks”. (2.4)
  • identify examples of “bypass blocks”. (2.4)
  • identify the correct heading style in CourseArc. (2.4)
  • explain the importance of proper use of headings and labels. (2.4)
  • compare and contrast meaningful links with non-meaningful links. (2.4)
  • identify different types of pointer gestures. (2.5)
  • explain the importance of user interface labels. (2.5)

Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 3: Understandable

In Principle 3: Understandable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 3, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

• • explain the importance of identifying the language on a page and its parts. (3.1)
  • explain the importance of predictable behaviors on focus and input. (3.2)
  • describe the importance of consistent navigation & identification. (3.2)
  • explain the importance of error identification. (3.3)
  • describe the importance of labels and instructions for input fields. (3.3)

Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 4: Robust

In Principle 4: Robust, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 4, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

• • explain the importance of programmatically determining the name, role, and value of user interface components in ensuring accessibility for assistive technologies. (4.1)
  • explain the importance of status messages. (4.1)

Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.