Overview
Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, or environments so people with disabilities can use them unassisted or in a way that’s compatible with their preferred assistive technologies.
In this course, we look beyond Section 508 compliance by introducing how basic visual design principles connect with accessibility best practices to create more accessible and human-centered communications. We’ll discuss models of disability and how to think about accessibility beyond strict compliance with the law.
You will leave this course with the knowledge, tools, and resources to help you create accessible communications, an understanding of your role in creating accessible communications, and hands-on experience practicing what you learn.
Through presentations, discussions, activities, and demonstrations, you’ll learn topics including:
- An introduction to accessibility and the relevant laws and standards that guide it.
- An overview of basic visual design principles and how they relate to accessibility.
- The importance of language, typography, color, images, and hierarchy in accessible communications.
- Practical activities in writing plain language, determining appropriate alternative text, choosing colors, and applying proper visual hierarchies.
- How to apply the elements of accessible communications in document editing and presentation software.
Who Should AttendThis course will benefit anyone who frequently creates internal or external communications using document editing and presentation software. This is an introductory level course and may not be of great benefit to people with formal training in visual or graphic design or advanced accessibility practices.
Additional Information
Online courses use Zoom for Government for audio and screen
sharing. You do not need to create an account or download any programs. More
information and instructions will be shared prior to the course.
Course formerly known as “Introduction to Inclusive and
Accessible Visual Design”
Contact Hours 7.5 hours
OPM Leadership Competencies Emphasized
• Collaboration
• Public Service Motivation
• Written Communication
