Introduction to Web Accessibility from edX

Accessibility is essential for individuals and organizations that want to create high-quality websites and apps – and not exclude people from using their products and services. This course gives you the foundation in accessibility you need to excel in digital professions. It is designed for:

developers
designers
content authors
project managers
people with disabilities
and others

Optional material help you learn more about the topics you are most interested in.

In this course, you will learn about the international standards for web accessibility from the W3C – including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and WAI-ARIA for Accessible Rich Internet Applications – and first steps in applying them.

You will also learn the broad scope of web accessibility, how people with disabilities use different assistive technologies and adaptive strategies, the business benefits of web accessibility, and where to find W3C resources on implementing accessibility.

The course is structured so that you can focus on the topics that you are most interested in. Optional activities and additional materials provide more learning on specific topics. Learn more.

Don’t miss this unique course from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technology in Education (IITE). It brings together international expert trainers from Deque, Infoaxia, Intopia, Knowbility, The Paciello Group, and Web Key IT, and implements the open curriculum developed by the W3C WAI Education and Outreach Working Group (EOWG).

What you'll learn

• What accessibility means, and how it’s essential for some people and useful for all
• The scope of web accessibility, and how it applies to a wide range of people and situations
• The business case, including how accessibility can expand market reach, demonstrate social responsibility, drive innovation, and minimize legal risk
• The W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other international standards for accessibility
• The principles of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)
• How you can check web pages for some basic accessibility issues and improve accessibility
• Approaches for planning managing accessibility in your project and in your organization
• Where to find W3C resources for developers and designers to implement accessibility

What's inside

Syllabus

This course is based on the

from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

Module 1: What is Web Accessibility (2 sections)

Introduces the broad scope of digital accessibility through real stories of people with disabilities

Examples of how accessibility impacts the lives of interacting in the digital world

Module 2: People and Digital Technology (5 sections)

Explores how people with different disabilities use various assistive technologies and adaptive strategies

Introduces accessibility barriers and accessibility solutions

Explores how design decisions impact interactions

Explains the essential components of web accessibility

Module 3: Business Case and Benefits (2 sections)

Presents direct and indirect return of investment and the organizational business case

Explains the broader benefits for everyone, with or without disability

Module 4: Principles, Standards, and Checks (5 sections)

Covers international accessibility standards from W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

Explains the guiding principles of web accessibility: Percievable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)

Guides through first steps in checking accessibility and applications

Module 5: Getting Started with Accessibility (2 sections)

Explains approaches for integrating accessibility into your design and development processes

Provides tips to get started with accessibility right away

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores disability, accessibility, and digital technology, which is standard in industry

Taught by W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), who are recognized for their work in accessibility

Examines assistive technologies and accessibility, which is highly relevant to web accessibility

Develops accessibility skills and knowledge, which are core for accessibility work

Covers business case around accessibility, which is relevant for organizational strategy

Teaches accessibility and web standards, which helps learners produce quality digital products

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Web Accessibility with these activities:

Check Your Accessibility Knowledge Baseline

Show steps

Test your knowledge of web accessibility with guided tutorials to build a strong foundation for the course.

Show steps

Read W3C's Introduction to Web Accessibility
Complete the Web Accessibility Tutorial from A11y Project

Analyze a Website for Accessibility

Show steps

Apply principles of accessibility by evaluating a website for compliance with accessibility guidelines.

Browse courses on Accessibility Standards

Show steps

Select a website to analyze
Use an accessibility evaluation tool
Check for conformance with WCAG guidelines
Identify areas for improvement
Write a report summarizing your findings

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Web Accessibility will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Accessibility Consultant

Web accessibility consultants help organizations make their websites and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities. They assess websites for accessibility issues and provide recommendations for how to fix them. This course is essential for web accessibility consultants, as it provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. It also provides guidance on how to assess websites for accessibility issues and how to communicate with clients about accessibility.

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Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive technology specialists help people with disabilities use assistive technology to improve their independence and quality of life. They work with clients to assess their needs, recommend assistive technology solutions, and provide training on how to use assistive technology. This course is highly relevant to assistive technology specialists, as it provides a deep understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and how assistive technology can be used to meet those needs. It also provides guidance on how to assess client needs, recommend assistive technology solutions, and provide training on how to use assistive technology.

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Digital Accessibility Specialist

Digital accessibility specialists help organizations make their websites and other digital content accessible to people with disabilities. They work with stakeholders to develop accessibility policies, train staff on accessibility, and implement accessibility solutions. This course is highly relevant to digital accessibility specialists, as it provides a deep understanding of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. It also provides guidance on how to develop accessibility policies, train staff on accessibility, and implement accessibility solutions.

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Accessibility Auditor

Accessibility auditors evaluate websites and other digital content for accessibility issues. They work with organizations to ensure that their websites and other digital content meet accessibility standards. This course is highly relevant to accessibility auditors, as it provides a deep understanding of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. It also provides guidance on how to assess websites for accessibility issues and how to communicate with clients about accessibility.

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Front-End Engineer

Front-end engineers are responsible for the design and development of a website's user-facing side. They work closely with back-end engineers to ensure that the website is functional and user-friendly. This course is strongly aligned with the skills needed to be a front-end engineer. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge is essential for creating websites that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Web Developer

Web developers design and develop websites and other web-based applications. They work with stakeholders to define website requirements, develop website designs, and code websites. This course is highly relevant to web developers, as it provides a deep understanding of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help web developers create websites that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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UX Designer

UX designers are responsible for the user experience of a product or service. They work to ensure that the product is easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. This course is highly relevant to UX designers, as it provides a deep understanding of the needs of users with disabilities. This knowledge can help UX designers create products and services that are inclusive and accessible to all.

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Information Architect

Information architects design and structure websites and other information systems. They work with stakeholders to define information needs, develop information architectures, and create navigation systems. This course is relevant to information architects who are working on web accessibility projects. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help information architects ensure that their websites and other information systems are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with stakeholders to define software requirements, develop software solutions, and test software to ensure that it meets quality standards. This course is relevant to software engineers who are working on web accessibility projects. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help software engineers ensure that their software is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Disability Advocate

Disability advocates work to promote the rights of people with disabilities. They work with policymakers, employers, and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities. This course is relevant to disability advocates, as it provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help disability advocates advocate for policies and practices that make the web more accessible to people with disabilities.

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Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course is relevant to project managers who are working on web accessibility projects. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help project managers ensure that their projects are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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User Researcher

User researchers study how users interact with products and services. They conduct research to understand user needs and motivations, and they use this information to design products and services that are user-friendly and accessible. This course is relevant to user researchers who are working on web accessibility projects. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help user researchers understand the needs of users with disabilities and design products and services that are accessible to all.

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Quality Assurance Tester

Quality assurance testers test software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and they write test cases to ensure that software is functioning as expected. This course is relevant to quality assurance testers who are testing web accessibility. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help quality assurance testers ensure that software is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Content Writer

Content writers create written content for websites, blogs, articles, and other marketing materials. They work with subject matter experts to develop content that is accurate, informative, and engaging. This course is relevant to content writers who are writing about web accessibility. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help content writers create content that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They work with subject matter experts to develop documentation that is accurate, clear, and concise. This course is relevant to technical writers who are writing about web accessibility. It provides a comprehensive overview of web accessibility standards and how to implement them. This knowledge can help technical writers create documentation that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

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