An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Module 1: Understanding Disability and Assistive Technology

This module will give you a basic understanding of some of the major disability types (visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive), their main functional challenges, and some of the related assistive technologies. You’ll also get valuable firsthand perspectives on disabilities and assistive technology from people with different disabilities, including a spirited panel discussion on disability etiquette from a team of disability experts.

Module 2: The Legal Landscape and the Workplace

In this module, you’ll develop a basic understanding of some of the key legislation that impacts accessibility. From the workplace perspective, you’ll have an opportunity to explore some insightful firsthand occupation-specific perspectives from a web developer, a media specialist, an instructional designer, and a computer science instructor. Finally, you’ll get an insider’s view on accommodation from a team of accommodation specialists who handle document conversion, captioning, audio description, accessible document design, and testing accommodations.

Module 3: Universal Design

This module will give you a basic understanding of the seven principles of universal design and the roots of universal design in architecture. You’ll learn how universal design can be applied in a learning context through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its inclusive design practices. Video interviews with recognized experts in the field will highlight insightful IT perspectives on universal design along with higher ed perspectives on Universal Design for Learning.

Module 4: Accessible Digital Materials

This module will give you an introduction to some of the major accessibility considerations that apply to common digital formats like HTML, MS Word, PDF, and PowerPoint. You’ll also learn some of the key accessibility considerations for multimedia, including areas like captioning and complex images. Helpful demos and hands-on activities will give you a clearer idea of how you can make your digital content more accessible.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners and strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners

Introduces fundamental principles of accessibility

Covers the major types of disabilities and related assistive technology and adaptive strategies

Provides firsthand perspectives on disability and disability etiquette

Examines the most salient contours of the legal landscape

Features guest interviews with recognized experts in the field

Reviews summary

Accessibility and inclusive design

Learners say An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design is a largely positive course that offers a comprehensive overview of accessibility and inclusive design. Well organized content with engaging assignments helps students develop a solid understanding of assistive technology and inclusive education. The course is particularly praised for its emphasis on inclusivity and practical learning experiences.

Course promotes inclusive education

"Emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility"

"The course materials were designed to be accessible, including captions for videos, alt text for images, and compatibility with screen readers."

"Highlighting the importance of identifying individual needs and tailoring assistive technology solutions accordingly, showcasing the course's commitment to promoting inclusive education"

Engaging assignments reinforce learning

"Assignments in line with the subject matter"

"The assignments, especially the one to make accessible word document and power point presentation were very practical and helpful"

Course covers a wide range of topics

"Covered a wide range of topics related to assistive technology"

"Very detailed and comprehensive course that not only covers technology and accessibility for online teaching but also background information on the law in regards to accessibility and the differences in types of disabilities that affect learning."

"Provides a solid foundation by introducing key assistive technology concepts, including different types of assistive devices and software available to support learners with diverse needs"

Some content and links are out of date

"Muy buen curso, echo de menos una actualización, ya que algunos contenidos tienen algún tiempo"

"Broken links in the resources pages of each module"

Peer review process can be frustrating

"What was challenging are the peer review needs"

"It was not easy getting the assignments reviewed by people you don't know"

"I enjoyed learning and the assignments were in line with the subject matter. What was challenging are the peer review needs"

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 An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design with these activities:

Review assistive technology basics

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Before you start learning about the legal landscape and the workplace, it is important to have a strong understanding of the foundational concepts of accessibility and assistive technology.

Browse courses on Assistive Technology

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Revisit or review readings or resources on different types of disabilities
Refresh your knowledge on assistive technology tools
Explore recent advancements in assistive technology

Practice using screen readers and assistive technology

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Gain practical experience and proficiency in using screen readers and other assistive technology tools.

Browse courses on Assistive Technology

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Choose a screen reader or assistive technology tool
Familiarize yourself with the interface and basic functions
Navigate through different websites and applications using the assistive technology
Identify the key features and shortcuts for reading, interacting, and navigating content

Create a resource guide on assistive technology

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If you have practical or theoretical knowledge of assistive technology that you have learned from other sources, you can create a living document that can be updated and expanded throughout the course

Browse courses on Assistive Technology

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Conduct research on existing resource guides on assistive technology
Compile a list of relevant assistive technology tools and resources
Organize the resource guide into categories or sections for easy navigation
Include a brief description and key information for each tool or resource
Proofread and edit the resource guide for clarity and accuracy

Five other activities

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Explore online tutorials on universal design

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Delve deeper into the principles of universal design by exploring online tutorials specially curated for this course.

Browse courses on Universal Design

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Identify high-quality online tutorials covering various aspects of universal design
Follow the tutorials and complete the practice exercises
Take notes on key takeaways and insights
Apply the principles to real-world scenarios or projects

Collaborate on designing an inclusive website

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Engage with peers to design a website that incorporates universal design principles and addresses diverse user needs.

Browse courses on Universal Design

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Form a small group with peers
Discuss and agree on a design brief and accessibility goals
Research and brainstorm ideas for creating an inclusive website
Collaborate on developing a prototype or mock-up
Present your design to the group and receive feedback

Read 'Universal Design in Higher Education' by Thomas J. Tobin

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Complement the course material by exploring real-world implementation of universal design principles in higher education

View Evaluation in Today’s World: Respecting... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Identify specific examples and case studies of universal design implementation
Consider the implications for policy and practice in your own context

Design an accessible digital document

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To solidify your learning in the module on Accessible Digital Materials, you will apply the principles of universal design to create an accessible digital document.

Browse courses on Universal Design for Learning

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Choose a topic or purpose for your digital document
Research and gather accessible content and resources
Design and develop your document using principles of universal design
Implement accessibility features such as alt text, captions, and headings
Validate your document for accessibility using available tools

Contribute to an open-source accessibility project

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Apply your understanding of accessibility by contributing to an open-source project that promotes accessible digital content.

Browse courses on Web Accessibility

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Identify an open-source accessibility project that aligns with your interests
Review the project's documentation and contribute in areas where you can add value
Collaborate with other contributors and maintainers
Document your contributions and share your learnings

Career center

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

Accessibility Consultant

Accessibility Consultants help organizations make their products, services, and environments more accessible to people with disabilities. This course would be a great foundation for this role, as it provides a comprehensive overview of accessibility principles and practices. The knowledge gained from this course would help Accessibility Consultants better understand the needs of people with disabilities and develop effective accessibility solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accessibility Consultant

Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive Technology Specialists help people with disabilities use assistive technologies to improve their functional abilities. This course would be particularly relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in understanding disability types, assistive technologies, and the legal landscape related to disability. The knowledge gained from this course would help Assistive Technology Specialists better understand the needs of people with disabilities and recommend appropriate assistive technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Assistive Technology Specialist

User Experience Researcher

User Experience Researchers design and evaluate digital products to ensure they are user-friendly and accessible. This course would be particularly relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in understanding disability types and assistive technologies. The knowledge gained from this course would help User Experience Researchers create more inclusive and accessible products.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

Accommodation Specialist

Accommodation Specialists help students with disabilities access educational opportunities. This course would be particularly relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in understanding disability types, assistive technologies, and the legal landscape related to disability. The knowledge gained from this course would help Accommodation Specialists better understand the needs of students with disabilities and provide appropriate accommodations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accommodation Specialist

Universal Design Specialist

Universal Design Specialists design and develop products, environments, and experiences that are accessible to people with disabilities. This course would be particularly relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Universal Design Specialists create more inclusive and accessible products, environments, and experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Universal Design Specialist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and applications. This course would be helpful for Web Developers, as it provides a foundation in understanding accessibility considerations for digital formats like HTML and CSS. This knowledge would help Web Developers create more accessible and inclusive websites and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and learning experiences. This course would be particularly relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The knowledge gained from this course would help Instructional Designers create more inclusive and accessible learning materials and experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Disability Policy Analyst

Disability Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for Disability Policy Analysts, as it provides a foundation in understanding disability types, the legal landscape related to disability, and the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Disability Policy Analysts better understand the needs of people with disabilities and develop more effective policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Policy Analyst

Architect

Architects design and develop buildings and other structures. This course would be helpful for Architects, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Architects design more accessible and inclusive buildings and structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies. This course would be helpful for Computer Scientists, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of accessibility for computing technologies. The knowledge gained from this course would help Computer Scientists develop more accessible and inclusive computing technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Disability Advocate

Disability Advocates work to promote the rights of people with disabilities. This course would be helpful for Disability Advocates, as it provides a foundation in understanding disability types, assistive technologies, and the legal landscape related to disability. The knowledge gained from this course would help Disability Advocates better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and advocate for their rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create and develop visual content. This course would be helpful for Graphic Designers, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Graphic Designers create more accessible and inclusive visual content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Interior designer

Interior Designers design and develop the interiors of buildings and other structures. This course would be helpful for Interior Designers, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Interior Designers create more accessible and inclusive interior spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design and develop software applications. This course would be helpful for Software Engineers, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of accessibility for software applications. The knowledge gained from this course would help Software Engineers create more accessible and inclusive software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop products. This course would be helpful for Product Designers, as it provides a foundation in understanding the principles of universal design. The knowledge gained from this course would help Product Designers create more accessible and inclusive products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer