Welcome to "Ask tltaccessibility," the interactive talk show where we delve into the world of digital accessibility! From 1:00- 1:30pm every Friday, we'll explore the best practices for making digital content accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. From accessible documents to captions, we'll cover a range of topics that are crucial for creating an inclusive digital environment.
Our aim is not just to inform, but also to engage. We believe that learning is a two-way street, so we encourage you, our audience, to actively participate. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about digital accessibility, your questions and insights are invaluable.
Together, we'll unravel the complexities of accessibility guidelines, discover innovative tools, and share inspiring stories of how digital accessibility has made a positive impact.
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Spring 2024 Schedule
March 1, 2024 How can I make scanned documents more accessible?
Using Adobe Acrobat Pro's Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function is a great way to make scanned documents more accessible and editable. OCR technology converts images of text into editable and searchable data.
Learn how to use Adobe Acrobat Pro Checker to OCR scanned documents.
March 8, 2024 How do I make my Google Slides more accessible?
Google Workspace includes several productivity applications, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. These file types are stored and accessed in your Google Drive. There are built-in tools for improving the accessibility of Google Workspace items, such as the ability to adjust colors, hyperlink specific text, and add image alternative text.
In addition to the built-in tools offered across Google's products, CWRU also has access to Grackle for Google Workspace. Grackle is a set of accessibility and compliance tools designed to help you create, evaluate, and maintain accessible content within Google Workspace applications. Grackle is a third-party extension and is available as an add-on in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
- Learn more about creating links in Google Slides
- Learn more about how to adding Alternative Text in Google Slides
- Learn more about formatting lists in Google Slides
- Read "Accessible Tables" for a comprehensive guide on how to apply tables in digital content.
March 22, 2024: How do I make my Canvas course more accessible?
Ally is a powerful tool that can help identify accessibility issues with content in Canvas. Once the issue has been identified, Ally offers instructions for how to remedy the issue and replace the content in Canvas. In addition to helping guide instructors through the process of remediating content, Ally also offers alternative file formats that can be downloaded by both instructors and students within a Canvas course. Having an alternative format available is a fantastic example of universal design that benefits everyone.
- Guides for Using Ally
- Full information on how to use all of the features of Ally.
- Introduction to Ally for Instructors
- Quick start guide for using Ally in Canvas.
March 29, 2024: How do I make my Microsoft Word document more accessible?
Microsoft Accessibility Checkers are tools and features available in various Microsoft software applications and platforms designed to help users create and evaluate content for accessibility. These tools assist in ensuring that digital content, such as documents, presentations, emails, and websites, can be used effectively by individuals with disabilities. Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, have built-in Accessibility Checkers.
- Build your knowledge with this guide that details how to create accessible Microsoft Word documents.
April 5, 2024: What is digital inclusivity?
Digital inclusivity refers to the efforts and practices aimed at ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, geographical location, or other factors, have equal access to digital technologies and the internet. This concept encompasses not only the availability of digital tools and broadband connectivity but also the skills and knowledge required to effectively use these technologies for communication, education, work, and participation in digital life.
LinkedIn Learning Resource: Learn more about workplace digital inclusivity considerations
April 12, 2024: What are the basics of digital content design?
Designing accessible digital content is crucial for ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access, understand, and interact with digital materials. This approach is guided by the principle of creating content that can be used by as wide an audience as possible, regardless of individual abilities or the technologies they use to access the internet.
LinkedIn Learning Resource: Learn more about key principles of inclusive digital content design matters to your team
April 19, 2024: What are the best practices for creating digital content?
Inclusive digital content design principles guide our implementation of best practices that ensure CWRU communication and documentation, course material, services, and software are accessible to and usable by as many people as possible. Our three-year strategic plan implements best practices progressively, allowing us to demonstrate progress and mature the CWRU Digital Accessibility Policy.
LinkedIn Learning Resource: Learn more about basic accessible design best practices to implement in any scenario or project.
April 26, 2024: What are the barriers to an inclusive digital environment?
Gradually implementing Inclusive Design Best Practices demonstrates CWRU's commitment to equal access to information, programs, and activities for everyone. This approach enhances accessibility and usability, leading to better user experiences for our community. It fosters diversity and inclusion, addressing the needs of various groups and reducing the barriers to inclusion.
LinkedIn Learning Resource: Learn more about basic digital accessibility testing
May 3, 2024: How do I support digital inclusivity in my team dynamics?
CWRU has some flexibility on ADA Compliance implementation. However, in May 2023 the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Education released a “Dear Colleague” letter focusing on digital accessibility in higher education. The letter contains The ADA. Guidance on Web Accessibility, which describes how state and local governments and businesses open to the public can ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and OCR released a 20-part video series covering topics such as how people with disabilities use technology, applicable Federal laws, and how to identify and remediate different types of technological barriers that can interfere with the ability of parents and students with disabilities to participate in modern American education.
May 10, 2024: How do I implement a basic digital accessibility awareness promotion structure for a given scenario or project?
A clear commitment to digital accessibility demonstrates CWRUs' dedication to inclusivity, enhancing its reputation among students, faculty, and potential collaborators. By ensuring digital platforms are accessible, institutions can attract and retain a more diverse student body and staff, which includes individuals with disabilities. This inclusivity also benefits international students and those from different linguistic backgrounds. Embracing accessibility is not just about compliance; it's also a matter of social responsibility and economic sensibility.
LinkedIn Learning Resource: Learn more about promoting digital accessibility