Previous Webinar Topics

Outlined a comprehensive introduction to web accessibility, emphasizing the need for accessible websites in educational, business, and social contexts. Attendees gained insights into the impact of inaccessible web structures on users of assistive technology and explored foundational steps for creating accessible websites. The session also covered essential methods for testing websites, both manually and with automated tools, and highlighted the importance of screen reader compatibility in accessibility evaluations.

Illustrated the process of crafting accessible emails and leveraging Mailchimp for inclusive email campaigns. Attendees learned to identify common accessibility challenges in email content, such as signatures, images, and color contrast, and explored tools in Outlook that enhance email accessibility. The session also included a practical overview of Mailchimp, showcasing how the platform can be used effectively for accessible email marketing.

Demonstrated strategies for creating accessible PDFs using Google Docs and Sheets, focusing on how to export these files with appropriate tagging for improved accessibility. Participants learned about the limitations in exporting directly from Google tools and discussed methods for converting Google Office files into Microsoft Office formats to produce tagged PDFs. The session emphasized best practices in document setup within Google tools to ensure a smoother remediation process.

Examined the accessibility capabilities of Canva for creating documents, posters, flyers, and other visual content. Participants explored Canva's tools for producing accessible graphics, including tips on meeting color contrast requirements and creating clear, readable charts and images. The session addressed Canva’s accessibility limitations and offered guidance on best practices for designing content that aligns with digital accessibility standards.

Clarified the updates in WCAG 2.2, focusing on how the new guidelines impact accessibility testing and certification. Participants received an overview of the key changes introduced in WCAG 2.2, including specific criteria designed to enhance accessibility for users with disabilities. The session also provided practical guidance on testing digital content to meet the new standards, helping organizations adapt their accessibility practices effectively.

Focused on essential techniques for making PowerPoint presentations accessible, emphasizing the structuring of slides to support screen reader navigation. Attendees learned to use PowerPoint's built-in accessibility tools, such as the Reading Order pane, and explored best practices for adding descriptive alternative text, particularly for complex visuals like flowcharts. The session also covered the use of Office formatting features and provided a step-by-step guide for running an effective PowerPoint Accessibility Check.

Two-part webinar series covered the essentials of creating and testing accessible online surveys using platforms like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms. Part one focused on accessible survey design, including applying proper labels, structuring questions, and designing clear error messages to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. Part two addressed testing methodologies, guiding participants through manual keyboard and screen reader testing, code inspection, and automated tools to verify survey accessibility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users.

Analyzed how different authoring tools affect the accessibility of PDF documents, emphasizing the importance of structuring source documents for optimal accessibility from the outset. Participants examined the accessibility capabilities and limitations of applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, InDesign, and Canva, gaining insights into how these tools influence the remediation process. The session highlighted essential steps for structuring documents and discussed potential accessibility risks tied to various authoring platforms, guiding users toward more compliant PDF creation practices.

Highlighted techniques for making PDF tables accessible, emphasizing their role in clear information delivery and equal access for all users. Participants reviewed the best practices for using tables in accessible documents and learned basic remediation steps within Acrobat Pro. The session covered troubleshooting for complex table errors, demonstrated screen reader navigation in accessible tables, and discussed how different formatting approaches in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel affect PDF export results.

This webinar highlighted best practices for designing Microsoft Word documents intended for conversion into accessible PDFs, emphasizing the tools in Word that streamline the remediation process. Participants gained insights into effective formatting techniques for common document elements and explored WCAG 2.1 color requirements relevant to accessible content. The session also introduced methods for generating accessible PDFs directly from Microsoft Office, supporting a smoother transition from source file to final accessible PDF.

Reviewed key steps for creating accessible videos for platforms like YouTube, covering essential components needed to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. Attendees learned about key accessibility elements, including the use of captions, audio descriptions, and descriptive text transcripts. The session demonstrated how to edit captions on YouTube effectively and offered guidance on designing videos to fulfill audio description requirements, ensuring a more inclusive viewing experience for all audiences.

Addressed best practices for crafting effective alternative text (alt text) for images in documents and on websites, highlighting its role in digital accessibility. Participants learned when alt text is essential, along with best practices for including images in accessible documents. The session emphasized creating concise yet meaningful descriptions, avoiding excessive detail to ensure clarity and readability, and provided guidelines for crafting impactful alt text that enhances comprehension for all users.

Emphasized the critical role of screen reader testing in achieving website accessibility, focusing on the JAWS screen reader. Participants were guided through essential JAWS settings for effective testing and learned methods for navigating websites using the Say All command and Tab function. The session covered the use of JAWS tools like Virtual HTML Features and Text Viewer to streamline accessibility testing, providing practical insights for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers in web content.

Two-part webinar series on creating and optimizing accessible fillable PDF forms. In Part one, participants learned how to format MS Word documents for conversion, set up accessible form fields, and explored various form types in Acrobat Pro, including essential settings and tagging practices to ensure accessibility. Part two built on this foundation by focusing on the tag tree structure, demonstrating the correct setup for Form tags and discussing best practices for establishing reading order. The session also provided troubleshooting tips for common tagging errors, equipping participants with practical strategies for achieving WCAG-compliant forms.

Covered the fundamentals of accessibility testing for PDF documents, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing to ensure compliance with WCAG standards. Participants were introduced to a comprehensive testing process that combines both automated and manual techniques to assess PDF accessibility effectively. The session outlined key elements that require manual checks, provided strategies for testing these areas, and demonstrated efficient methods for using a screen reader to verify PDF accessibility, supporting an inclusive experience for all users.

Defined best practices for accessible interaction with dialog boxes for JAWS screen reader users, covering both standard and custom dialogs. Participants explored accessible design patterns for dialogs, including modal alerts, to facilitate seamless navigation and interaction. The session provided guidance on using JAWS commands to read dialog content and manage controls within these overlays. Additionally, strategies for handling custom dialogs that do not adhere to standard accessibility patterns were discussed, equipping attendees with tools to support accessible web design and testing.

Provided an in-depth look at creating accessible online courses using Storyline 360, addressing both the platform’s accessibility tools and its limitations. Participants gained insights into making common course elements accessible, including controls, videos, and quizzes, while learning techniques to avoid frequent accessibility pitfalls in course design. The session also covered strategies for accessibility testing within Storyline 360, helping content authors ensure that their courses align with WCAG standards and support a fully inclusive eLearning experience.

Introduced the process of drafting and reviewing Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs®), focusing on their importance for assessing and marketing a product’s accessibility. Participants explored when a VPAT® is needed, what it reveals about a product or digital property, and the step-by-step process of drafting a VPAT®. Additionally, the session offered strategies for identifying potential red flags in VPATs®, helping attendees ensure the accuracy and reliability of accessibility reports.

Focused on designing accessible graphs and charts that align with WCAG 2.2 Level AA requirements, covering essential elements like color contrast, text contrast, and the effective use of color. Participants examined accessible design practices for various chart types, including bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts, and learned strategies to address common color contrast issues. The session also highlighted best practices for crafting meaningful alternative text for charts, ensuring that all visual information is accessible to users with disabilities.

Highlighted the often-overlooked accessibility challenges in digital ads, including display, social media, and video ads on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Participants explored essential WCAG requirements for digital ads, focusing on captioning, audio descriptions, and ensuring keyboard and screen reader accessibility. The session provided tips for using JAWS to test ad accessibility and addressed strategies for overcoming platform-specific limitations. Attendees gained a holistic view of designing and testing accessible digital ads to broaden their reach and ensure inclusive communication.

Deciphered the impact of the new DOJ ruling on ADA Title II by providing a foundational overview of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), covering versions 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2, and their implications for web content accessibility. Participants learned about the recent DOJ ruling updating Title II of the ADA and its impact on WCAG compliance for public entities. The session outlined best practices for achieving WCAG compliance, equipping organizations with the knowledge to ensure their digital content is accessible to users with disabilities and meets current legal standards.

Showcased Venngage’s accessibility features, a web-based design tool for creating infographics, flyers, and various documents. Access Ingenuity and Venngage staff conducted a live demonstration, highlighting accessible templates and tools within the platform. Participants learned how to use Venngage’s Accessibility Checker to identify and address errors, making document creation more inclusive. The session also included a Q&A segment, providing insights for those considering Venngage as an accessible alternative to other design platforms like Canva.

Examined the essential role of alternate text in digital accessibility, focusing on how to determine whether images need full descriptions, supplementary details, or no description if decorative. Techniques for crafting effective alternate text were discussed, along with ChatGPT prompts that can streamline the process, especially for complex visuals. Attendees learned best practices for generating, reviewing, and refining AI-created descriptions to ensure they enhance overall content accessibility.