Accessibility Training Resources
The WCAG is written in such a way as to remain relevant for all levels of understanding. Unfortunately, it doesn't go into to minute detail of how to accomplish the guidelines. It also doesn't go into specifics for the software you may be using. There are many classes and tutorials on accessibility for different software such as Word, PowerPoint and Acrobat (.pdf). We recommend that you use these resources to take a workshop or tutorial to get a jump start on how to use your tools effectively.
Make it Accessible for ALL
In addition to the training recommendations, we have created a few references for use by staff, faculty, students, and anyone who wishes to make their content more accessible.
General References
App Specific
BC Workshops
Professional Development offers online and in-person workshops on various topics for Bakersfield College Faculty and Staff. Some of the workshops are work-at-your-own-pace in Canvas. Watch your email for updates on workshops offered from Academic Technology.
Check Professional Development Workshops periodically for:
- Microsoft Word Accessibility
- PowerPoint Accessibility
- Canvas Accessibility
- Captioning
Tutorials and Courses
There are several options for learning to make your materials accessible. Some may have a fee and others are free.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
These video-based tutorials are excellent training. They often include exercise files so that you get hands-on training to making documents accessible. You can work at your own pace and they offer you a certificate to show that you completed the course.
The California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) provides many of the LinkedIn Learning titles to staff and faculty for free. See Vision Resource Center, below, for information on joining the Vision Resource Center. BC students, faculty, and staff can access it at no cost through the Central/Mother Lode Regional Consortium.
Accessibility Center
The California Community Colleges Accessibility Center in collaboration with @ONE, has designed many free online Canvas courses on accessibility. You do not have to be employed by a California Community College to access these free accessibility courses. For employees of California Community Colleges, these courses can also be accessed via the Vision Resource Center. See what is available at Self-Paced Accessibility Courses.
Vision Resource Center
The California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) provides staff and faculty of California Community Colleges with resources for professional development for free. Online classes and tutorials are offered from California Community College, LinkedIn Learning, Skillsoft and others. Topics include accessibility for web, Canvas, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat PDF and more.
To access these resources:
- Register at the Vision Resource Center
- Login to your account
- Hover your cursor over “Learn” in the top menu
- Choose Learner Home
- Use the “Search for learning” field under Hi [name]! What would you like to learn today? To find topics or specific titles.
Course/Tutorial Recommendations
Accessible Documents Training: Word, PowerPoint & Acrobat
From the notable accessibility specialists WebAIM and sponsored by the California Community Colleges (CCC) Accessibility Center. Learn about creating, evaluating, and optimizing accessible documents with Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF. There is also a bonus Excel accessibility module.
Course Benefits:
- Free for CCC staff and faculty! The course enrollment is regularly $125 per person; however, the Accessibility Center is covering the cost for CCC staff and faculty.
- Successfully complete the self-paced course and assessments to be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
- Those earning certificates will have ongoing access to review the course material, even after the cohort closes!
Please note:
- You must have a valid California Community College-affiliated email address (.edu) in order to register.
- Once registered, you must accept the invitation to the course to participate.
- The training is cohort-based and participants will have 60 business days (excluding weekends and U.S. holidays) to complete the course.
- The course requires approximately 10 hours to complete time on task.
WebAIM Accessible Documents Training for CCC Staff and Faculty
WebAIM Accessible Documents Training for non-CCC
Microsoft Word
- Creating Accessible Word Documents (YouTube Video)
- Word Essential Training (Microsoft 365) - Make Your Document Accessible (LinkedIn Learning)
Microsoft PowerPoint
Acrobat PDFs
Acrobat Forms
Canvas
Captioning
