Ensuring educational materials, including digital tools and resources, can effectively support all students, including those with disabilities, is a challenge. Education systems often have a gap in the accessibility of procured and teacher created educational materials which can negatively impact learning experiences.
CAST’s Introduction to Designing for Accessibility online course is a self-directed, six-week course designed to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to review and create and implement accessible educational materials. This dynamic, flexible course explores strategies for implementing accessible materials and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in digital content.
Participants will gain practical skills in evaluating, designing, and delivering materials that meet the needs of each learner, including those with disabilities. By learning about accessibility, teachers can implement strategies that remove barriers to learning, enhance student engagement, and comply with legal accessibility requirements.
What you will learn
- The foundational concepts of accessibility and UDL
- Skills to assess digital learning materials for accessibility compliance
- How to utilize tools and strategies for creating and delivering accessible digital materials
- Advocacy strategies to implement design practices that support the needs of diverse learners
If the self-directed format is not right for you, check out the Instructor Led, facilitated online course.
Registration
Fee: $299 per person
After June 2, 2025 you can enroll at any time.
Who should enroll?
CAST’s Introduction to Accessibility course is ideal for PreK-12 and postsecondary educators (both general and special education), curriculum coordinators, administrators, instructional technology specialists, paraprofessionals, faculty and teams of educators at all levels who are interested in:
- Learning how to remove barriers so all students can fully engage in learning activities and demonstrate their knowledge in multiple ways.
- Strengthening teaching practices with essential accessibility skills that are increasingly in demand in digital and hybrid learning environments.
- Implementing practical strategies and best practices to create content that is clear, navigable, and usable for all students.
- Evaluating, designing, and implementing accessible educational materials.
- Providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, fostering independence and learner agency.
If you are enrolling a team of five or more from the same organization, please contact our Accessibility team for information on group pricing.
Course Structure
This open enrollment six-week online course is designed for those who prefer the flexibility to schedule and explore the content at their own pace. The course, hosted on the Canvas learning platform, is completely self-guided and includes three digital modules, which are estimated to take two weeks each.
Each module of the course varies and will include a mix of readings, multimedia, activities, discussion board posts, and deliverable assignments. The coursework is the equivalent of 24 contact hours.
Upon enrollment, you will have six weeks to access and complete the course. After the six-week period, you will no longer have access, and your account will be closed. Course extensions are only permitted in the case of illness, and a doctor’s note will be required.
Purchase Orders
If you are paying for your registration via invoice, Purchase Orders must be submitted at the time of registration to submit your order successfully. All Purchase Orders should be uploaded to the Purchase Order Submission Form at the time of registration.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Please see CAST’s Course Withdrawal Policy.
Withdrawals must be submitted via email to Sam Bouchat, Administrative Coordinator at sbouchat@cast.org.
Questions?
For additional information about our accessibility courses, classes, or customized learning opportunities, please contact our Accessibility team, or explore the different ways CAST’s Accessibility Services can help support your professional development and compliance goals.
