Digital Accessibility Essentials Course Details

Build Accessibility into Every Digital Experience

In today’s digital world, accessibility isn’t just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement. The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that state and local governments ensure all web content is accessible to individuals with disabilities, with compliance deadlines approaching in April 2026 and 2027.

Whether you’re an instructional designer, educator, or content creator, the Digital Accessibility Essentials course provides the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to create inclusive, accessible content.

This comprehensive course covers digital accessibility best practices, aligning with the latest WCAG 2.2 A and AA success criteria, while also enhancing the usability and effectiveness of your online materials. Prepare to meet regulatory requirements and create content that’s truly accessible to all.

Digital Accessibility Essentials: A Deep Dive into WCAG 2.2 Compliance

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Define Digital Accessibility: Understand what accessibility means and why it’s critical to creating equitable digital experiences.
  • Apply Accessibility Guidelines: Gain a working knowledge of WCAG 2.2 A and AA standards and how to apply them to real-world projects.
  • Improve Inclusivity: Develop actionable strategies to make your online content and courses more inclusive.
  • Practice What You Learn: Get hands-on experience with accessibility tools and techniques, ensuring you can confidently implement best practices.
Sneak Peek

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

  • Educators and instructional designers looking to meet accessibility requirements.
  • Training professionals aiming to create equitable and engaging content.
  • Anyone passionate about making digital experiences more inclusive for all.

No prior experience with accessibility is required—this course is open to everyone who wants to make a difference.

Why Choose CourseArc?

  • Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced professionals with decades of expertise in accessibility and eLearning design.
  • Interactive Learning: Collaborate with peers and apply your knowledge in a supportive, engaging environment.
  • Immediate Impact: Gain practical skills you can apply to your work right away, creating meaningful change.

Structure

This course consists of an orientation module and five (5) instructional modules. Learners taking the course should expect to spend approximately 30 hours to complete all modules and assessments. Instructors will facilitate online discussions and provide ongoing feedback throughout the course.

Flexible Cohort Dates

We understand your busy schedule, which is why we offer multiple cohort options:

  • May 18 – July 10, 2026
  • September 14 – November 6, 2026

Choose the session that works best for you and your team.

(Want to join as a team? Check out our custom cohort option!)

Cost

Registration Fee: $450 for CourseArc clients, $550 for non-clients

Earn Continuing Education Units

Participants who complete the course are eligible to earn three (3) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through our partnership with UMBC Training Centers, demonstrating their commitment to professional development in digital accessibility.

Register Now and Make Accessibility a Priority

Don’t wait to build the skills that matter. Join the Digital Accessibility Essentials course today and become a leader in creating accessible, inclusive content.

Register Now!

Module Details for this Course


Introduction to Web Accessibility

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In Introduction to Web Accessibility, you will discover fundamental knowledge related to disabilities and disability laws. You will also be introduced to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which serve as the foundation for the remainder of this course.

In this module, participants will:

  • define “disability” and describe challenges faced by learners with a disability when engaging with digital content.

  • describe assistive technology and its importance.

  • describe the purpose of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

  • define WCAG and its purpose.

  • identify the four WCAG principles and the purpose of each.

  • differentiate the three levels of WCAG requirements.


Principle 1: Perceivable

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In Principle 1: Perceivable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 1, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

  • differentiate among informative, functional, decorative, and complex images. (1.1)
  • identify non-text elements that require descriptive identification alt text. (1.1)
  • compose appropriate alt text for non-text content. (1.1)
  • recognize the benefits and challenges of various methods of making time-based media accessible. (1.2)
  • apply appropriate techniques for adding captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts to time-based media. (1.2)
  • apply meaningful sequence to a text selection. (1.3)
  • recognize HTML5 input types and their purposes. (1.3)
  • evaluate heading structures and sensory characteristics for accessibility and correct usage. (1.3)
  • evaluate input purposes. (1.3)
  • apply the proper use of color in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper use of audio controls in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper contrast minimums for text and non-text digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the proper use of images of text in digital content. (1.4)
  • apply the accessibility requirements for resizing, reflowing, and spacing digital text and content. (1.4)


Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 2: Operable

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In Principle 2: Operable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 2, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

  • explain the different uses of keyboard compatibility. (2.1)
  • explain the benefits of keyboard compatibility. (2.1)
  • identify examples of timed response. (2.2)
  • explain the benefits of allowing users enough time to read and use content. (2.2)
  • define the three flashes or below threshold. (2.3)
  • explain the benefits of the three flashes or below threshold. (2.3)
  • describe the benefits of “bypass blocks”. (2.4)
  • identify examples of “bypass blocks”. (2.4)
  • identify the correct heading style in CourseArc. (2.4)
  • explain the importance of proper use of headings and labels. (2.4)
  • compare and contrast meaningful links with non-meaningful links. (2.4)
  • identify different types of pointer gestures. (2.5)
  • explain the importance of user interface labels. (2.5)


Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 3: Understandable

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In Principle 3: Understandable, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 3, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. You’ll also have access to more information related to each Guideline in the form of links you can explore on your own. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

  • explain the importance of identifying the language on a page and its parts. (3.1)
  • explain the importance of predictable behaviors on focus and input. (3.2)
  • describe the importance of consistent navigation & identification. (3.2)
  • explain the importance of error identification. (3.3)
  • describe the importance of labels and instructions for input fields. (3.3)


Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Principle 4: Robust

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In Principle 4: Robust, you’ll learn about the Guidelines and Success Criteria that support Principle 4, the importance of each guideline, who it benefits and how, as well as techniques for successfully meeting each Guideline. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the concepts presented in an Application Assignment.

In this module, participants will:

  • explain the importance of programmatically determining the name, role, and value of user interface components in ensuring accessibility for assistive technologies. (4.1)
  • explain the importance of status messages. (4.1)


Note: WCAG 2.2 criteria number is referenced at the end of each objective.

Register for Digital Accessibility Essentials