“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” (IBM Training Manual)
What is GAAD?
This Thursday (21st May) is the ninth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), an annual opportunity to champion Accessibility and take time to consider how we can make changes to our practice to ensure people with disabilities are able to participate fully in the digital content we produce.
The founders of GAAD, Joe Devon and Jennison Asuncion, encourage everyone to take an hour this Thursday to experience digital accessibility first-hand (cite globalaccessibilityawareness.org). For example, if you are unfamiliar with how a screen reader works, spending an hour with Microsoft’s Narrator tools, or a trial version of JAWS could be an enlightening experience. Perhaps you’ve wondered what those coloured dials are beside your files in a Blackboard course – why not watch one of our help videos on Blackboard Ally and learn more about the Ally content checker.
Blackboard Ally “Fix Your Content Day”
The TEL Team are excited to be participating in the first ever Blackboard Ally “Fix Your Content Day” on Thursday 21st May. There will be a mission to fix as many accessibility issues with course files as we can. At the end of the day, the university with the most files fixed will be recognized and awarded a prize.
If you would like to take part, simply spend half an hour or so clicking those red and orange indicators in your courses and fixing as many accessibility issues in the files as you can. Blackboard Ally gives step-by-step instructions on how to fix the issues raised. A top tip would be to begin by focusing on images that need descriptions and Word documents you intend to use in the coming year. These are often quick fixes which make an enormous positive difference to those who use assistive technology.
Accessibility Staff Development Sessions
During GAAD week, the TEL and DTS teams have scheduled a series of Accessibility-themed professional development webinars, lasting no longer than an hour. Sessions are bookable through UoR Learn.
Monday 18th May
12:00 – 12:30: DTS Web Accessibility Regulations
13:00 – 14:00: TEL Inclusive Design
15:00 – 15:30: DTS Introduction to Assistive Technology
16:00 – 17:00: DTS Introduction to Web Accessibility Testing
Tuesday 19th May
10:00 – 10:30: DTS Web Accessibility Regulations
11:00 – 11:30: DTS Introduction to Assistive Technology
13:00 – 14:00: TEL Inclusive Design
15:00 – 16:00: DTS Introduction to Web Accessibility Testing
Wednesday 20th May
10:00 – 11:00: DTS Introduction to Web Accessibility Testing
12:00 – 12:30: DTS Web Accessibility Regulations
13:00 – 14:00: TEL Inclusive Design
15:00 – 15:30: DTS Introduction to Assistive Technology
Thursday 21 May (GAAD)
All day: Blackboard Ally “Fix Your Content Day”
15:00 – 16:00: DTS Introduction to Web Accessibility Testing
10:00 – 10:30: DTS Web Accessibility Regulations
11:00 – 11:30: DTS Introduction to Assistive Technology
Further opportunities to get involved
Throughout this week, the TEL Team will be tweeting about all things #Accessibility. Follow us on Twitter at @UniRdg_TEL to receive our #GAAD updates and share your experiences of digital accessibility.
Some of the big names in technology, education and accessibility are also planning topical events for throughout the week. The following in particular have caught our attention. Do let us know if you spot an event or webinar that you think we should share.
Microsoft UK:
For the duration of the week, @MicrosoftUK will be celebrating #GAAD with their host #BritainsGotTalent Winner @LostVoiceGuy – the amazing Lee Ridley. Great fun today doing some prep! Sign up for a week of much needed humour and some great #accessibility updates: http://aka.ms/UKGAAD2020
Government Digital Services:
GDS are hosting a number of webinars of 21st May, suitable for anyone working with digital content in the public sector. Follow the official Twitter account for GAAD. They’re providing ongoing updates about events happening around the world!
References:
International Business Machines, (1991). Technology and persons with disabilities. Atlanta, GA: IBM Support
Emma Herrod (Senior TEL Advisor, CQSD)