Category: Training

Oct. 17 Introduction to Read&Write sessions cancelled

The Introduction to Read&Write for Google Chrome and Introduction to Read&Write for Windows sessions scheduled for Wednesday, October 17 have been cancelled due to presenter travel issues.

The sessions will be rescheduled. In the meantime, contact accessibility@ua.edu if you wish to learn more about Read&Write and/or the other Texthelp tools, EquatIO and Snapverter. We are also happy to offer individual or small group training on these tools upon request.

Texthelp expert-led EquatIO and Read&Write training for UA users—you’re invited!

The Faculty Resource Center’s Emerging Technology and Accessibility team invites you to participate in upcoming opportunities to learn more about Texthelp tools for reading, writing, language learning and STEM subjects. These tools are free to all UA students, faculty, and staff. They are particularly beneficial for English language learners, students with learning disabilities, and students who can benefit from writing supports, but are useful to all. Please consider joining us for these events and sharing this post with others who may wish to attend.

Fall 2018 Technology Accessibility Workshops

Emerging Technology and Accessibility invites you to enhance your technology accessibility skills by participating in these workshops during the Fall 2018 term:

  • AMP Office Hours
    Get assistance with your Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) questions in this open help session.
    Monday, Oct. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Creating Accessible Content with Microsoft Office
    Learn how to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and Outlook emails accessible to users with disabilities.
    Friday, Sept. 21, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • Creating Accessible Content with Microsoft Office (webinar)
    Learn how to create Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and Outlook emails accessible to users with disabilities.
    Thursday, Sept. 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible PDFs with Adobe Acrobat DC
    Learn how to use Adobe Acrobat DC to create PDFs accessible to users with disabilities.
    Friday, Oct. 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Social Media Content
    Learn how to create social media content accessible to users with disabilities.
    Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Social Media Content (webinar)
    Learn how to create social media content accessible to users with disabilities.
    Tuesday, Nov. 6, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • How People with Disabilities Access Digital Content
    Gain a fuller appreciation of technology accessibility by exploring technologies and methods people with disabilities use to access websites, documents, audio, video, and other digital content.
    Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to AMP
    Learn about UA’s Accessibility Management Platform (AMP), a comprehensive accessibility testing and reporting tool freely available to members of the UA community.
    Friday, Sept. 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Introduction to EquatIO (onsite webinar)
    A comprehensive introduction to EquatIO and EquatIO mathspace, applications that let everyone create mathematical equations, formulas, graphs, and more on their computer or Chromebook.
    Monday, Sept. 10, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to Read&Write for Google Chrome
    A comprehensive introduction to Read&Write for Google Chrome, a literacy support solution with tools for reading, writing, research and studying.
    Wednesday, Oct. 17, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Introduction to Read&Write for Windows
    A comprehensive introduction to Read&Write for Windows, a literacy support solution with tools for reading, writing, research and studying.
    Wednesday, Oct. 17, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to Web Accessibility
    Learn about laws and standards regarding accessibility in higher education, the University’s web accessibility guidelines, common accessibility challenges and solutions, and resources and strategies for creating accessible documents, images, audio, video, and web content.
    Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to Web Accessibility (webinar)
    Learn about laws and standards regarding accessibility in higher education, the University’s web accessibility guidelines, common accessibility challenges and solutions, and resources and strategies for creating accessible documents, images, audio, video, and web content.
    Friday, Sept. 28, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • Testing Web Content for Accessibility
    Learn basic web accessibility evaluation techniques: using the WAVE accessibility evaluation tool; testing keyboard accessibility and content scaling; and manual checks for other common accessibility issues.
    Wednesday, Oct. 10, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Testing Web Content for Accessibility (webinar)
    Learn basic web accessibility evaluation techniques: using the WAVE accessibility evaluation tool; testing keyboard accessibility and content scaling; and manual checks for other common accessibility issues.
    Thursday, Nov. 1, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
  • Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility
    Learn how to create inclusive, accessible learning opportunities by utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a set of curriculum development principles that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.
    Friday, Nov. 9, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility (webinar)
    Learn how to create inclusive, accessible learning opportunities by utilizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a set of curriculum development principles that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn.
    Wednesday, Oct. 30, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
  • WCAG in a Nutshell
    Learn about Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 requirements (success criteria) and techniques, along with resources UA web professionals can use to meet these guidelines.
    Friday, Oct. 26, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

All classroom workshops are held in A232 Gordon Palmer. Registration is requested but not required.

We are also happy to offer private training sessions on these and other accessibility-related topics to members of the University community. Please contact us if we can help with your technology accessibility needs.

AHEAD Equity & Excellence: Access in Higher Education

AHEAD 2018 Virtual Conference—you’re invited!

The Faculty Resource Center’s Emerging Technology and Accessibility team is happy to host the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) 2018 Virtual Conference, and you’re invited! The conference’s Opening Plenary address and 20 concurrent sessions will be streamed live in A232 and A236 Gordon Palmer Hall, Wednesday, July 18–Friday, July 20. Drop by for a session or stay for the entire event, and feel free to bring your lunch (and your friends!). Registration is not required.

AHEAD is the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education. AHEAD’s annual international conference is the organization’s hallmark event and draws attendees from around the world. Participants and presenters come from diverse fields, including education, technology, law, scholarship, and government, but share a common interest in fostering equitable higher education experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Summer 2018 Technology Accessibility Workshops

Emerging Technology and Accessibility invites you to enhance your technology accessibility skills by participating in these workshops during the Summer 2018 term:

  • Creating Accessible Documents with Adobe InDesign CC
    Learn how to generate an accessible PDF from InDesign and use Adobe Acrobat to touch up the exported file.
    Thursday, July 26, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Documents with Adobe InDesign CC (webinar)
    Learn how to generate an accessible PDF from InDesign and use Adobe Acrobat to touch up the exported file.
    Tuesday, July 31, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Emails (webinar)
    Learn how to create accessible emails with Microsoft Outlook, learning practices you can also apply to other email programs and marketing tools such as MailChimp.
    Tuesday, June 12, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Excel Spreadsheets (webinar)
    Learn how to create Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that are accessible to people with disabilities.
    Wednesday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible PDFs with Adobe Acrobat DC
    Learn how to use Adobe Acrobat DC to create PDFs that are accessible to people with disabilities.
    Wednesday, July 25, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible PDFs with Adobe Acrobat DC (webinar)
    Learn how to use Adobe Acrobat DC to create PDFs that are accessible to people with disabilities.
    Monday, July 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible PowerPoint Presentations (webinar)
    Learn how to create Microsoft PowerPoint presentations that are accessible to people with disabilities.
    Thursday, July 12, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Creating Accessible Word Documents (webinar)
    Learn how to create Microsoft Word documents that are accessible to people with disabilities.
    Wednesday, June 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  • How People with Disabilities Access Digital Content
    Gain a fuller appreciation of technology accessibility by exploring technologies and methods people with disabilities use to access websites, documents, audio, video, and other digital content.
    Monday, July 2, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • How People with Disabilities Access Digital Content (webinar)
    Gain a fuller appreciation of technology accessibility by exploring technologies and methods people with disabilities use to access websites, documents, audio, video, and other digital content.
    Wednesday, June 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to Web Accessibility
    Learn about laws and standards regarding accessibility in higher education, the University’s web accessibility guidelines, common accessibility challenges and solutions, and resources and strategies for creating accessible documents, images, audio, video, and web content.
    Wednesday, July 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Introduction to Web Accessibility (webinar)
    Learn about laws and standards regarding accessibility in higher education, the University’s web accessibility guidelines, common accessibility challenges and solutions, and resources and strategies for creating accessible documents, images, audio, video, and web content.
    Tuesday, July 24, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
  • Understanding the New AMP Interface
    Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) is a comprehensive accessibility testing and reporting tool freely available to all members of the UA community.
    Tuesday, June 26, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

All classroom workshops are held in A232 Gordon Palmer. Registration is requested but not required.

We are also happy to offer private training sessions on these and other accessibility-related topics to members of the University community. Please contact us if we can help with your technology accessibility needs.

Technology Accessibility Training Interest Survey: What would you like to learn?

The Emerging Technology and Accessibility team is making plans for Summer 2018 training offerings and would like to know: what would you like to learn next? Please let us know by completing this brief, anonymous Technology Accessibility Training Interest Survey or sending us an email at accessibility@ua.edu.

The Emerging Technology and Accessibility team regularly hosts workshops and webinars on web accessibility guidelines; best practices for creating accessible documents, presentations, and spreadsheets; Universal Design for Learning; and other accessibility-related topics. University community members can also request individual or group accessibility training for University employees and campus areas. Please email accessibility@ua.edu

Spring 2018 Technology Accessibility Workshops

Emerging Technology and Accessibility invites you to enhance your technology accessibility skills by participating in these workshops during the latter half of the Spring 2018 term:

  • Texthelp Tools for Reading, Writing, Language Learning, and STEM
    This hands-on workshop offers an introduction to the Texthelp tools freely available to all UA students, faculty, and staff: Read&Write, a literacy support solution with tools for reading, writing, research, and studying; EquatIO, an application that lets everyone create mathematical equations, formulas, Desmos graphs, and more on their computer or Chromebook; and Snapverter, a Google Chrome app that converts printed documents and inaccessible digital files into readable PDF files for easy sharing and reading aloud.
    Wednesday, March 28, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Introduction to Accessibility Management Platform (AMP)
    For all UA users, learn about UA’s Accessibility Management Platform and how it can help evaluate web sites for accessibility.
    Friday, March 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Accessible Content and Inclusive Learning with Microsoft Office
    This demonstration session introduces general principles for creating accessible content with Microsoft Office products and free Microsoft Learning Tools that provide support for reading and writing Office documents.
    Tuesday, April 3, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) Office Hours
    This open help session is an opportunity to get assistance with your Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) questions.
    Friday, April 6, 10:00-11 a.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Creating Accessible Emails
    Whether you’re sending a note to just a few contacts or crafting a campaign for broad distribution, it’s important to make sure your email messages are accessible to people with disabilities. This hands-on workshop will cover how to create accessible emails: composing messages, improving image accessibility, and adding accessible tables and lists. Participants will use Microsoft Outlook to create accessible messages, learning practices they can also apply to other email programs and marketing tools such as MailChimp.
    Tuesday, April 10, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • How People with Disabilities Access Digital Content
    Participants in this session will gain a fuller appreciation of technology accessibility by exploring the user perspective: technologies and methods people with disabilities use to access websites, documents, audio, video, and other digital content, and barriers created by inaccessible design. This session includes demonstrations of assistive technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, alternate input devices, and the accessibility features built into the Mac and Windows operating systems.
    Friday, April 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Introduction to Web Accessibility
    The University of Alabama is committed to providing our technology users, including those with disabilities, a functional and accessible technology experience with our web presence and our instructional and emerging technologies. This session will provide an introduction to web accessibility: laws and standards regarding accessibility in higher education, the University’s web accessibility guidelines, common accessibility challenges and solutions, and resources and strategies for creating accessible documents, images, audio, video, and web content.
    Wednesday, April 18, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) Office Hours
    This open help session is an opportunity to get assistance with your Accessibility Management Platform (AMP) questions.
    Friday, April 20, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232
  • Creating Accessible Digital Stories with Microsoft Sway
    Microsoft Sway is a digital storytelling app that helps you quickly create professional, interactive designs for your images, text, videos and other media; it is also a more accessible alternative than Adobe Spark. This hands-on workshop offers an introduction to Sway with a focus on accessibility. Participants will learn best practices to make their Sways accessible; use the Accessibility Checker to identify and fix potential accessibility issues; and play their finished creations in Accessibility view.
    Tuesday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Gordon Palmer Room A232

Registration is requested but not required.

We are also happy to offer private training sessions on these and other accessibility-related topics to members of the University community. Please contact us if we can help with your technology accessibility needs.

Level Access AMP training August 8th and 9th

Level Access (formerly SSB Bart Group) will be on campus for onsite AMP training on Tuesday, August 8th and Wednesday, August 9th from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. AMP recently updated the tool’s interface and relaunched its browser extension as ACCESS Assistant. This training will provide hands-on sessions with the AMP trainers as well as allow the opportunity for questions regarding your use and workflows with AMP. Space for this training will be limited to 30 participants and you must register to attend. We ask that you send only one or two representatives from your area. The training sessions will be recorded for access at a later date. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Strategic Communications. Please email accessibility.ua.edu if you have any questions.