Overview
Training is one of the most effective ways to improve digital accessibility across UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR).
Accessibility is a skill that develops over time through learning, practice, and experience. Whether you create documents, manage websites, publish social media content, procure technology, oversee projects, or supervise staff, training can help you understand accessibility requirements and apply accessibility best practices in your daily work.
This page provides information about accessibility training opportunities, recommended learning pathways, and professional development resources.
Why Accessibility Training Matters
Accessibility is most effective when it is incorporated into normal workflows and business processes rather than treated as a separate activity.
Training helps individuals:
- Understand accessibility requirements
- Build confidence creating accessible content
- Identify common accessibility barriers
- Reduce remediation efforts
- Improve usability for all users
- Support organizational accessibility goals
Building accessibility knowledge across the organization helps create more sustainable and effective accessibility practices.
Who Should Participate?
Accessibility training is valuable for anyone who creates, manages, approves, purchases, or supports digital content and technology.
Examples include:
- Content creators
- Communications and marketing staff
- Website editors and site owners
- Managers and supervisors
- Project managers and project teams
- Technology owners and system administrators
- Procurement staff
- Leadership
The type and depth of training will vary depending on an individual's role and responsibilities.
Recommended Learning Path
Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals
Start with:
These resources provide the foundation needed to understand accessibility concepts, requirements, and expectations.
Step 2: Learn About Your Content Types
Next, review content-specific guidance relevant to your work:
- Web Content
- Images & Graphics
- Color & Visual Design
- Documents & PDFs
- Video & Multimedia
- Email Accessibility
- Social Media Accessibility
Focus first on the content types you create most often.
Step 3: Continue Building Skills
Accessibility is an ongoing learning process.
As your knowledge grows, continue exploring:
- Accessibility testing techniques
- Procurement and technology accessibility
- WCAG standards
- Accessible design practices
- Emerging accessibility trends and technologies
Training Opportunities
Accessibility training opportunities may include:
- Live workshops
- Webinars
- Recorded presentations
- Office hours
- Self-paced learning
- Peer learning opportunities
New opportunities may be added throughout the year.
Office Hours
Office hours provide an opportunity to:
- Ask accessibility questions
- Discuss specific challenges
- Review accessibility issues
- Learn from peers
- Explore solutions and best practices
Office hours are intended to provide guidance and support in an informal setting.
Professional Development Resources
Individuals interested in expanding their accessibility knowledge and expertise may wish to explore:
- University of California Digital Accessibility Resources
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
- International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
- WebAIM
Accessibility is a rapidly evolving field, and continued learning is encouraged.
Learning Through Practice
Training is most effective when it is combined with real-world application.
Consider:
- Applying accessibility techniques to current projects
- Reviewing existing content for accessibility barriers
- Participating in accessibility initiatives
- Sharing lessons learned with colleagues
- Incorporating accessibility into routine work processes
Small, consistent improvements can create meaningful progress over time.
Building Accessibility Capacity
Training is not only about individual skills. It helps build organizational capacity and supports a culture where accessibility becomes part of everyday work.
As more individuals learn and apply accessibility practices, UC ANR can create more inclusive digital experiences and better serve the communities it supports.