Modeling Accessibility in Professional Learning: A Course That Walks the Talk

Teaching Accessibility Accessibly: Building Courses and Change that Lasts

We just wrapped Week 4 of the second cohort of Making Online Content Accessible for All. Every time I lead this course, I see the same arc unfold, and it’s powerful.

Participants show up excited and eager to learn.

Then comes the moment of realization: “I didn’t know how much I didn’t know.”  Followed by the shift: “Wait. I can do this.” And by Week 4, they’re the ones leading the conversation. This isn’t just a win for accessibility. It’s a win for instructional design. Because this course doesn’t just teach accessibility. It models it.

Accessibility Is Baked In

Everything about this course from how it’s structured to how it’s delivered is intentionally designed to be accessible. It follows both WCAG 2.2 standards and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. 

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Screen reader–friendly content and logical heading structures.
• Captions and transcripts for all video/audio content.
• Alt text and image descriptions.
• Multiple ways to engage (live sessions, scenarios, peer feedback).
• Clear, consistent navigation and optional scaffolds.
• Support for varied learning preferences and needs.

And most importantly: learners don’t just hear about accessibility. They experience it.

By Week 4, the Shift Happens

By the midpoint of the course, learners are no longer just absorbing—they’re applying. They’re:

• Auditing their own courses and materials with a new lens.
• Identifying and replacing inaccessible design choices.
• Advocating for inclusion in their teams and organizations.
• Shaping a community of practice that pushes each other forward.

They’re building skills and momentum. That’s when you know it’s working.

From Accessible Content to Transformative Professional Learning

Let’s be honest: most professional development is anything but accessible.

It’s often:

• One-size-fits-all.
• Overloaded with passive information.
• Disconnected from daily practice or real challenges.

We flip that. This course models what professional learning should look like. Accessible, applied, and transformational. We embed:

• Authentic skill-building (not just theory).
• Time for reflection and systems thinking.
• Opportunities to redesign how learning is created and shared.
• Dialogue about power, equity, and voice.

Because accessibility isn’t just a compliance checkbox. It’s a cultural shift. And that shift starts with how we teach it.

Resources to Help You Design Accessibly—Today

Want to start making your own learning content more accessible? Here are a few of my favorite tools and references:

• CAST UDL Guidelines: The foundation of inclusive design (Website Free).
• Design for All Learners:  Read uers stories to create inclusive learning experiences (Book $).
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Quick Reference: Your go-to for all things WCAG. (Website Free).
• L’Étoile Education Blog: More posts and guides on building accessible learning experiences (Blog Free).

Ready to Build Learning That Includes Everyone?

The next cohort of Making Online Content Accessible for All kicks off July 14.

Whether you're a course designer, educator, or L&D professional, this experience will give you the tools, and the mindset, to build real, lasting impact.

Enroll now. Use ACCESS50 for $50.00 USD off now through May 15, 2025.