What Happens When Learners Audit Their Own Courses

What Happens When Learners Audit Their Own Courses

I've read a lot of end-of-course feedback over seven cohorts. One word keeps coming up, and it isn't "WCAG." It's "confident."

“Now I feel a lot more confident in creating accessible web content for all learners.” — Josie Weisenberger, Instructional Designer

That word matters to me more than any score could. Knowing the guidelines is one thing. Being confident enough to open your own course, test it, find what's broken, and fix it is what keeps accessibility going after the course is over.

Confidence comes from working on your own content

Every learner picks one project at the start: a Rise course, a Storyline module, a Portfolio , a PDF. They stay with that project through the cousre and apply each guideline as we cover it. They choose whether to audit it or remediate it.

Working on your own content changes the stakes. A problem in a sample course is an example. A problem in a course you built is yours, and you remember it.

“This course was completely different. It was hands-on, practical, and built around actually doing the work.” — Katie Clark, Founder & Principal Consultant

Testing stops being intimidating

Most people start the program having never used a screen reader. So we build up to it. Learners watch a screen reader user move through content, then we do a keyboard-only audit together, then they practice with NVDA on their own work.

By the end, testing isn't a specialist task someone else handles. It's how they check their work before it goes out.

Design changes, not only the course

One fixed course is a good result. What I care about more are the courses they build after this one.

“This course didn't just teach me about accessibility—it fundamentally changed how I think about design.” — Laura LaMonica, Instructional Systems Specialist

“I feel more comfortable in knowing how to navigate the guidelines, in building with accessibility at the forefront.” — Jaimee Carstens, Digital Academic Designer

When accessibility comes first in the process, the fixes get smaller. Alt text gets written when the image goes in. Layouts get questioned before they're built.

Confidence to speak up and lead

Twice in the program, learners audit each other's work in small groups. They document each finding with an impact rating, the WCAG criterion, and a recommendation, and they explain it to a peer. That's the same skill they need back at work when they explain an issue to a stakeholder or ask for testing before launch.

"This course deepened my expertise, strengthened my confidence, and expanded my commitment to creating accessible, inclusive digital experiences."
— Hilsa Gonzalez Yambo, MDEHS, Learning Experience Designer, Accessibility & Inclusive Design

That's what I want learners to leave with: the confidence to be the person on their team who says "let's test this first," and the skills to do it.

Taking it with you

Learners leave with lifetime access to the materials, a reusable audit tracker, written feedback on their own project, and a network of people doing the same work. The skills go with them into every course they build next.

“Nicole has safely equipped us with water wings, a paddle board, and a desire to swim off towards the raft.” — Sheelagh Semper, PhD, Sr. Learning & Development Specialist

Join the January cohort

The next cohort starts Wednesday, January 13, 2027, with live sessions Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern. It's four weeks, $425 USD, and built around your own content.

Enroll in  Making Online Content Accessible for All: Live Cohort