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Digital Accessibility Level II: Course Overview

Course Description

In Digital Accessibility Foundations Level I, you were introduced to the types of disabilities people experience, assistive technologies commonly used, and the University’s commitment to accessibility and its related policies. You learned how to create accessible content and documents, prioritize accessibility work with vendors, and be mindful of others’ unique experiences. 

In Digital Accessibility Level II, you will have the opportunity to practice these concepts with an individualized, hands-on approach. You will choose a project in which you can apply accessibility principles and techniques, find inclusive solutions, and develop an "accessibility first" mindset. 

IT Academy logo.Audience: All Harvard 
Pre-Requisites: Must have completed Digital Accessibility Foundations Level I
Register through the Harvard Training Portal (HarvardKey required)

Course Components 

  • Orientation session
  • Project proposal
  • The work of the project (which includes taking an accessibility training)
  • Submission of your project 
  • Option to share it with others in the course

Plan to come to the Orientation session with a project idea you’d like to work on. During the session, we will discuss potential ideas and examples of projects, and there will be plenty of time for questions. Once you select your project topic, you’ll submit a project proposal. You’ll then be assigned a DAS team member who will work with you to develop a project timeline and be your point of contact during the project. NOTE: The Orientation session will be recorded, so if you're interested in enrolling in Digital Accessibility Level II but are unable to attend the Orientation, you'll be able to watch the recording. 

Why take this course?  

  • Improve your understanding of the importance of digital accessibility principles and how it impacts users.
  • Apply accessible practices and guidelines to your own work.
  • Become an advocate for accessibility within your own team or department.
  • Begin looking out for other ways to make accessibility a priority within your own work and team.
  • Identify resources available to support accessibility in your work.
  • Develop an “accessibility first” mindset.

Steps to Completion

1. Register for Digital Accessibility Level II 

Register through the Harvard Training Portal (HarvardKey Required). You must have taken Digital Accessibility Foundations Level I before enrolling in Level II. 

2. Submit a project proposal

  • Attend the Orientation session. If you're unable to attend the live virtual session, email DAS at digitalaccessibility@harvard.edu for a link to the recording. 
  • Complete and submit the Project Proposal form (shared with attendees at the Orientation session).
  • You will be assigned a Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team member who will be your contact during the project.
  • DAS will review your proposal and work with you to refine it if necessary and develop a timeline.

3. Complete the project 

  • Take a related accessibility training, either a DAS instructor-led training or external course approved by your DAS team member.
  • Complete the work of the project as outlined in the proposal. Estimated time commitment is 8-10 hours over the course of 2 months for an individual project. 
  • Your DAS team member will check in with you periodically to see if you have questions or need assistance.

4. Submit the project to DAS and reflect on the course

  • Your project should be completed and submitted within about two months from the orientation session.
  • If the project expectations have not been met, your DAS team member will meet with you to identify steps to completion. 
  • When DAS determines that the project is complete, we will award you with a Level II badge in the Training Portal. 
  • Your DAS team member will provide feedback about your work on the project. 
  • You will have the opportunity to provide feedback about the project and course overall. 

5. Share your work! 

You'll have the option of sharing your work with other participants during a celebration hosted by DAS. 

Choosing a Project

Goals for your project

  • Identify content/work that is not accessible.
  • Identify how the inaccessible content can impact users.
  • Outline steps to address inaccessibility in processes and/or content.
  • Implement an actionable plan to address the issue.

Examples of potential projects 

  • Create an accessible Word or PowerPoint template for your department.
  • Design an accessible web form.
  • Review the accessibility of a vendor’s product.
  • Conduct an assessment of your department’s website.
  • Make a collection of documents accessible. 
  • Implement a multimedia accessibility strategy for your department.

Questions and Support

The Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team is here to help! Email us at digitalaccessibility@harvard.edu to learn more about Digital Accessibility Level II and answer any questions you might have.