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CU Boulder's Digital Accessibility Training and Outreach Program

Ally Bartley (she/her)

Digital Accessibility Training and Outreach Manager

bit.ly/training-summer

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Agenda

This session will focus on CU Boulder's approach and best practices for its training and outreach program.

  1. Training philosophy, procedure, and layout
  2. Outreach efforts
  3. Guidance for trainers

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Training Philosophy

  • Foster an accessible mindset through a human-centered approach. Create a space to build empathy and understand lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
  • Promote action through good design versus creating for specific populations.
  • Address different skill levels and accessibility competencies.
  • Build a judgement-free space for participants to ask questions.

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Training Procedure

  • Require a consultation meeting, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, to discuss the needs of the individual or department.
  • Consultation Questions:
    • What type of content do you typically create? (platforms/file types)
    • Do you create or share videos, audio, or other multimedia?
    • Is there software / platforms you use or require others to use?
    • Do you facilitate any presentations or events (in-person or virtually)?
    • Are there other specific areas you would like to discuss concerning digital accessibility?

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Training Topics

Although they are typically customized, the following are typical training topics to provide guidance to those seeking training.

  • Intro to Digital Accessibility
  • Content Accessibility (most requested)
  • Document Accessibility
  • PDF Accessibility
  • Captions & Video Accessibility
  • Virtual & In-Person Presentations or Events
  • Any other topic that interests you!

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All Trainings Include:

  • DAO’s definition of digital accessibility: "All people should have the opportunity to access the same information and services in the digital environment without facing undue barriers or burdens."
  • Definition of assistive technology with screen reader demo.
  • Explanation of reactive and proactive approaches to accessibility.
  • Encourage participants to take time to learn accessibility skills and implement proactive accessibility practices one/two at a time.

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Trainings Layout

  1. Define the accessibility practice.
  2. Example of end user’s experience to emphasize why this practice is important and how barriers are created when the practice is not done correctly.
  3. How to execute the accessibility practice as a content creator.
  4. Provide space for questions after new skills are introduced to ensure the practice makes sense and is applicable.
  5. Links to platform-specific tutorials, if applicable.

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Post Trainings Support

  • Provide feedback on participant's content
  • Link to feedback form
  • 4-week email follow-up after training session

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Asynchronous Training Resources

  • DAO Self-Paced Resources (available to the public).
  • Canvas Digital Accessibility Fundamentals Course (only available to CU Boulder staff, faculty, and students).
  • Accessibility for Digital Communicators (SkillSoft training available to University of Colorado campuses).

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Training Data

  • Fiscal Year 2022 - 2023
    • 26 trainings
  • Fiscal Year 2023 - 2024
    • 51 trainings
    • Started tracking participants in January 2024; 428 people trained
  • Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025
    • 52 trainings so far
    • 720 people trained
  • Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026
    • 93 trainings
    • 1350 people trained

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Outreach Efforts

  • Digital Accessibility Newsletter (819 subscribers)
  • DAO LinkedIn (612 followers)
  • Frequent attendance at campus/system events and conferences
  • Disability Awareness Month 2023
  • DAO hosted events and conferences
    • A2Y conference
    • HB21-1110 Informational Session
    • Digital Accessibility Symposium open to all CU campuses
    • Summer camp!

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Outreach Efforts cont.

  • Digital Accessibility Buff Award (DABA)
  • DAO support Teams Channel
  • Word-of-mouth promotion and campus partnerships!
  • Open training for all LinkedIn followers and Newsletter subscribers

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Guidance for Trainers

  • Provide training topic information to help guide participants.
  • Consultation meetings are helpful to determine what content to cover in a training session.
  • Set limits, as many people want to cover everything in a short amount of time.
  • Use questions asked by the audience and a feedback form to help you update and refine your training materials.

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Questions?

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Submit Your Questions

Use the link or QR Code to submit questions to the CU Boulder Digital Accessibility Office (DAO)!

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We will use your questions to guide us through Friday’s Q&A from 10 to 10:50 AM

bit.ly/camp-questions2026