Case study: Deakin University

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Challenge:  

As part of Deakin University’s commitment to digital accessibility, the Centre for Inclusive Design (CFID) was asked to create a professional development solution that provided University staff with the awareness and skills to create accessible content.

Utilising a consultation approach, CFID created a professional development solution that would meet the needs of the university.

Solution:   

Initially designed to be conducted face to face, Covid-19 meant that face to face training was impossible. So, we redesigned the training course for delivery online, via Teachable..

It was redesigned into three self-paced online modules.

  1. Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook)
  2. Adobe InDesign
  3. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

We included practical exercises and examples to practice and embed the skills for creating accessible documents.

In addition to the online training, participants received a digital ‘tip sheet,’ making accessible documents even easier to create. Participants were free to share the ‘tip sheet’ with colleagues and friends.

And our accessibility specialists gave one on one support, giving answers and guidance via Slack.

Impact: 

Deakin University now has a core group of content authors who have the practical skills to ensure that all future content is accessible.

As access to the course does not expire, the skills acquired through the course are future proof.

Deakin University’s reputation is bolstered by actively investing in and practicing inclusion.

Here’s what Deakin University said:

 CfID were very helpful in getting us started with document accessibility. When we were impacted by COVID-19, they went straight into Plan B and designed an online programme to suit our staff to complete document accessibility training at a time, and place, that suited them. CfID were on hand to assist with troubleshooting using the Slack platform, being quick to respond with answers and solutions. The programme was easy to follow and we can now say we have the skills to make documents accessible.

Deakin University