Creating Accessible Word Documents

As part of the BEST Grant’s goals to support the implementation of braille instruction and braille technology, BEST is offering a professional development workshop focused on creating accessible Word documents. The introductory training will focus on creating an accessible source file. Accessible source files are better for transcribers to work with to create .brf files or hard copy braille and are also compatible with assistive technologies, supporting digital access for students who are visually impaired.

Dates/Times

February 28, 2022 from 9:00am - 11:30am

Description

This training was developed to assist those who support students who are visually impaired by providing an introductory level of understanding digital materialaccessibility. This is an online, hands-on in-service for paraprofessionals, general educators, and other school staff.  Please note, the training focuses heavily on Microsoft Word documents, not Google Docs.  While attendees can apply some of the same accessibility features and settings to a Google Doc, that will not be the focus of the training.  

Location

Online

Audience

  • Teachers and paraprofessionals working with students who are potential or current braille users
  • Staff of Boards of Developmental Disabilities working with students who are potential or current braille users
  • Other school staff working with students who are potential or current braille users
  • Transcribers or accessible materials productionists

Objectives

  • Participants will be able to apply understanding of concepts by working through a practice document
  • Participants will be able to identify common accessibility errors within Word documents and how to remediate them
  • Participants will be able to explain the importance of creating accessibly as it applies to accessibility standards and increasing access

Agenda

  • Document Properties
  • Formatting for Text and Images
  • Alternative Text
  • Utilizing Styles for Document Structure
  • Tables
  • Finalizing the Document
  • Converting to PDF

Needed for participation

Because this training has been moved online and many attendees have access to Word on their personal or district provided computers, we are asking that attendees use their own devices with Microsoft Word. We have a limited number of laptops available. If you would like to take the training but will need a laptop provided for you, please contact Julie Pashovich at julie_pashovich@ocali.org to inquire about availability. If you have questions about versions of Word or system compatibility for the training, please contact Rachel Schultz at rachel_schultz@ocali.org.

Contact Hours

Two and one-half (2.5) contact hours will be offered for participation.

Instructor

Rachel Schultz, AEM Specialist for the AT&AEM Center

Registration

  • This workshop is limited to 40 participants
  • Deadline for Registration: February 25, 2022

Register online via OCALI Pass

For more information contact Julie Pashovich | (614) 410-1042 | julie_pashovich@ocali.org