Our key skills modules build on the knowledge introduced in Digital accessibility: the foundations. While the foundations module provides an overview of legal responsibilities, institutional risk, and shared accountability, these modules focus on the practical skills staff need to create accessible digital content confidently and consistently.
They are designed as a natural follow-on from foundations. However, each module can also be delivered as a stand-alone session for targeted team development. Together, they support institutions in meeting their obligations under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) and WCAG Level AA standards.
Why these skills matter
Accessibility compliance is not achieved through policy alone. It depends on the everyday decisions made by staff across academic departments, HR, marketing, IT, communications and professional services.
These short, focused modules equip teams to:
- Reduce institutional risk
- Improve document and content quality
- Support inclusive practice
- Strengthen accessibility statements and audit outcomes
- Embed accessibility into normal workflows
What we cover
Each module takes approximately 15–20 minutes and includes practical guidance, examples, and implementation checklists.
Structure and headings
Create content that is logical, navigable and compatible with assistive technologies.
Staff will learn how to:
- Use built-in heading styles correctly
- Avoid skipped heading levels
- Structure documents and web content clearly
- Improve readability and screen reader navigation
Alternative text (Alt text)
Ensure images, charts and graphics are meaningful for everyone.
Staff will learn how to:
- Decide when alt text is required
- Write concise, purposeful descriptions
- Summarise complex visuals
- Avoid common pitfalls
Audio and video
Make multimedia content inclusive and compliant.
Staff will learn how to:
- Add accurate captions and transcripts
- Understand the difference between subtitles and captions
- Avoid autoplay and flashing risks
- Support inclusive teaching and communications
Colour contrast
Design for visibility and clarity.
Staff will learn how to:
- Check colour contrast ratios
- Meet WCAG Level AA requirements
- Avoid relying on colour alone to convey meaning
- Improve accessibility of dashboards, slides and reports
Hyperlink text
Create clear, trustworthy navigation.
Staff will learn how to:
- Write descriptive link text
- Avoid “click here” patterns
- Indicate file types and new tabs
- Improve usability across documents and systems
Plain language
Communicate clearly and inclusively.
Staff will learn how to:
- Use short, direct sentences
- Reduce jargon and define acronyms
- Structure content for readability
- Improve accessibility for neurodivergent and multilingual users
Delivery and flexibility
The key skills modules can be:
- Integrated into staff development programmes
- Assigned to specific teams as targeted training
- Used as refresher sessions following accessibility audits
- Embedded into induction pathways
- Delivered as part of a wider accessibility strategy
Who should access the modules
These modules are suitable for:
- Academic staff and learning designers
- Marketing and communications teams
- HR teams
- Professional services teams
- Managers responsible for content quality
- Staff involved in procurement or publishing
They are particularly valuable for teams responsible for:
- Teaching and learning content
- Recruitment materials
- Policy documentation
- Public-facing communications
- Internal systems and intranets
Pricing and further information
If you are beginning your journey, you may wish to start with foundations before progressing to these practical skill modules.
Please visit our digital learning modules overview for further information including pricing options and where you will also be able to request a quote and/or demo.
Contact
If you have any queries please email training@jisc.ac.uk.