Foundational Jam
A step by step course to understanding the foundations of 508 compliance and how they apply to the Digital Things we create.
(Video transcript available here because the platform doesn't allow for captions in this component (yet)!)
Create accessible Digital Things. Connect with more people.
As a creator of Digital Things, you know how important it is to design them in a way that connects with your entire audience. You know that keeping their attention and getting them to take action can be challenging. You might also be hearing things about the importance of accessibility but don’t know where to start.
If you’re like how I was, then you’re probably feeling frustrated trying to understand how you're supposed to create accessibly. And reading the accessibility guidelines (those things in the WCAG standards) is EXCRUCIATINGLY boring.
Designing all of our digital content accessibly is the right thing to do. It's also required for all deliverables associated with the federal government.
Accessibility Lawsuits on the Rise
There are also monetary and legal implications if you aren’t creating accessibly you could be fined up to $55,000 for your first violation and possibly lose any federal funding you might have.
Become an accessibility superhero!
Foundational Jam was built for anyone who creates Digital Things and doesn't know how to make them 508-compliant. For those who might be frustrated because there are so many accessibility guidelines and they don’t know which ones they need to worry about.
This course will not only give you the foundational knowledge you need to make your Digital Things accessible and equally awesome for everyone–it will also help you become an even more valuable resource to your company and clients.
Easily Digestible Jam
Oh, and did I mention that the course is built in a way that makes learning efficient? Most of the video lessons, along with the corresponding action items, aren’t very long.
You work through the course in bite-sized chunks, and with each lesson, you make a little bit of progress on your course. These means that you never feel overwhelmed, and that you can take it one step at a time.
The Curriculum
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Module 1! (0:30)
- Lesson 02: What is Accessible Design? (3:05)
- Lesson 03: Why is accessible design important? (3:28)
- Lesson 04: Physiodiversity & Neurodiversity (2:04)
- Lesson 05: The 3 Levels of Impairment (3:20)
- Lesson 06: Beware of Design Bias (2:39)
- Lesson 07: How We Measure Accessibility (2:51)
- Lesson 08: Recap and Wrap-up (1:04)
- Check Your Knowledge
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Module 3 (1:35)
- Lesson 02: Sight-related Divergence (6:01)
- Lesson 03: Cognition-related Divergence (5:11)
- Lesson 04: Hearing-related Divergence (6:19)
- Lesson 05: Interaction-related Divergence (3:21)
- Lesson 06: Technology-related Divergence (3:14)
- Lesson 07: Recap and Wrap-up (0:43)
- Check Your Knowledge
But I'm not a designer!
Great news! You don’t have to consider yourself a designer or have any design training to take this course. All you have to do is be willing to learn and you’re good to go!
You might be worried that learning about compliance will be overwhelming and boring, but I promise that I won’t be teaching you standard by standard. You’ll fill your brain with accessible design best practices that are easy to understand.
In this course, you’ll learn what accessible design is, why it’s important, and who, exactly you’re designing for.
Make the world a better place.
Understanding how accessibility applies to the Digital Things I create has changed my business and my life.
It’s helped me:
- win more clients.
- connect with my users better.
- become a leader in my field.
- become a better person.
Weekly office hours with Stephy
Sometimes you just need to ask the teacher a question. That's why I host a weekly Zoom call that's only available to course students. Get your questions answered and learn from the questions of the other A11yJam course students. The last four call replays are available inside the course community, A11yJam Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course is self-paced and you may take as long as you need to complete it. There is no time limit for completion..
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to A11y Jam Courses when you purchase the individual course. If you purchase the All-Access Pass, you will have access for as long as you hold the pass.
How do I access the course materials?
Log in to A11y Jam Courses by clicking Sign Up/Login in the upper right of this page.
Course videos are not available for download and must be viewed through the platform. Some items, such as course worksheets, will be available to download.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
Oh no! We don't want that! We offer a 30-day money back guarantee on individual course and course bundle purchases. If you are unhappy with the course for any reason, let us know within the first 30 days and we will refund your payment.
What do I do if I need help?
For questions about your billing or accessing the course materials, email [email protected].