SD State Employee Training

Making Digital Content Accessible 

An Educational Program For South Dakota State Employees

Email udl@usd.edu with any questions!

Overview

The University of South Dakota School of Education and Dr. Angela K. Jackson are offering a program designed to improve the application and knowledge of digital accessibility practices, policies, and guidelines for employees in the State of South Dakota who are creating and editing digital content for electronic dissemination.  Successful completion of this program will result in the awarding of a digital badge. 




What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital Accessibility is the practice of designing digital materials to reduce or eliminate barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, digital content by individuals using assistive technology (e.g. individuals experiencing low-vision, low-hearing, etc.). The principles used in designing accessible digital content are found in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 and recently updated 2.2 (WCAG). WCAG 2.1 is in-line with the recently revised Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires the accessibility of state and local government web content, digital content, and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. 

This program is targeted towards any SD state employees who create digital content (e.g., documents, web content, digital marketing materials, course materials, etc.) intended for electronic distribution (e.g., published on a website, emailed, etc.). This may include but is not limited to staff, faculty, administrators, teachers, web content creators, assistants, etc. who need support in making content accessible to individuals using assistive technology.

Program Format

The program will be offered in a digital format that is 100% online with five, 75-minute meetings over Zoom.  Participants may attend synchronously or asynchronously as all sessions will be recorded and made available for later viewing. A final culminating project is due on July 12, 2024.  Teaching assistants will be available to support participants throughout the program as questions arise.

Part 1: June 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Part 2: June 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Part 3: June 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Part 4: June 27 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

Part 5: June 28 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT

The instructor for this program is Angela K. Jackson, Ed.D. Dr. Jackson is the Digital Accessibility Coordinator for the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of South Dakota and is a nationally recognized expert in Digital Accessibility.

Software Requirements

This program includes all course learning materials except software required for document creation and editing. Hardware and Software requirements include access to:


If participants need access to a PDF editing software, USD has user-specific licenses for FoxIT PDF Editor for $27 each. If you need access to a license, please add the license to your sign-up before completing the sign-up process. Licenses end or renew on 3/1/2025; participants will be asked if they would like to discontinue use or pay for another year prior to this date.


Credentials and Credits

Successful completion of this program will result in the awarding of a digital badge. Participants interested in pursuing this program for credit can register for a one-credit hour course (EDFN 492/592) and pay a tuition rate of $40 per credit hour. Course credit requires completion of the education program, a final project, and online discussions. Students are expected to participate in 10 hours of instructional time plus an additional 5-10 hours of time working independently and with instructional staff to compete assignments and project. EDFN 492/592 Syllabus


Program Cost

Cost for participating in this program is $200 and includes access to instructional materials, instructional support, and a digital badge upon completion of the final project. Access to a FoxIT PDF Editor license or transcripted credits are available for an additional fee.


Minimum Participation Requirements

We need a minimum of 25 students for this program to be offered. We will notify participants by June 8, 2024 if the program will be canceled.


Cancellation/Refund Policy

USD reserves the right to cancel educational programs due to lack of registered participants. If this program is canceled, USD will refund registration fees for all registered participants. 


Participants may cancel their registration up to 30 days prior to the Program and will be refunded the registration fee. Any cancellations less than 30 days will not be refunded.