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How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

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In this hands-on workshop we cover in-depth how to make accessible content in InDesign and how to import those documents into Acrobat Professional to make an accessible PDF. We cover the core InDesign concepts of text formatting, graphics and working with navigational and digital device reflow features to include all users who require an accessible PDF.

This hands-on training course addresses the best practices for designing in an abstract format while at the same time creating linear accessible content.

“Accessibility Services Canada’s workshop “Accessible InDesign Workshop” was fantastic. The facilitator’s training style was very enjoyable, giving practical exercises and useful tricks that will help us achieve accessibility on a variety of documents. I will strongly recommend this workshop to graphic designers and other creative minds who are searching for better ways to make accessible documents and visual communications.”  

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Learn why and how to break old print design behaviours
  • Understand the importance of document structure
  • Learn how to tag text for PDF export
  • Know how to set document language
  • Tag and review complicated graphics and diagrams
  • Anchoring content for proper export order
  • Learn how to prepare Master Page items
  • Understand how to create tables for screen readers
  • Recognize proper order and flow for assistive technology
  • Know how to create accessible bookmarks and a table of contents
  • Understand the different types of assistive technology and audiences
  • Understand different export options for accessible PDFs
  • How to hide content from screen reading technology
  • Applying a language setting within InDesign
  • Know how to add the required Metadata
  • How to test and tweak PDF files for accessibility

Take away

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

“This workshop made me realize how little I know about InDesign!”

“It was great learning about little tricks in InDesign to make the PDF accessibility process easier.”

Who should attend this workshop

Anyone who has intermediate to advanced experience creating and editing content in InDesign. Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Creative Studio Managers, Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers and Administrative Staff using InDesign.

Prerequisite:

It is recommended to have some basic knowledge of using and creating documents with InDesign and is comfortable using Acrobat professional.

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by an InDesign Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

“Amazing facilitator! Clear, concise and a bit of humour makes it a great training. I would recommend it to others. Lots of information in a short time.” (Ontario Principals’ Council)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and a Computer Mouse
  • Adobe InDesign CS6 or CC
  • Acrobat Professional Version DC or 11

Technical Notes

  • We suggest you do any program installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure it is working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts

 

How to Make Accessible Word Documents

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This hands-on workshop is designed to clearly explain how to create an accessible document using Microsoft Word. It will demonstrate converting documents to PDF format and examine the required structure for assistive technologies.

This workshop is a comprehensive review of how layout and design principles and practices influence the outcome in the construction of a document intended for accessibility.

Through exercises and group discussions, participants will review the background and theory of accessibility and how it affects document creation; the necessary changes to their current workflow and processes; and how to layout content in documents for those with vision, motor and cognitive impairments.

Microsoft Word will be used to build an accessible document, followed by using Adobe Acrobat Professional DC to inspect any conversion issues or errors.

Best training I have ever had in a session!    Ontario College of Teachers

I have taken a few training courses but this was by far the most in-depth and informative.   Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of accessible word document creation
  • Learn how to prepare all text content for accessibility
  • Will prepare graphical content for accessibility
  • Understand why navigation is important in a document
  • Review who is using accessible documents and their needs
  • Become familiar with content design best practices – the do’s and don’ts
  • Understand the importance of using accessible fonts
  • Learn about how to modify and create custom text styles
  • Understanding color blindness and the impact on graphic communications
  • How to make graphic, WordArt and charts accessible
  • Add custom bookmarks for navigation in their documents
  • Review how to add descriptive file properties to a file
  • Review the built-in accessibility checkers in both Microsoft and Acrobat
  • And much more!

Great practical, hands-on exercises. (City of Pembroke)

Take Away 

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop and a Computer Mouse
  • Microsoft Word 2016 or 2013
  • Acrobat Professional Version DC or 11

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly within your Microsoft Word application.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure it is working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts
  • MAC users are welcome but must have the newest version of Microsoft Office and Acrobat Professional DC

NOTE: Laptops are optional, however, they will be needed to participate in the hands-on exercises that complement the lecture.

Great tips and tools to aid in the process of making docs accessible. Looking forward to Part 2!  (Niagara Parks Commission)

Perfect! Met the level of accessibility training I need in my job and I learned a few new tricks.  (Ontario Government)

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Introduction to Document Accessibility

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Participants in this live webinar will learn about how accessibility effects document creation and what changes in your organization’s current workflow and processes are required.

Commonly asked questions we discuss in this webinar:

  • What is an accessible document?
  • What does an accessible format mean?
  • How do you make accessible documents?
  • Can all documents be made accessible?
  • How do I make a PDF accessible?
  • What if I don’t have the source document?
  • Can infographics be made accessible?
  • At what stage in the document creation process does accessibility come in?

Who should attend this webinar?

Anyone who is responsible for the management and coordination of print or digital documents.

This includes all Executive Directors/CEOs, Communication Managers, Document Creators, Production Coordinators, Communication Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing Managers.

What You Will Walk Away With:

Participants will have a clear understanding of:

  1. What accessible documents are and how important they are reach all potential clients/customers.
  2. The process of how a document becomes more accessible.
  3. Suggestions for improvements in your document creation and production stages.
  4. How to save money by using a smart document creation process.
  5. How to improve employee efficiency.

During this live presentation participants can ask questions of our accessible document expert.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion badge
  • Chance to ask your questions

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

How to Make Accessible PDFs

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The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. When importing documents, whatever the source application, some elements “get lost in translation” and additional remediation has to be done in Adobe Acrobat.

This workshop is Part 2 of our “Accessible Word” and “Accessible InDesign” training sessions and will teach you how to create an accessible PDF, including diverse content such as complicated tables, lists and acronyms. Questions it addresses include:

  • How do I make a PDF accessible when I don’t have the source document?
  • How can I figure out whether it is faster to remediate an old PDF or create a new, accessible source document?
  • How do I make tables with merged cells more accessible?
  • What do I do with complicated drawings and charts?
  • When should I use the auto tag feature in Acrobat?
  • How do I fix incorrect reading order?
  • We use a lot of abbreviations – how do I make them accessible?

Great training – lots of new information! Well structured session.

So much to learn and use immediately. The workshop exceeded my expectations!

Who should attend this workshop

  • Anyone who attended the “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop or our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” webinar/workshop provided by Accessibility Services Canada.
  • If you are currently creating accessible content and need a refresher or an upgrade, including Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing staff and Administrative Assistants.

What you will walk away with…

  1. How to format an inaccessible PDF.
  2. Where relevant tools and menu items are in Acrobat.
  3. How to identify several issues that should be addressed in source formats rather than by editing the PDF document directly.
  4. The correct structure for lists and tables.
  5. Knowledge about new accessibility features in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  6. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  7. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will have and understanding of:

  • Working with accessible content tags
  • Manually tag or re-tagging content in a PDF
  • Modifying and edit tag properties
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content
  • How to tag acronyms and bulleted lists
  • Tagging a table of contents
  • Creating tags for tables
  • How to deal with merged or split table cells.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views
  • Setting reading order and reflow orfer
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document
  • Adding required document properties.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.

Take away

  • Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.
  • A full understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  • A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Detailed and great with examples and practices. (Reena)

Great examples and I appreciate the print out for future reference. (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and Mouse
  • Acrobat Professional, version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure your programs are working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop before class.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Good quality presentation. Presenter is excellent! Learn, knowledgeable and great at keeping us engaged. Learned more than I anticipated! (Ontario College of Teachers)

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Make Accessible PDFs

by

The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. When importing documents, whatever the source application, some elements “get lost in translation” and additional remediation has to be done in Adobe Acrobat.

This workshop is Part 2 of our “Accessible Word” and “Accessible InDesign” training sessions and will teach you how to create an accessible PDF, including diverse content such as complicated tables, lists and acronyms. Questions it addresses include:

  • How do I make a PDF accessible when I don’t have the source document?
  • How can I figure out whether it is faster to remediate an old PDF or create a new, accessible source document?
  • How do I make tables with merged cells more accessible?
  • What do I do with complicated drawings and charts?
  • When should I use the auto tag feature in Acrobat?
  • How do I fix incorrect reading order?
  • We use a lot of abbreviations – how do I make them accessible?

Great training – lots of new information! Well structured session.

So much to learn and use immediately. The workshop exceeded my expectations!

Who should attend this workshop

  • Anyone who attended the “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop or our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” webinar/workshop provided by Accessibility Services Canada.
  • If you are currently creating accessible content and need a refresher or an upgrade, including Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing staff and Administrative Assistants.

What you will walk away with…

  1. How to format an inaccessible PDF.
  2. Where relevant tools and menu items are in Acrobat.
  3. How to identify several issues that should be addressed in source formats rather than by editing the PDF document directly.
  4. The correct structure for lists and tables.
  5. Knowledge about new accessibility features in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  6. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  7. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will have and understanding of:

  • Working with accessible content tags
  • Manually tag or re-tagging content in a PDF
  • Modifying and edit tag properties
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content
  • How to tag acronyms and bulleted lists
  • Tagging a table of contents
  • Creating tags for tables
  • How to deal with merged or split table cells.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views
  • Setting reading order and reflow orfer
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document
  • Adding required document properties.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.

Take away

  • Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.
  • A full understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  • A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Detailed and great with examples and practices. (Reena)

Great examples and I appreciate the print out for future reference. (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and Mouse
  • Acrobat Professional, version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure your programs are working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop before class.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Good quality presentation. Presenter is excellent! Learn, knowledgeable and great at keeping us engaged. Learned more than I anticipated! (Ontario College of Teachers)

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Make Accessible PDFs

by

The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. When importing documents, whatever the source application, some elements “get lost in translation” and additional remediation has to be done in Adobe Acrobat.

This workshop is Part 2 of our “Accessible Word” and “Accessible InDesign” training sessions and will teach you how to create an accessible PDF, including diverse content such as complicated tables, lists and acronyms. Questions it addresses include:

  • How do I make a PDF accessible when I don’t have the source document?
  • How can I figure out whether it is faster to remediate an old PDF or create a new, accessible source document?
  • How do I make tables with merged cells more accessible?
  • What do I do with complicated drawings and charts?
  • When should I use the auto tag feature in Acrobat?
  • How do I fix incorrect reading order?
  • We use a lot of abbreviations – how do I make them accessible?

Great training – lots of new information! Well structured session.

So much to learn and use immediately. The workshop exceeded my expectations!

Who should attend this workshop

  • Anyone who attended the “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop or our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” webinar/workshop provided by Accessibility Services Canada.
  • If you are currently creating accessible content and need a refresher or an upgrade, including Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing staff and Administrative Assistants.

What you will walk away with…

  1. How to format an inaccessible PDF.
  2. Where relevant tools and menu items are in Acrobat.
  3. How to identify several issues that should be addressed in source formats rather than by editing the PDF document directly.
  4. The correct structure for lists and tables.
  5. Knowledge about new accessibility features in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  6. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  7. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will have and understanding of:

  • Working with accessible content tags
  • Manually tag or re-tagging content in a PDF
  • Modifying and edit tag properties
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content
  • How to tag acronyms and bulleted lists
  • Tagging a table of contents
  • Creating tags for tables
  • How to deal with merged or split table cells.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views
  • Setting reading order and reflow orfer
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document
  • Adding required document properties.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.

Take away

  • Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.
  • A full understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  • A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Detailed and great with examples and practices. (Reena)

Great examples and I appreciate the print out for future reference. (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and Mouse
  • Acrobat Professional, version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure your programs are working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop before class.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Good quality presentation. Presenter is excellent! Learn, knowledgeable and great at keeping us engaged. Learned more than I anticipated! (Ontario College of Teachers)

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Check Document Accessibility

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While properly constructed tags are essential for an accessible PDF, tags alone are not enough. Some accessibility checkers review only tags while others also check hidden aspects of the document to ensure they are fully accessible. Because these checkers can only check against a list of digital defaults, human inspection is also a very important part of the remediation process.

This one-hour webinar will review the most commonly used accessibility checkers currently available when creating accessible PDF documents, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Professional and the online PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC 3.0).

Learning Outcomes

By completing this webinar, participants will:

  • Understand the differences between the three most common accessibility checkers.
  • Identify and fix potential problematic errors and warnings.
  • Learn when “human inspections” are required and how to do them.
  • Review of the “Create Accessibility Report/Summary” function.
  • Upgrade of overall skills for remediating a PDF.

Who should attend?

This webinar is ideal for those who have already completed the Accessibility Services Canada workshops on accessible content and layout creation in the following programs: InDesign, Microsoft Word and Acrobat Content.

Included in the Webinar:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Resources about PDF/UA
  • A chance to ask questions
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace

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A changing and ever demanding workplace environment can create challenges for the mental health and well-being of staff and management in any organization.   The rise in workplace mental health issues holds significant costs if not managed well.  By 2020, depression is expected to be the leading cause of disability.  

This 4-part webinar series offers participants an overview of the Psychological Health & Safety Standard and provides practical tools and strategies to implement and maintain the Standard in your work place. 

The Psychological Health & Safety Standard has been developed to prevent harm to worker psychological health and safety arising from the workplace environment. Through the four modules, we take participants through the process of implementing, maintaining and evaluating Psychological Health & Safety in your workplace.

“Very well organized and explained.”

Module 1 – Getting Started

  1. Learn about the Psychological Health & Safety Standard and key criteria to creating a psychologically healthy & safe (PHS) work environment.
  2. Get tips on using financial, legal and strategic challenges and opportunities to build a case for supporting PHS in your organization.
  3. Create engagement opportunities by defining the roles of PHS champions.
  4. Learn how to define your organization’s PHS considerations to build your case for support.

Module 2 – Assessing and Planning

  1. Using your organization’s PHS considerations, learn about key metrics and strategies to be considered in assessing the PHS of your organization.
  2. Get tips to create a plan to collect and assess current state of the PHS in your organization.
  3. Learn about key considerations in building the roles and responsibilities of your PHS team.
  4. Get ideas to help you develop your Psychological Health & Safety (PHS) Statement.

Module 3 – Implementation

  1. Learn practical strategies to engage your workforce in the process.
  2. Determine how various communication strategies can encourage workforce engagement and commitment.
  3. Get templates to keep your plan on track and maintain momentum.

Module 4 – Evaluation

  1. Learn about qualitative measures to evaluate your PHS plan.
  2. Determine various reporting processes to use to engage staff engagement.

Target Audience: This 4-part program is designed for anyone who is involved in supporting employees and their work performance.  Team leaders, managers/supervisors, union representatives, human resource managers, educators, and consultants will all benefit from this workshop.

When: Every Tuesday, for 4 weeks, from 10:00 am-11:00 am  (May 7, 14, 21, 28)

Where: Online webinar via your computer. 

Webinar Recordings: Included in your registration is access to the webinar recordings for 7 days. A link will be sent to participants immediately after the live webinar. Now you don’t have to worry about missing a session!

 

Maximizing the Value of these Webinars

Registration entitles you to one Internet connection and an unlimited number of participants from your organization in one listening room.

Invite others to participate. Structure a group “lunch and learn” session and invite staff to attend.

Debrief the lessons learned. Set aside time at the end of the webinar to discuss takeaways, and how they apply to your group or organization.

 

Key benefits of a mentally healthy workplace:

Operational Success: Mentally healthy workplaces demonstrate higher levels of employee and volunteer motivation, commitment and creativity, as well as better decision making.

Productivity: Happy and psychologically healthy employees and volunteers work harder and more efficiently.

Cost Savings: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention, disability and absenteeism.

Improved Relations: Better mental health among employees and volunteers results in fewer conflicts and complaints.

 The Facts: 

  • By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
  • In a recent major Canadian study, 82% of responding organizations ranked mental health conditions in their top three causes of short term disability (72% for long-term)
  • 30% of all short and long term disability claims are due to mental health problems and illnesses
  • The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness.
  • 64% of Ontario workers would be concerned about how work would be affected if a colleague had a mental illness
  • 39% of Ontario workers indicate that they would not tell their managers if they were experiencing a mental health problem
  • 40% of respondents to a 2016 survey agreed they have experienced feelings of anxiety or depression but never sought medical help for it
  • Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age
  • 42% of Canadians were unsure whether they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness
  • Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem

 

Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series

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Everyone has a role to play in supporting the mental health of colleagues, volunteers, as well as themselves. Participants in this 3-part webinar series will learn strategies for both workplace and personal mental wellness. 

By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. This Mental Health 101 Webinar Series will help you to:

  • Reduce mental health stigma amongst staff and volunteers
  • Better recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
  • Increase your knowledge about appropriate treatments
  • Increase staff confidence in helping others 

We will provide you with many excellent resources and share tips for supporting the well-being of your staff, colleagues, volunteers and yourself. There will be time during each webinar to ask the presenting Mental Health Expert questions about mental health issues affecting your organization.

Fantastic presentation!

I liked that Tammy made it interactive with questions for the group. – City of Belleville

Who: All Staff, including Management Team Staff, including Executive Directors/CEOs, Directors & Managers (HR, Communications, and Volunteer Coordinators), as well as staff that have contact with the public and volunteers.

When: Every Tuesday, for 3 weeks, from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm 

Where: Online webinar via your computer. 

The series was very good and gave some really good information at a level that most folks readily understood. I particularly liked that she stressed that we cannot diagnose – we are there to support. So important! -United Church of Canada

Benefits of a mentally healthy workplace:

  1. Operational Success: Mentally healthy workplaces demonstrate higher levels of employee and volunteer motivation, commitment and creativity, as well as better decision making.
  2. Productivity: Happy and psychologically healthy employees and volunteers work harder and more efficiently.
  3. Cost Savings: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention, disability and absenteeism.
  4. Improved Relations: Better mental health among employees and volunteers results in fewer conflicts and complaints.

We have been thoroughly enjoying the Mental Health webinars that you have been hosting and have come away with lots of great tidbits. – Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Webinar Recordings: Included in your registration is access to the webinar recordings for 7 days. A link will be sent to participants immediately after the live webinar. Now you don’t have to worry about missing a session!

Webinar Feedback

  • 100% of past participants said they now have a better understanding of mental health in the workplace.
  • 100% of past participants said they got strategies to help their staff and colleagues.
  • 100% of past participants said they were better able to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.
  • 100% of past participants said they came away with ideas on how to foster a healthy workplace.

Maximizing the Value of these Webinars

Registration entitles you to one Internet connection and an unlimited number of participants from your organization in one listening room.

Invite others to participate. Structure a group “lunch and learn” session and invite staff to attend.

Debrief the lessons learned. Set aside time at the end of the webinar to discuss takeaways, and how they apply to your group or organization.

“Great refresher and gap analysis of where I was at in understanding mental health issues.”

Tap into your training budget. Ask your HR group or manager to underwrite the webinar as part of your organization’s ongoing staff development effort.

Great suggestions on ways we can support co-workers! – Ministry of the Attorney General

Webinar Outcomes:

  • Gain an understanding of various mental health issues
  • Increase mental health awareness to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
  • Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress
  • Learn strategies to help employees, colleagues and volunteers feel more comfortable having conversations related to mental health
  • Learn how to provide compassionate support and understanding
  • Get simple but effective tools and strategies to manage personal and co-worker stress 
  • Ask questions about your organization’s specific challenges
Liked that you gave suggestions and not just theory. Gave real life examples. – YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka
 
The interaction really helped to drive home important points. – Niagara College

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by an Mental Health Expert
  • Copies of each of the webinar (.pdf)
  • Access to the webinar recordings
  • A chance to ask all your questions
  • Resources, best practices, tips and tools
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

“We all loved the music that was playing prior to the webinar starting.  Everyone who walked into the room immediately smiled or started dancing!  It was such a great way to ease any uncomfortable feelings.  Thank you!” – Canadian Opera Company

Webinar Outline:

Mental Health 101 – April 9, 2019 (2-3pm)

Improve mental health awareness and psychological health and safety of your organization. Mental Health 101 provides employees with an understanding various mental health issues, builds mental health awareness and helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Participants will learn strategies for maintaining their mental wellness and for providing compassionate support and understanding to colleagues, friends and family.

Stress Essentials – April 16, 2019 (2-3pm)

Stress can have a detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of employees, as well as a negative impact on productivity. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of stress as well as simple but effective tools and strategies to manage the stress of employees, colleagues, and yourself.

How to Help & Ask for Help: Resources & Strategies for Supporting Individuals In Need – April 23, 2019 (2-3pm)

Asking for help is the first step for many in improving their mental health. Learn strategies to help employees and colleagues feel more comfortable having conversations related to mental health; provide emotional support and practical help to co-workers or loved ones; and know where to find resources and programs in your area.

 

The Facts: 

  • By age 40, about 50% of the population will have or have had a mental illness
  • In a recent major Canadian study, 82% of responding organizations ranked mental health conditions in their top three causes of short term disability (72% for long-term)
  • 30% of all short and long term disability claims are due to mental health problems and illnesses
  • The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness.
  • 64% of Ontario workers would be concerned about how work would be affected if a colleague had a mental illness
  • 39% of Ontario workers indicate that they would not tell their managers if they were experiencing a mental health problem
  • 40% of respondents to a 2016 survey agreed they have experienced feelings of anxiety or depression but never sought medical help for it
  • Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age
  • 42% of Canadians were unsure whether they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness
  • Almost one half (49%) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem