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AODA

AODA Train-the-Trainer Certification

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This workshop will provide you with an overview of the AODA Standards and how this information can be delivered in an interactive and fun training session to your staff and volunteers. The AODA Train-the-Trainer workshop qualifies as mandated training and will equip you to meet your organization’s AODA training requirements. Areas covered will include:

  • Customer Service Standard
  • General Requirements
  • Employment Standard
  • Information & Communication Standard
  • Transportation Standard
  • Design of Public Spaces Standard
  • Ontario Human Rights Code

I liked how you provided examples of activities to keep it fun to teach and learn. Often these courses are boring. Your course gave me lots of ideas! And I liked the group which included a diversity of industry people.

Instructor is an excellent and knowledgeable speaker!

Great training! What I expected to be a dry and long info session ended up being a good time. Thanks!

Fantastic! Great length. Exactly what I needed to stay on track.

Why use a Train the Trainer Model:

  • Trainers are an accessible resource for staff and volunteers with an organization.
  • Organizations can do training when it works for them, using a variety of approaches best suited to their situation.
  • It is a model that is cost and time effective for organizations.
  • It is a model that helps to support discussion and further development within an organization.

Excellent and well organized content and delivery. Respectful and inclusive presenter who created an inclusive and safe environment. Everyone participated and was engaged.

Participants in this training will receive:

  • Information on each of the Standards and OHRC
  • A customizable copy of Accessibility Services Canada’s 90-minute training PowerPoint presentation
  • Training workshop handouts and interactive activities
  • A live demonstration of a training workshop
  • Ideas on how adapt the training for your organization’s needs

Participants will receive access to Accessibility Services Canada training materials for use in internal training only (staff and volunteers of their own organization).

Training is valid for two years and updates on the AODA will be sent to participants as they arise.

Good review of the AODA and requirements. Training suggestions were great. Enjoyed the practice opportunity.

I liked how collaborative the training was. I learned a lot from other people’s experiences and knowledge. I also liked that the training comes with a certificate.

Really good at getting me to think of applying this to my own work. I would recommend the training to anyone!

Prerequisite: Participants must have knowledge of the AODA prior to attending this workshop as we do not cover the details of the AODA. This training focuses on how to design and deliver an engaging training session for your organization’s staff and volunteers. For detailed information on the AODA, look for our “Accessibility Compliance 101” webinar series being held in April. 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by an AODA Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • AODA Training Kit
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Fantastic facilitator! The afternoon went by very quickly (too quickly). Fantastic insights and resources. Very varied group with varied backgrounds. Feeling confident about training and liked the variety of training tools provided.

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

 

This workshop truly focussed on preparing us to train staff. I appreciate all the resources we have been given.

The materials provided was excellent – everything we require for training in our own work place.

Excellent trainer! Lots of expertise!

Great dialogue and examples.

Very welcoming space. Felt safe and encouraging.

Clear, good balance of lecture and activities.

Accessibility Compliance 101

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The Accessibility Compliance 101 Webinar Series has been designed with the recognition that you have limited time and need the most up-to-date information. These 1-hour webinars are an ideal way for busy leaders to engage in an interactive online experience from the convenience of their own desk. 

This series of three webinars has been specially designed for staff who are responsible for their organization’s AODA implementation and compliance. We will review the legislation, discuss in detail your legal requirements, provide you with a multitude of resources, and share best practices for ensuring your organization’s successful compliance. There will be time during each webinar to ask the presenting AODA expert questions about how the legislation affects your particular organization.

100% of past webinar participants said that their understanding of the AODA and their compliance obligations improved as a result of this webinar series.

Who: Management Team Staff, including Executive Directors/CEOs, Directors & Managers (HR, Communications, Policy Development, and Volunteer Coordinators).

Why: Organizations of all sizes (1+ employees) and types (nonprofit, businesses, and public sector) must be compliant with the AODA requirements, including policy development and training of all staff.

“The webinar series highlighted the most relevant information in an easy to understand format and provided great examples to further enhance understanding.”

When: Every Tuesdays, for 3 weeks, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm 

Where: Online webinar via your computer

 “It was broken down into manageable units. Also great resources.”

Webinar Recordings: Participants can choose to get access to the webinar recordings. A link will be sent the same day as the live session and viewing will be available for 7 days. 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by an AODA Expert
  • Copies of each of the webinar (.pdf)
  • Access to the recorded sessions for 7 days (optional)
  • A chance to ask all your questions
  • Customer Service Standard Policy Template
  • Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy Template (includes Information and Communications, Employment and Design of Public Space Standards requirements)
  • Multi-Year Accessibility Template
  • Resources, best practices, tips and tools
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

“It was easy to understand and having the materials accessible afterward for reference was very important & helpful.”

“Being online is a great way to learn that is flexible for our team.”

“This course has been incredibly informative, easy to digest, and I feel much more equipped to do my work now!” 

“Very clear presentation with lots of specific examples.”

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and instructions for accessing each session will be sent the week prior to commencement.

Schedule:

Webinar #1- AODA Overview, the Customer Service Standard, and new legislative developments

Webinar #2 – General requirements and the Information and Communications Standard

Webinar #3 – Employment Standard and Design of Public Spaces Standard

 

More comments from participants on what they liked about the series:

Covers a lot of information in an organized manner.

Love that this training can be completed online remotely.

Good take away documents to share with managers.

The takeaways, such as the bonus handouts and templates.

The detailed information provided during the webinar and the resources provided.

Examples given to illustrate the standards.

Trainer is engaging and easy to understand; answers all questions.

Interactive to get participants involved.

Clearly stated and easy to follow – allowed for follow up with the attendees via the recordings.

Technically it was easy to access the seminar.  Topics thoroughly covered.

Clear and straightforward information.

Very good and engaging trainer.

Nice concise review, good examples & resources – thank you!

Social Media – Do it Accessibly!

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Do you wonder how accessible your organization’s social media posts are? Would you like to make your tweets, Instagram stories and Facebook posts inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities? In this webinar we’ll cover some general guidelines for creating accessible social media posts, review common pitfalls, and discuss both accessibility features available on different platforms and some workarounds you could use when built in accessibility features are not available. 
 
Topics include:  
  • General recommendations for accessible social media content 
  • Common accessibility pitfalls in social media posts 
  • Accessibility features and workarounds 

Thank you – I learned a few things that will help!

Some really great tips, especially the alternative text options.

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who posts content on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Mobile Accessibility

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This webinar provides an introduction to mobile accessibility. Participants will gain understanding of the hardware and software available to enhance mobile accessibility, how the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) can be applied to mobile. and the ways in which people with disabilities interact with different types of mobile technology.

What You Will Walk Away With:

At the end of this webinar, participants will have an understanding of:

  • Handset accessibility features
  • Accessibility Apps
  • Types of mobile app architectures
  • How accessibility makes better mobile
  • How WCAG 2.1 and other guidelines apply to mobile

“Very informative. Thank you for offering these webinars!”

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who is responsible for mobile design and development, content creation, and content posting, as well as anyone who oversees the work of such staff.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Web Accessibility for Content Managers

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It can sometimes be challenging to know what accessibility efforts can be implemented on a content level vs. those that are dependent on the platform where your content exists. In this 60-minute webinar, we will differentiate between platform and content level issues and dive deeper into techniques you can use to make your content more accessible. This is a high-level, platform agnostic information session.

High level overview that also provided specific, useful examples. Gave us tools to learn more on our own, without bogging down the session.

Good range of examples for discussion. Very informative. Thanks for the resource links, too!

Topics include:

  • How WCAG applies to web content issues.
  • Accessibility considerations for Text (eg. reading level), Images (eg. Text alternatives), and Multimedia (eg. Captioning + descriptive transcripts).
  • Interactive exercises to identify potential accessibility barriers in content and how these can be addressed.

It was interactive. Thanks for asking US questions!

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout listing website accessibility tools and other key references.

Wide range of content presented with images to make it easy to follow.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to ask questions
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

 

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
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

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)

Content was great and good delivery! I am leaving feeling educated about accessible communications and inspired to apply my knowledge immediately. (Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada)

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. 

Mental Health in the Workplace

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By age 40, about 50% of the population will have, or have had, a mental illness and the earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Everyone has a role to play in supporting workplace mental health and this webinar will help you to:

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

Participants will receive practical and professionally recommended resources, as well as tips and best practices for supporting the well-being of co-workers. There will be time 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

Audience: 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.

The webinar was excellent and gave 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 webinar that you have been hosting and have come away with lots of great tidbits. – Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

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.

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

“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 the webinar slides (.pdf)
  • Access to the webinar recording (optional)
  • 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 (1:00-2:00pm)

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.

Break (2:00-2:15pm)

Stress Essentials – (2:15-3:00pm)

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.

Break (3:00-3:15pm)

How to Help & Ask for Help: Resources & Strategies for Supporting Individuals In Need – (3:15-4:00pm)

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

 

Accessible Graphic Design

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Do you want to create posters, brochures and other materials that are accessible to as many people as possible? Get tips on the best and most accessible design choices- from choosing colours and fonts, to ensuring documents are accessible to assistive technology users. Participants will learn what is required to create accessible materials that work for a wider range of users.

Topics include:

  • Visual considerations: Font type, size, spacing, colour, contrast
  • Accessible document settings: Semantic meaning of content, document structure, language settings and more.
  • Workflow tips: How to effectively integrate accessibility into the document creation cycle.
  • Examples of accessible and inaccessible design choices. 

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

“I always learn so much from every training opportunity I take with you team! These skills are making my designs better, more accessible and beautiful, one project at a time.”  City of Peterborough

“Very interesting and new information I did not know about.”

“Great material. The presentation was clear, concise and easy to read.” Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

“Short, sweet and super helpful! Interactive portion was a really nice break and a good way to jump start the brain.”

“Fantastic webinar! Wish there had been more time.” Evergreen Canada

“Easy to follow the topics and great samples.”

“Great webinar!” Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR)

“Fantastically organized and presented in a very clear manner. Great that it was kept on time and not rushed or prolonged.”

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants
  • Chance to ask your questions

“Accessibility test for character ambiguity is very useful, thanks!”

“Excellent examples.”

 “I liked that it was easy to understand and entry-level but we covered a lot of content.”

 “Very clear and concise information provided.”

 “Real life brochure example, pointing out what’s good/not good, was very useful.”

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request.