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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 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

 

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 InDesign Documents

by

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!”

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

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

 

Accessible InDesign Templates

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We all know that having accessible documents is becoming imperative to meeting your organization’s legal obligations, not to mention meeting the needs of your customers, staff and volunteers. If you have already created some templates in InDesign that you are using, or you would like to begin creating templates for such things as meeting minutes, event posters, annual reports, application forms, etc. – this is the webinar for you!

In this one-hour webinar, participants will learn how to make well-designed and accessible templates, as well as how to maximize the built-in features of InDesign to do this in a quick and streamlined way.

Topics include

  • Proper font settings – when to use the advance typesetting features
  • Setting up accessible Paragraph styles
  • Utilizing Special Characters, White Space and Break settings
  • Tagging master page content for screen readers
  • Preparing the swatches panel wit corporate colours
  • Working with Master Page numbers
  • Setting up graphics with repetitive Alt text
  • Master page options

Who should Attend this webinar?

Anyone who has experience creating and editing content in InDesign.

Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Creative Studio Managers, Communications staff, Administrative Staff using InDesign.

Any who has take our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents”.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

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

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

InDesign Essentials

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Adobe InDesign is a great page layout software used to create ads, flyers, posters, brochures, etc. Through hands-on exercises and instructor demonstrations, we will teach how to use this software, as well as tips and tricks that will make your work easier and more professional. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those wanting to relearn more sophisticated use.

In this hands-on course, students will learn the essential skills for producing InDesign content for printing files and digital PDFs. This comprehensive course is specifically designed for those with little or no formal training or experience using a page layout program, and for those people want a refresher.

In this course you will learn InDesign tips, tricks and secrets, along with more efficient procedures for building a document. Topics will include setting up multi-page and single page documents, typesetting, color and graphic skills along with understanding how to use many of the everyday features correctly and efficiently.

This class is fully interactive and will include simple exercises to reinforce your learning goals.

Learning outcomes

This is a sample list of topics that will be covered during the workshop – these items will vary as a result of questions and audience participation.

Interface overview

  • Moving around the InDesign Interface
  • The Workspace: Tool bars, Control bar, multiple panels, creating a custom Workspace
  • Basic program Preferences: changing the default unit of measurement
  • Viewing documents using shortcuts and quick key commands
  • Review of Pages Panel and Master Page features

Formatting Text

  • Using both Character and Paragraph controls
  • Formatting text within frame areas
  • Inserting large amounts of text
  • Creating a “Continued on and from” setting
  • Creating and editing Paragraph & Character Styles
  • Moving text styles between documents
  • Inserting special characters
  • Creating bullet icons
  • Split and Span text over columns; creating Balanced columns

Working with Text/Object Frames

  • Text frame options: Column settings, Inset spacing, Vertical alignment
  • Corner option settings and Live corner options
  • Using the Stroke panel and the Line tools
  • Applying color to text and frames using the Control and Swatches panel
  • Creating new Process and Pantone® color swatches, color tints and gradients
  • Adding headers & footers and auto page numbering
  • Incorporating logos/graphics into a master
  • Formatting frames and custom colours
  • Creating and editing Paragraph & Character Styles

Working with Graphics and Color

  • Overview of different graphic file formats
  • Clarify resolutions and color settings for print or digital files
  • Inserting graphic file formats
  • Working with graphics using Auto Fit features
  • Special effects on graphics
  • Using the Text Wrap panel and options
  • Understanding the Graphic Links panel

Take Away:

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

Who Should Attend:

This is a precursor to the “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” course. Anyone working in the role of marketing content creators, graphic designers, editors, communication writers and coordinators or has the need to provide creative files for printing or publishing online.

 

Workshop Requirements:

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and a Computer Mouse
  • Adobe InDesign CC

Included in this 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
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

by

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!”

Who should attend this webinar

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
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

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 InDesign Documents

by

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.

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.

Who should attend this webinar

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
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

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

 “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.”  

How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents

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With the Information and Communications Standard of the AODA requiring new and refreshed website and content to be made accessible, it means that documentation available for download from a website – in particular any documents created from InDesign and compressed to a PDF – should be accessible to all users using screen reading technology. As well, the AODA requires you to provide alternative formats of your inaccessible documents, should a person with a disability request it.

Creative professionals have limited time and need the most up-to-date training. This webinar is an ideal way for busy leaders to engage in an interactive online experience from the convenience of their own desk. Learn how to create an accessible InDesign document and then how to convert it into an accessible PDF. Ask questions of our expert and be ready to start making accessible InDesign and PDF documents right away!

As a freelance designer I’m seeing a growing demand from clients for accessible documents. This course (and the materials) have been extremely helpful and well worth the investment. Thanks!

Maximizing the Value of the Series

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

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

NOTE: Registration entitles you to one Internet connection and an unlimited number of participants from your organization in one listening room. If you are interested in a site license for multiple viewing locations, please contact us at: [email protected]

 

Schedule:

Understanding Accessible PDF documents

(10:00am – 11:00am)

In this first module you learn the basic knowledge required to understand the principles of PDF creation and InDesign formatting for accessible documents.

Completion of this module will provide the user with an understanding of Accessible PDF file creation with particular attention to:

  • A clear definition of what an “Accessible PDF” document is.
  • How PDF documents are constructed – behind the scene settings.
  • What formatting traps to avoid – when making an InDesign document.
  • Changes in your current workflow to make a document more accessible.

11:00 am-11:15 am:    Coffee Break

 

InDesign: Document integrity, formatting for accessibility

(11:15 am – 12:30 pm)

This is the second module of the series and provides the in-depth knowledge and framework for the creation of the source document. This module explores the enhanced features of Adobe InDesign.

The focus of this module is to prepare a document with reliable content formatting. The overall aim of the module is to equip document creators with knowledge of specific program features that will ensure accessible content in their document.

Completion of this module will provide the user with a foundational understanding of Accessible InDesign file creation with particular attention to:

  • Additional requirements in an everyday document
  • Advance features of InDesign to use for formatting content
  • Layout formatting tricks that can save time
  • Production workflow adjustments and enhancements

12:30-1:30 pm:    Lunch Break

 

InDesign: Document integrity, formatting for accessibility

(1:30 pm – 2:15 pm)

Module Two continued.

2:15-2:30 pm:  Coffee Break 

 

InDesign to Acrobat

(2:30 pm – 3:00 pm)

This is the third and final module in the mini-series in which we will explore the features in Adobe Acrobat and the workflow between the two programs.

Completion of this module will provide the user with an understanding of Accessible PDF file creation with particular attention to:

  • Using the Accessibility Checker
  • Overview of fixing elements using the Tags, Order and Content panels
  • Checking and tweaking content in the final PDF document
  • What other steps are required in Adobe Acrobat in order to make a fully accessible PDF

 

NOTE: It is recommended that the attendee has working knowledge and is comfortable using both InDesign versions CS6 or CC and Adobe Acrobat DC.

If using a previous version, there will be some slight differences, however attendees can still follow along.

The platform of MAC or PC does not make a difference – some items will be found in different locations within user interface.