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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

 

Creating Accessible Word Forms

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This hands-on workshop is designed to teach you how to create an accessible Word form and, through class exercises, how to make an accessible PDF version.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this hands-on workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of:

  • How to structure layout content for accessibility
  • Form design layout workaround tips and best practices
  • How to create PDFs form content
  • How to tag form elements within Acrobat
  • Proper tag structure in Acrobat
  • Built-in accessibility checkers in both Word and Acrobat
  • How to test the final PDF for accessibility
  • Evaluating and repairing accessibility errors

Prerequisites

Participants are encouraged to have first taken our “How to Create Accessible Word Documents” or “How to Create Accessible PDFs” workshop.

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop with working USB drive port
  • Computer Mouse
  • Microsoft Word 2016 or 2013, or Mac with newest version of Microsoft Office
  • Acrobat Professional DC (not Adobe Reader)

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Accessibility resources
  • An opportunity to ask questions
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • 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 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 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
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Accommodations

Accommodations 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 Word Documents

by

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

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 Evaluate Your Website’s Accessibility

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This hands-on workshop will give participants the knowledge and tools required to gauge the accessibility of web content. The session will take an applied look at Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) by explaining how to assess and implement each web accessibility success-criterion. The workshop includes a hands-on exercise where participants will get a chance to review a website or document against WCAG 2.0. 

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in depth understanding of WCAG 2.0 Principles, Guidelines and Success Criteria from a testing perspective
  • Be able to identify testable criteria for web accessibility
  • Use testing methods such as operating a site with a screen reader and testing for alternative control navigation
  • Become familiar with testing tools and resources

Excellent workshop! Handy checklist and helpful information to understand WCAG.

Target Audience:

This workshop is appropriate for Communication Specialists, IT Managers, Web Developers, and Marketing Managers.

Take Away:

Participants will be given a digital website accessibility audit checklist and list of testing tools.

Having taken the “How to Evaluate Your Website’s Accessibility” training, I feel far more confident in helping our clients navigate and  fulfill the AODA web accessibility requirements.  (Launchbox)

Prerequisites:

Some basic knowledge of HTML is required for this course. If you are not familiar with HTML, we recommend taking the free interactive online course on HTML. Details on this course will be sent with the workshop registration confirmation.

Laptop computers and headphones are needed in order to participate in the hands-on exercise.

Programs will need to be loaded on to participants’ computers for the exercises.  Contact Accessibility Services Canada if you need your IT department to do this ahead of time.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • Accessibility Compliance Evaluation Checklist
  • 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 available upon request. 

Strategies for Website Accessibility

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This workshop provides a technical explanation of how to create and maintain an accessible website. Web developers will come away with a deep understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, the AODA requirements for website accessibility, and how to achieve WCAG 2.1 conformance.

Topics covered include:

  • WCAG 2.1: In-depth overview of Guidelines and Techniques
  • WCAG 2.1 Success Criteria: how to achieve conformance
  • Introduction to accessibility evaluation
  • Tool support for WCAG 2.1
  • Additional guidance and tips

Take Away:

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

Interactive discussions and examples. A great workshop!

Knowledgeable presenter who gave specific mark-up examples and was able to answer questions.

Great practical advice! Easy to understand concepts.

The de-mystifiying of WCAG was very helpful!

Just right for getting the basics. Perfect length and content.

 

Prerequisite: Some basic knowledge of HTML is required for this course.

I really liked the amount of content covered and the use of visual examples to see how the content relates to real, live websites.

The workshop opened my eyes to the importance of accessibility issues.

 

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size 
  • Accessibility Compliance Evaluation Checklist
  • 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)