Accessible Communications Training
Annual Capability Series
Scroll down to read about the session content for the ACT capability series.
Annual Session Outline
Session 1: Disability Inclusion & Accessibility in Practice
Purpose
Build disability confidence and provide staff with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to create more inclusive experiences, communications and services.
Participants Will Learn To:
Understand disability through the social model of disability.
Recognise visible, non visible and neurodivergent experiences.
Identify barriers that unintentionally exclude people.
Apply inclusive language and communication techniques.
Respond confidently and appropriately to accessibility requests.
Topics Covered
Disability and accessibility in Ireland today
Understanding visible and non-visible disabilities
Neurodiversity and inclusive practice
The social model of disability
Common organisational barriers and how to remove them
Inclusive language and communication
Understanding reasonable accommodation
Outcomes
Participants leave with greater disability confidence and a practical understanding of how their everyday decisions can support accessibility and inclusion.
Session 2: Creating Accessible Documents & Communications
Purpose
Equip staff with practical skills to create accessible communications that can be read, understood and used by the widest possible audience.
Participants Will Learn To:
Create accessible Word documents and reports.
Design accessible PowerPoint presentations.
Use headings, styles and document structure correctly.
Write meaningful alternative text for images.
Present information clearly and accessibly.
Improve readability for all audiences.
Topics Covered
Why accessible communications matter
Common accessibility mistakes
Document structure and navigation
Accessible fonts, colour and layout
Alternative text for images
Accessible charts and data visualisation
Creating accessible PDFs
Designing accessible presentations
Outcomes
Participants can immediately improve the accessibility of reports, presentations, policies, publications and internal communications.
Session 3: Digital Accessibility & Inclusive Design
Purpose
Develop practical understanding of digital accessibility and how to create more inclusive online experiences.
Participants Will Learn To:
Understand the core principles of digital accessibility.
Recognise common accessibility barriers on websites and digital platforms.
Improve online meetings and webinars.
Create more accessible digital content.
Understand accessibility considerations within design software and digital publications.
Topics Covered
Introduction to WCAG principles
Website accessibility essentials
Accessible forms and digital journeys
Inclusive online meetings and webinars
Captions, transcripts and video accessibility
Accessibility in design tools including InDesign
Accessibility testing basics
Outcomes
Participants gain practical skills to improve digital communications, online content and user experience for a wider audience.
Session 4: Accessibility Implementation Clinic
Purpose
Support staff in applying learning to real organisational materials and challenges. Participants receive practical feedback and guidance from accessibility specialists.
Participants Can Bring
Reports
Policies
Research publications
Presentations
Websites
Learning materials
PDFs
Marketing and communications content
Outcomes
Staff leave with specific actions and improvements that can be implemented immediately within their own work.