CKCS 126 - Web Accessibility for Developers
Course Description
This course is aimed at web developers, and web designers with some HTML and Javascript experience. The focus is on developing expertise using WAI-ARIA, the W3C specification for creating accessible web interactivity. Participants will create a collection of interactive widgets that are accessible to those using assistive technology, and will produce a reusable jQuery library that automates the application of WAI-ARIA. With emerging accessibility laws, these are essential skills for anyone developing for the web.
This course is offered fully online. We recommend you complete CKCS 125 - Web Accessibility Auditing and Reporting first and have a working knowledge of HTML and Javascript.
What Will You Learn?
This course focuses on developing expertise using the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative's (WAI) Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) specifications to create interactive widgets and applications for the Web that are accessible by people using assistive technologies like screen readers. With the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) now the basis for accessibility regulations around the world, the use of WAI-ARIA in the development of interactivity for the Web, helps ensure compliance with these international web accessibility laws.
This course will cover the following topics:
- Static vs Dynamic WAI-ARIA
- Graceful Degradation vs Progressive Enhancement Development Methods
- WAI-ARIA Roles, States, and Properties
- WAI-ARIA Navigation
- WAI-ARIA Live Regions
- Standardized Keyboard Interaction Patterns
- Basic Widgets (sliders, progress meters, tooltips)
- Intermediate Widgets (auto-complete forms, modal dialogs, tab panels, accordions)
- Advanced Widgets (carousels, drag and drop, list reorderers)
Who Should Enrol?
With the release of WAI-ARIA 1.1 in late 2017, developers now have the technology available to create highly interactive elements for the Web that are accessible to assistive technology users, and compliant with international web accessibility regulations. Expertise with WAI-ARIA is becoming a highly sought after skill around the world, as many regions implement legislation that requires equal access for people with disabilities. This course, and CKCS125 Web Accessibility Auditing and Reporting, are the first university level courses in digital accessibility for IT professionals in Canada and around the world.
This course focuses on teaching essential technical accessibility skills for web development professionals. Developers who are looking for a competitive advantage in the job market, can gain that advantage with this course. The course also provides skills and knowledge necessary for those going on to certification as a Web Accessibility Specialist.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact us at ce@torontomu.ca.