Accessibility Training Sessions – Digital Accessibility Project

These trainings are provided by the VCCS. If you are unable to attend a session live, the recordings will be available.

Drop-In Accessibility Support Labs with Page Durham

No registration required — all sessions use the same Zoom link.

Drop in for one-on-one support with accessibility, AI tools, or DOJ Title II compliance. Each session includes a focus topic, but all questions and materials are welcome at any time.

Open to all VCCS faculty and staff — no registration needed
Come anytime during the listed window.
Bring a file, question, or course item you’d like reviewed.

Open Lab Zoom Link for all Sessions

Date	Time	Topic
Tues., Nov 25	12 PM – 4 PM	Excel & Google Sheets Convert spreadsheets into accessible PDFs
Tues., Dec 2	10 AM – 2 PM	UDOIT Advantage Deep Dive Interpret UDOIT reports and improve Canvas content
Wed., Dec 3	9 AM – 2 PM	Accessible PDFs & PAVE Hands-on practice tagging scanned/untagged PDFs
Thur., Dec 4	2 PM – 6 PM	Google Workspace & Grackle Check Docs, Slides, and Sheets for accessibility
Tues., Dec 9	9 AM – 2 PM	STEM Accessibility Address formulas, simulations, and STEM tools
Thur., Dec 11	3 PM – 7 PM	AI for Accessibility Use Gemini and Copilot for alt text, transcripts, and simplification
Mon., Dec 15	12 PM – 5 PM	Accessible Forms (Google & MS) Build WCAG-compliant online forms; avoid PDF pitfalls
Tues., Dec 16	1 PM – 5 PM	Accessible Emails Create inclusive emails with structure and alt-texted logos
Wed., Dec 17	9 AM – 2 PM	Canva & Visual Design Checks Design flyers/graphics with proper contrast and alt text
Thur., Dec 18	3 PM – 7 PM	Building Accessible Courses Use UDOIT, headings, and AI strategies for compliance
Mon., Dec 22	9 AM – 2 PM	Open Clinic Bring any document or Canvas page for live help
Tues., Dec 23	3 PM – 7 PM	PDF & Document Remediation Clinic Get step-by-step support using PAVE, Acrobat, or Grackle
Mon., Jan 5	9 AM – 2 PM	Accessibility Refresher & Next Steps Kick off 2026 with updated guidance and checklists

Ongoing Sessions

Ongoing: Canvas Accessibility with UDOIT Advantage
Offered throughout the academic year by NOVA’s Canvas & Educational Technology Support Services team. Register for a UDOIT session.

FIX IT Sessions by NOVA (Deeper dive into Canvas and UDOIT) might hit the mark for you.

Asynchronous Sessions (anytime anywhere using Go2Knowledge)

Go2Knowlege requires logging in with your MyVWCC credentials.

How to use Go2Knowledge: Text Instructions | How to use Go@Knowledge: Video Instructions

Recorded Sessions

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Describe Labelled Images in Exam Questions

When using labelled images in exams (e.g., diagrams with parts marked A, B, C), it’s important to ensure screen reader users have equal access to the information.

Here are the recommendations for describing labelled images:

Describe the overall image clearly. For example: “This is a diagram of the human brain with five parts labelled A through E.”
Avoid giving away the answer. Do not describe what each label represents, just state that parts are labelled. For example: “Label A points to a section in the lower left of the brain.” (Only if spatial reference is critical.)
Refer to labels consistently in your question: For example: “Which part (A-E) is responsible for memory function?”
Use alt text or a text description:
- If the platform allows, enter alt text with a neutral description (as above).
- If more detail is needed, provide a separate long description or offer the labelled parts in a text list format as an accommodation.
- For Canvas Exams: Upload the labelled image and use the image options to enter alt text like: “Diagram of a cell with five parts labelled A to E. Refer to these labels in the question below.”

The key is to describe what the student needs to know to answer the question — without giving away the answer; and ensure that screen reader users get the same context.