These trainings are provided by the VCCS. If you are unable to attend a session live, the recordings will be available.
Accessibility Sessions for Faculty
Intro to Accessibility Basics (for Faculty) – September 9, 2025
This introductory session offers a clear and practical look at digital accessibility–what it means, why it’s essential, and how it affects both individuals and institutions. We’ll discuss its increasing relevance in education, touch on key U.S. legal requirements such as the ADA and Section 504/508, and highlight how accessible design creates a better experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. The session will also include a brief preview of the topics covered in the upcoming training series. No technical expertise is needed to participate.
Session Recording – Intro to Accessibility Basics (for Faculty)
Working with Images (for Faculty) – September 17, 2025
Explore how to write clear, effective descriptions for images, charts, diagrams, and lab setups. Practice examples across subjects and learn how to add descriptions in Word, PowerPoint, and Google Docs. Designed specifically for teaching faculty, this session covers alt text, decorative images, and practical tips for learner-friendly instructional design.
Session Recording – Working with Images (for Faculty)
Working with Videos (for Faculty) – September 30, 2025 at Noon
Discover how to make your instructional videos accessible to all students through effective use of closed captions and audio descriptions. Understand why captions and transcripts are essential. Learn how to create, edit, and add captions to lecture recordings, and ensure video players are accessible to all students. This session will provide faculty with practical strategies to create learner-friendly and engaging video content.
- Session Recording – Working with Videos (for Faculty)
- Creating accessible emails in outlook
- See a demo of Jaws – Screen Reader – in action
On-Page Content (for Faculty) – October 28, 2025 at Noon
Discover best practices for structuring content — headings, lists, tables, and links — so materials are clear and easy to navigate with assistive technologies. This session will help faculty design on-page content that is both effective and accessible in instructional settings.
Register for On-Page Content
Creating Accessible PDFs (for Faculty) – November 4, 2025 at 11 am
Discover how to create and use accessible PDFs that support all learners in your courses. Gain practical skills for creating accessible PDFs, from proper tagging and reading order to exporting from Word/PowerPoint and checking accessibility with built-in tools. This session will guide faculty through practical steps to ensure instructional materials are easy to navigate and effective for every student.
Register for Accessible PDFs
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.
Accessibility Sessions for Staff
Working with Images (for Staff) – September 22, 2025 at 11 AM
Staff Registration for Working with Images
Explore how to write clear, effective descriptions for images, charts, diagrams, and lab setups. Practice examples across subjects and learn how to add descriptions in Word, PowerPoint, and Google Docs.Designed for staff and administrators, this session covers alt text, decorative images, and practical tips for accessible reports, presentations, emails, and other materials.
Working with Video (for Staff) – October 9, 2025 at 11 AM
Session Recording – Working with Video (Staff)
Learn how to ensure your videos are accessible to all audiences by using closed captions and audio descriptions effectively. Understand why captions and transcripts are essential. Learn how to create, edit, and add captions to lecture recordings, and ensure video players are accessible to all students. This session will guide staff and administrators in applying practical strategies for accessible video content across reports, presentations, training, and communications.
On-Page Content (for Staff) – October 22, 2025 at 11 AM
Staff Registration for On-Page Content
Discover best practices for structuring content — headings, lists, tables, and links — to ensure your reports, presentations, and communications are clear, professional, and accessible to all audiences. This session provides practical strategies to make your content more effective and user-friendly.
Creating Accessible PDFs (for Staff) – November 12, 2025 at 10 AM
Staff Registration for On-Page Content
Gain practical skills for creating accessible PDFs, from proper tagging and reading order to exporting from Word/PowerPoint and checking accessibility with built-in tools.
Asynchronous Sessions (anytime anywhere using Go2Knowledge)
Go2Knowlege requires logging in with your MyVWCC credentials.
- “Compliance: Implementing the Latest D.O.J. Digital Accessibility Guidelines on Campus”
- “Universal Design & Digital Accessibility in Online Courses: A Guide to D.O.J. Compliance”
How to use Go2Knowledge: Text Instructions | How to use Go@Knowledge: Video Instructions
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.
- Office of Disability Services Home
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Contact Us
Hillary Holland, LPC
Disability Counselor/ADA Coordinator
hholland@virginiawestern.edu
540-857-6488
Chris Porter, MS
Dean of Learning Resources & Online Learning
Brown Library B105
cporter@virginiawestern.edu
540-857-6697