Training Expectations and Required Practices

Commitment to Ongoing Learning 

Digital accessibility is an ongoing practice that evolves as technologies, tools, and standards change. EICC will support employees through practical training, clear guidance, and accessible resources. 

Training ensures employees have the knowledge and tools needed to create content that is usable, readable, and accessible for all students, employees, and community members. Accessibility training supports both compliance and the overall quality of communication and instruction across the college. 

Baseline Expectations for All Employees 

Employees who create or distribute digital content are expected to understand and apply basic accessibility practices as part of standard workflow. 

All employees must be familiar with: 

  • Use of structured headings and readable formatting. 
  • Adding alternative text to images and graphics. 
  • Creating accessible documents and presentations. 
  • Using descriptive hyperlinks. 
  • Avoiding inaccessible attachments when possible. 
  • Captioning requirements for video and multimedia. 
  • Use of built-in accessibility checkers. 

Accessibility must be incorporated as content is created and reviewed prior to distribution. 

Role-Specific Training 

Training expectations vary based on job responsibilities and the type of content created. 

Faculty must receive training related to: 

  • Canvas accessibility tools and practices. 
  • Accessible course design and structure. 
  • Captioning instructional video. 
  • Accessible document creation for course materials. 
  • Use of accessibility checkers prior to publishing content. 

Accessibility must be incorporated into course preparation and reviewed each term. 

Staff who create documents, communications, or reports must receive training in: 

  • Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel accessibility tools. 
  • Accessible PDF creation and remediation basics. 
  • Email accessibility and attachment practices. 
  • Use of descriptive hyperlinks and structured formatting. 
  • Accessibility review prior to distribution. 

Employees responsible for web or public-facing content must be familiar with: 

  • Web content structure and readability. 
  • Alternative text for images. 
  • Accessible document posting practices. 
  • Captioning requirements for embedded media. 
  • Linking to accessible web content instead of attachments when possible. 

Use of Accessibility Tools 

Accessibility tools provided within common college software must be part of standard content creation practice. 

These include: 

  • Microsoft Office Accessibility Checker (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) 
  • Adobe Acrobat Accessibility tools 
  • Canvas Accessibility Checker 
  • Captioning tools within approved video platforms 
  • Color contrast checking tools 

Accessibility checkers must be used before documents or materials are shared, posted, or distributed. 

While automated tools do not catch all issues, they provide an essential first review and help prevent common barriers. 

Training Delivery 

Accessibility training may be provided through a combination of: 

  • Internal professional development sessions. 
  • Online training modules. 
  • Department or role-specific workshops. 
  • Written guidance and reference materials. 
  • One-on-one or small group support when needed. 

Training will focus on practical application and integration into everyday work rather than technical or theoretical instruction alone. 

Integration into Workflow 

Accessibility must be a routine practice rather than treated as a separate task. 

Employees must: 

  • Use accessible templates when available. 
  • Build accessibility into new documents and materials. 
  • Review accessibility when updating or revising content. 
  • Address accessibility before materials are widely distributed. 
  • Seek assistance when questions arise. 

Over time, accessible content creation becomes more efficient and consistent as part of standard workflow. 

Continuous Improvement 

EICC recognizes that accessibility implementation is an ongoing process. As tools, standards, and institutional practices evolve, training and guidance will be updated accordingly. 

Employees are encouraged to: 

  • Participate in training opportunities. 
  • Stay informed about accessibility practices. 
  • Update materials as they are revised. 
  • Share questions or challenges. 
  • Support a culture of continuous improvement. 

Accessibility supports clarity, professionalism, and student success across all areas of the college.   

Support and Resources 

Employees who need assistance with accessibility practices must have access to: 

  • Institutional guidance and standards 
  • Accessibility tools and templates 
  • Training opportunities 
  • Support from designated offices or personnel 

Questions about accessibility will be addressed in a timely and supportive manner.