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Digital Fluency Learning Series: Cores Skills of Digital Accessibility
					
 Oct 27, 2026 
 12:00PM to 1:30PM

									

				

					Event Categories   Learning & Development				

			


	

	

		

			

				

					

						

														

															

						

						

	

		


	Date/Time

	Date(s) - 27/10/2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm







McMaster’s Digital Fluency Learning Series is a multi-part educational program hosted by the university’s Human Resources Services department in collaboration with partners from across our community. This series helps faculty and staff build essential technology and data skills. The sessions feature subject-matter experts guiding attendees through live online workshops and Q&A sessions.




Core Skills of Digital Accessibility explores practical strategies for creating inclusive digital content that is accessible to people with disabilities and more usable for everyone. Through demonstrations, McMaster-ecosystem examples, and discussion, participants will learn foundational accessibility concepts and develop seven core skills for creating accessible documents, presentations, visuals, and multimedia content using Microsoft 365 tools. Topics include headings and lists, fonts and hyperlinks, tables, alternative text, colour contrast, and accessible video and audio practices. Participants will leave with actionable techniques to integrate accessibility into everyday workflows and support more equitable digital experiences.


Learning Outcomes


    

  • Understand the importance of digital accessibility and inclusive design.
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  • Recognize common accessibility barriers in digital environments.
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  • Apply seven core accessibility practices when creating digital content.
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  • Create more accessible documents, presentations, visuals, and multimedia resources.
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  • Incorporate accessibility considerations into existing workflows and processes.
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Presenter: Jessica Blackwood





Jessica Blackwood is an accessibility and digital content specialist at McMaster University who supports accessible technology, web, and media initiatives in higher education. As an Accessible Digital Media Specialist and leader within the Faculty of Science, Jessica works with faculty, staff, and institutional partners to improve the accessibility of websites, documents, presentations, multimedia, and digital learning environments. Her work focuses on translating accessibility standards into practical, sustainable workflows that support disability inclusion and equitable access to information. Jessica is passionate about helping content creators build accessibility skills and embedding inclusive design practices across the digital landscape.