Accessibility Guidelines for Staff Training

Introduction

What are guidelines? Guidelines are statements that help people to know what to do, and what not to do.

These guidelines have been made to ensure that training for staff at Red River College Polytechnic is accessible. The guidelines have been made by people with disabilities and people who work closely with the disability community, as well as a staff team.

Guidelines are not laws and they are not made to punish anyone. They are meant to help organizers and presenters to become better at providing accessible training.

Although this focuses on training delivered by the Centre for Learning and Program Excellence, other departments at RRC Polytech that deliver training to staff are strongly encouraged to meet these guidelines as well.

10 Top Accessibility Tips for Facilitators

1. Review your presentation materials and update them where needed ensuring that the material is accessible.
2. Learn how to use the Accessibility Checker on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.
3. Be open and ready to share your materials 5 days in advance, upon request, so that the learner can re-format them or preview them as needed for accessibility.
4. Ensure you have completed the RRC Polytech Accessible Customer Service training course, as mandated by the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
5. Know your venue by coming to your session early and find how it can be adapted for accessibility (e.g. tables, chairs, technology etc.)
6. Pay attention to your presentation style and instructional techniques to ensure that you do not create unintended barriers for some. Ask for feedback, review any audits, and make enhancements as needed.
7. Become familiar with the concept of Universal Design for Learning and apply its core principles to your facilitation approach.
8. Learn what alt-text is, and start incorporating it into your materials where needed.
9. Have a service orientation and allow individuals to be empowered by asking, “how can I help”?
10. Don’t be afraid to address accessibility barriers. Most changes are small and practical, and people with disabilities know what they need and can work with you to problem-solve and make it happen!

For a more in-depth guideline regarding planning for Communication, Instructional Techniques, Presentation Materials, Venue and Food and Beverage please refer to the documents below.

Downloads

Guidelines (PDF Version)
Guidelines (Excel Version)

Feedback and questions about these guidelines are welcomed. Please contact us today ›