5 Free Awesome Resources to Start Learning Accessibility!
Tags: a11y, beginners, codenewbie, webdev
Published: 2021-09-18 15:43:06

If it is your goal to start learning about accessibility, any one of these resources could help you on your journey!  They are beginner level and most importantly free!  Learning accessibility is not only beneficial for you, but it also benefits your friends, your place of business, and society!  It was made abundantly clear how much accessibility is needed in technology during the quarantine, when many people were unable to have physical access to resources without using the web. In terms of social inclusion accessibility also support people in rural areas, people in developing countries, and older people. All-in-all getting a start on learning accessibility is helpful for everyone.     

## W3C Web Accessibility Initiative's [Introduction to Web Accessibility](https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-intro/)

"_When websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them._"

### Key points:
- Strong introduction to what accessibility is including examples of different types of disabilities.
- Helpful resources for going further into accessibility throughout.
- Short videos to help with explanations.

## [A11y 101](https://a11y-101.com/)

"_The goal is to make it as easy as possible for people who use assistive technology like screen reader software while also pointing out how things will change the web experience._"

### Key points:
- Use of scenarios in explaining accessibility and bias toward disabilities.
- Writing style is conversational and easy to understand.
- Covers base topics in Design and Development to start working toward creating accessible content and code. 

## Udacity:[Web Accessibility by Google](https://www.udacity.com/course/web-accessibility--ud891)

_"In this course you’ll get hands-on experience making web applications accessible."_

### Key points:
- This course is lesson based.
- Video based some times featuring additional text based information.
- Gives reference and resources on specific topics that videos are talking to.
- Covers a base in Development needs, but is good for anyone looking to learn about accessibility.

## Coursera: [An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design](https://www.coursera.org/learn/accessibility)

"_This course introduces some of the fundamental principles of accessibility and prepares learners for further study in accessibility and inclusive design._"

### Key points:
- Enrollment is similar to auditing a class.
- Breaks course up into a 4 week learning schedule.
- Video based, with reading and practices exercises (quizzes).
- Course covers a base understanding of disabilities and what accessibility is, legal parameters, POUR and WCAG 2.0, and material that need to be considered for accessibility.

_Course is offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign._

## Coursera: [Introduction to Accessible Web Development, a guided project](https://www.coursera.org/projects/introduction-to-accessible-web-development)

_A guided project, where you will learn the basics of accessible web development._

### Key points:
- Project based for learning accessible web development.
- Use of an online IDE, featuring a side-by-side video tutorial.
- Listed as intermediate
- Topics covered:
  - Assistive Technology
  - Semantic HTML
  - Focus / Tab Index
  - Basic ARIA usage

_Is offered by coursera project network._