What to Expect at ATD Intensive: Accessible Learning Design

You’re invited to join us at this year’s ATD Intensive! This unique virtual program is laser-focused on accessible learning design. Co-created with Diane Elkins and Sarah Mercier, ATD Intensive was carefully curated to help talent development professionals go beyond accessibility standards with intentional inclusive practices that remove barriers and ensure everyone can learn, regardless of their ability. Intensive participants will learn how to start integrating inclusion and accessibility into their design and facilitation practices right away. Each session will provide interactive opportunities, led by accessibility experts, to develop skills and strategies that remove barriers to learning. On November 2nd, participants will explore practical ways to enhance the accessibility of training content. Intensive attendees will identify potential challenges for neurodiverse learners and strategic design choices that benefit all learners. You’ll start creating audio descriptions with practice material, evaluate and choose color pairings, create layouts that maximize readability, and engage in a collective reflection designed to reinforce learning, create space for feedback and questions, and encourage action. On November 9th we’ll explore how to make audio accessible for deaf or hard of hearing individuals by examining the use of sign language interpreters, closed captions, and transcripts. We’ll also practice writing alt text, managing the focus order of content and navigational elements, and designing for assistive technology users. Before the day wraps, a community reflection will focus on troubleshooting and creating an accessibility action plan. November 16th explores redesigning in-person and virtual instructor-led training for inclusive engagement, testing the accessibility of your training materials, and optimizing learning environments. Plus, participants will learn how to gain stakeholder support and adopt a "progress over perfection" approach to their ongoing accessibility efforts. Register now at https://atdintensive.td.org/