Overview
This course equips UX, UI and product professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to design accessible digital products that comply with global standards such as WCAG and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Learners explore the principles of inclusive design, understand assistive technologies and accessibility laws, and practice applying Level AA success criteria in real-world scenarios. The format is flexible and online with tutor support.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- Basic familiarity with digital product design, UX, UI or product development (helpful but not essential).
- An interest in building inclusive, compliant user experiences.
- Ability to complete online, self-paced study (approx. 12–16 hours total).
Target Audience
This course is designed for:
- UX, UI and product designers integrating accessibility into everyday workflows.
- Product managers/owners seeking a strong foundation in accessibility principles.
- Design and product teams aiming to create compliant and inclusive experiences.
Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain why digital accessibility matters and describe how people with disabilities use digital products.
- Interpret and apply key accessibility standards (WCAG; awareness of the European Accessibility Act).
- Plan and conduct basic accessibility research, audits and usability testing with assistive tech users.
- Design interfaces that meet WCAG 2.x Level AA across colour, typography, structure, navigation, media and forms.
- Advocate for accessibility and build stakeholder buy‑in within their organisation.
Outline
Module 1 — Introduction to accessibility
- Why accessibility matters: inclusion, legal and commercial drivers.
- Assistive technologies and how people with disabilities interact with digital products.
Module 2 — Accessibility guidelines and laws
- Overview of WCAG principles (POUR) and conformance levels.
- Key regulations and policies including the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Module 3 — Research and testing for accessibility
- Conducting accessibility audits; planning research with people with disabilities.
- Tools and techniques for evaluating accessibility (e.g., screen readers, contrast checkers).
Module 4 — Designing for accessibility
- Applying all Level AA success criteria across real design scenarios.
- Patterns and anti‑patterns for forms, navigation, media, error handling and focus states.
Module 5 — Advocating for accessibility
- Building a business case and gaining stakeholder buy‑in.
- Embedding accessibility into product and design processes.
Exams and Assessments
There is a final assessment at the end of the course to validate learning outcomes. This includes a knowledge check covering key standards (e.g., WCAG) and applied design decisions. Learners who successfully complete the assessment will receive the course certificate. This assessment is 40 minutes in duration.
Hands-On Learning
- Practical exercises to apply accessibility principles to real interface components and flows.
- Guided audits using common tools and assistive technologies.
- Opportunities to review and iterate designs to meet Level AA conformance.
- Learners will receive 3 months of access to the course's digital content and resources to support ongoing application in the workplace.
What's included
- Exam included
- Dedicated tutor support via email during your course from expert instructors
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.