Foundations of Accessibility Certificate Program
Time limit: 365 days
2.5 credits
Full course description
Program summary:
The Foundations of Accessibility Certificate Program is entirely web-based and consists of four course units each culminating with an applied assignment that relates to your community, organization, or agency. This course of study provides you with the opportunity to receive individualized feedback from knowledgeable instructors who review the elements of your portfolio.
Program schedule
Students have the option to complete the certificate as a cohort or as an individual.
Cohort Option:
The cohort option is recommended for people who enjoy interactive, online learning and have the ability to complete the series within 3-4 months. The cohort option includes discussion forums and assignment deadlines. Register for the cohort version of this certificate here.
Individual Option:
The individual option is recommended for people who work alone and prefer working at their own pace. Participants are required to complete the program 1 year from registration. The Eppley Institute recommends that you complete one course and all companion assignments each month to ensure maximum retention and connection of material.
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Define both disability and accessibility.
- Describe how these concepts relate to visitor engagement.
- Recognize the cross-disciplinary nature of providing equal access to and use of all areas, facilities, programs, and services in parks, recreation, and public lands by visitors with disabilities.
- Identify the legislation, regulations, and policies related to physical, electronic, and program accessibility.
- Apply standards and guidelines for physical accessibility in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of visitor facilities in ways that balance the need for accessible visitor experiences with the protection of natural and cultural resources.
- Apply standards and guidelines for program accessibility in the development and implementation of visitor activities, programs, materials, and services in ways that balance the need for accessible visitor experiences with the protection of natural and cultural resources.
- Develop and implement formal and informal evaluation methods to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations for both physical and program accessibility.
Program topics:
- Unit 1: Foundations of Accessibility micro-learning series:
- Historical Perceptions of Disability
- Disability Etiquette and Interaction Guidelines
- Accessibility vs. Usability
- Regulations for Service Animals and Mobility Devices
- Unit 2: Foundations of Accessible Recreation: Program Access
- Unit 3: Universal Design in Park and Recreation Environments
- Unit 4: Navigating the Standards for Accessible Design
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Four self-paced, self-study micro-learning e-courses
- Three self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Companion assignments, which allow you to apply what you have learned in the courses and are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- "Learn More" opportunities
- Engaging videos
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal assessment quizzes
- Final assessments
These unit modules are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and assignments for each unit module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all unit quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Recommended background
Foundations of Accessibility Certificate Program is intended for those who are new to the park and recreation profession or those who would like to refresh or bolster their existing knowledge of foundational accessibility concepts.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.