Explore how accessibility is a crucial part of inclusive digital transformation! Learn the principles of digital accessibility, key standards like WCAG, and how to integrate accessible design and development practices into digital products and services. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, attendees will gain practical skills to create more inclusive digital experiences for all.
Course Overview Table
| Chapter | Details |
| Partner | INNOFEIT |
| Title | Accessibility-First Digital Transformation |
| Service | Course |
| Target Group | Professionals from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Public Sector Organizations (PSOs) dealing with digital content creation and management. |
| Format | In-Person Training |
| Focused on Key Technologies | Digitalization, Accessibility |
| Status | Ready to offer |
| Stakeholders from SME/PA Side | Organizations that should adhere to current and future legislation for accessibility of digital tools and services. |
| Requirements for Participation | No specific requirements |
| Estimated Duration | 4 days 4 hours per day (total of 16 hours) |
Description of the Course
According to the new Law on Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Institutions in Macedonia, PSOs are required to ensure that their digital services (web and mobile applications) are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. This legislation aligns with the EU Web Accessibility Directive, reflecting Macedonia’s commitment to harmonizing with European Union accessibility standards. As the country continues working toward full compliance with EU laws, this will also include eventual alignment with the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The EAA will require private sector organizations offering digital products and services to the public to meet accessibility standards by June 2025.
As digital transformation accelerates across the public and private sectors, ensuring digital accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a strategic, legal, and ethical imperative. This 4-day course is specifically designed for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Public Service Organizations (PSOs) seeking to make their digital products and content accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
Whether you’re managing a company website, offering digital public services, or delivering mobile and web applications, this course equips you with the essential knowledge to embed accessibility into your workflows and digital assets. You’ll gain a practical understanding of accessibility standards, learn how to assess and improve your existing resources, and discover how to integrate accessibility into ongoing digital initiatives.
The 4-day course will cover the following topics:
- Why Accessibility Matters in the Digital world?
- Understanding digital accessibility: what it is and why it matters?
- Common barriers faced by users with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments
- Universal design in the digital field
- The business, legal, and social case for accessible digital services
- The role of accessibility in digital innovation and inclusion
- Accessibility Standards and Compliance
- Overview of WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- Applying accessibility principles to websites, mobile/web apps, and services
- National and international legal frameworks: ( EN 301 549, ADA, EAA)
- Compliance risks and benefits for SMEs and PSOs
- Practical Accessibility for Digital Content and Platforms
- Making websites navigable, readable, and user-friendly for all
- Creating accessible digital documents (Word, PDF, PowerPoint)
- Best practices for accessible multimedia (captions, transcripts, audio descriptions)
- Quick wins and low-cost improvements for small teams and public bodies
- Building Accessibility into Your Digital Projects
- Incorporating accessibility into procurement, planning, and product development
- Aligning accessibility with agile and digital service design methodologies
- How to evaluate and test for accessibility (automated tools and manual techniques)
- Creating a sustainable accessibility strategy for your organization
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with actionable insights and tools to make their digital presence more inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant—helping their organization serve everyone, regardless of ability.
Additional Course Information
| Category | Details |
| Developed skills | Participants will acquire knowledge and skills, including: |
| Skill 1: Understand digital accessibility and its importance
Skill 2: Understand and apply WCAG standards to websites and apps Skill 3: Create accessible digital content Skill 4: Ensure compliance with accessibility laws Skill 5: Use automated and manual accessibility testing tool Skill 6: Develop a sustainable accessibility strategy for long-term compliance |
|
| Learning Methods Used | Lectures, hands-on exercises, group discussions |
| References/Resources | Research literature, online resources and lecture materials |
| Overview Slides | Supporting materials will be provided; available via the course platform or upon request |