{"id":11695,"date":"2026-05-06T10:03:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/?p=11695"},"modified":"2026-05-06T10:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:03:00","slug":"global-accessibility-awareness-day-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2026\/05\/06\/global-accessibility-awareness-day-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The 21st of May is the <a href=\"https:\/\/accessibility.day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)<\/a>. This annual event highlights the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion. GAAD promotes the principle that everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities, should have equal access to technology and digital content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are taking this opportunity to promote and remind staff about their responsibilities with regards to creating accessible online resources, and to reintroduce some helpful tools that can be used in the process to assist learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><em>It&#8217;s about giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accessibility is not optional or &#8220;nice to have&#8221;, it is a legal requirement and a necessity in today&#8217;s digital landscape. By embracing it, you can create a more welcoming and supportive learning environment that benefits all learners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>C.H.I.L.L <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Colour &amp; Contrast. Headings &amp; Content. Images. Links. Language<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great place to start is by watching our video below, in which we cover five crucial accessibility principles and things you should consider when creating accessible resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"C.H.I.L.L Accessibility Principles\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1069285043?h=19578eb476&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"439\" height=\"247\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Having C.H.I.L.L in mind when creating new or updating old resources will help you make accessible and easy to navigate content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Microsoft&#8217;s<\/strong> <strong>Accessibility Checker<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned in the C.H.I.L.L video, Microsoft 365 has an <a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-us\/office\/improve-accessibility-with-the-accessibility-checker-a16f6de0-2f39-4a2b-8bd8-5ad801426c7f\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accessibility Checker<\/a> built in to help you make your resources accessible. It is available in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote, among others. The Accessibility Checker scans the resource for potential accessibility issues, such as missing alternative text for images, bad heading structure, unclear slide reading order, hard to read text, and more. You can find out how to use the tool in our <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2021\/05\/21\/acc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accessibility Checker blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not following the C.H.I.L.L Principles, or using the Accessibility Checker, can make it more difficult for learners to access course materials and be successful in their studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Accessibility Essentials<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of your CPD, we encourage you to complete our <a href=\"https:\/\/staffzone.loucoll.ac.uk\/course\/view.php?id=719\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accessibility Essentials<\/a> course, which is a part of our <a href=\"https:\/\/staffzone.loucoll.ac.uk\/course\/index.php?categoryid=191\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Learning Essentials Pathway<\/a>. The training is designed to equip new and old staff with the necessary skills to create accessible resources and check the accessibility of older online content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This training course covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:1px\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The C.H.I.L.L Accessibility Principles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to check the accessibility of resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to implement changes to make resources accessible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Different accessibility tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Tools for Learners<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all learners declare if and when they have a support need, so, alongside making all your teaching materials accessible, you should actively promote the tools learners can use to support themselves. There is a wealth of options available in Microsoft 365 apps, Teams, and LearnZone. Follow the links below to find out more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:1px\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2021\/05\/24\/immersive-reader\/\">Immersive Reader<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2026\/05\/05\/dictate-and-transcribe-for-assessment-feedback-and-professional-discussions\/\">Dictate and Transcribe<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2022\/03\/03\/how-i-proofread-my-assignments-a-student-case-study\/\">Read Aloud<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/2022\/02\/08\/learnzone-accessibility-blackboard-ally\/\">Blackboard Ally: Alternative Formats<\/a> (in LearnZone).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/office\/use-live-captions-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-4be2d304-f675-4b57-8347-cbd000a21260\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Transcripts &amp; Live Captions in Teams Meetings<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/staffzone.loucoll.ac.uk\/course\/view.php?id=734#section-4\">Wayground Accommodations<\/a> &#8211; Make your quizzes and learning activities more accessible for all students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/helpdesk.loucoll.ac.uk\/knowledgebase\/accessibility-welcome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Helpdesk<\/a> has a dedicated Accessibility section. It is also linked on the Student Dashboard and at the bottom of LearnZone under the &#8220;Help &amp; Support&#8221; icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch the video below, from the UK Microsoft expert team, on five of the best accessibility features in Microsoft 365:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Accessibility in Microsoft 365 | Top 5 Features\" width=\"439\" height=\"247\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_RsfwCIRVXM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">GAAD highlights the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion. As educators, it\u2019s essential to embrace accessibility and create teaching materials and learning environments that support all students, regardless of their abilities or impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to continue developing your understanding of accessibility and explore the range of tools available, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/category\/news\/accessibility\/\">more of our other accessibility blogs here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Help and Support<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/files\/2021\/06\/GettyImages-1271748762-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Message icon\" class=\"wp-image-6229 size-full\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>As always, contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/contact-us\/\" data-type=\"mailto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Learning Team<\/a> for more information, guidance, and support. You can also book a coaching session here:&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.loucoll.ac.uk\/digital-learning-coaching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Learning Coaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 21st of May is the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). This annual event highlights the importance of digital accessibility and inclusion. GAAD promotes the principle that everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities, should have equal access to technology and digital content. We are taking this opportunity &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":11715,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[181],"tags":[231,241,242],"class_list":["post-11695","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessibility","tag-accessibility","tag-gaad","tag-global-accessibility-awareness-day"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/133"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11695"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11773,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11695\/revisions\/11773"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.loucoll.ac.uk\/learningtechnology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}