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IAAP Accessible Development Overview

This training will prepare the front-end developers to implement the accessibility standards and to embed them in their processes, minimizing the risks of retrofits.

Introduction to the Course

This course is designed to help developers build accessible websites, applications, and native mobile experiences. From HTML structure and ARIA roles to accessible JavaScript, CSS, and mobile screen reader support, each module builds foundational and advanced skills to help developers create inclusive user interfaces.

This course teaches the technical foundations developers need to build accessible websites and apps, starting with:

  • How browsers and assistive technologies communicate
  • The role of HTML and ARIA in accessible development
  • Practical coding strategies for building inclusive interfaces
  • When to use built-in HTML semantics vs. custom ARIA attributes
  • Resources to support you in testing and improving accessibility

Accessibility is not just a feature - it’s a mindset.

Course Topics

Module 1: Developer Foundations

  • Lesson 1: How the Web Works With Accessibility APIs
  • Lesson 2: What is HTML?
  • Lesson 3: What is ARIA?
  • Lesson 4: Think Like an Accessibility Engineer
  • Lesson 5: Use Your Resources

Module 2: HTML Semantics Overview

  • Lesson 1: Document Structure and Page Setup
  • Lesson 2: Landmarks and Page Regions
  • Lesson 3: Content Structure and Headings
  • Lesson 4: Lists and Grouping Content
  • Lesson 5: Tables and Data Presentation
  • Lesson 6: Forms and User Input
  • Lesson 7: Media and Visual Content
  • Lesson 8: Putting It All Together

Module 3: All About ARIA

  • Lesson 1: ARIA Roles and Semantic HTML Equivalents
  • Lesson 2: ARIA States and Properties
  • Lesson 3: Adding Interactivity with Custom ARIA Components
  • Lesson 4: Informing Users of Changes in Dynamic Applications

Module 4: Advanced Web Accessibility

  • Lesson 1: Advanced CSS for Accessibility
  • Lesson 2: Accessible JavaScript Patterns
  • Lesson 3: Responsive and Mobile Accessibility
  • Lesson 4: Accessibility Testing Beyond the Basics
  • Lesson 5: Accessibility in Design Systems and Frameworks

Module 5: Native Mobile Accessibility Basics

  • Lesson 1: How Mobile Screen Readers Work
  • Lesson 2: Labeling and Describing Elements
  • Lesson 3: Touch Targets and Navigation
  • Lesson 4: Accessible Forms and Inputs
  • Lesson 5: Basic Accessibility Testing on Devices
  • Lesson 6: Core Mobile Accessibility APIs (UIKit, SwiftUI, Android Views, Jetpack Compose)

Requirements

Before jumping in, we recommend completing the Fundamentals of Accessibility module. That foundational course introduces key concepts like:

  • What accessibility is and why it matters
  • Types of disabilities and their impact on technology use
  • How assistive technologies work
  • Why accessibility benefits all users
  • Legal and ethical frameworks for inclusive design
  • Core standards and guidelines: WCAG, ATAG, UAAG, and COGA
  • The POUR principles of accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust

With this foundation, your work in this course will be more impactful, grounded in empathy, and aligned with global best practices.

Additionally, to get the most out of this course, you should be comfortable with:

  • Basic HTML and CSS
  • JavaScript fundamentals
  • The idea of progressive enhancement

No accessibility experience is required—we’ll guide you through each concept clearly.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for:

  • Front-end and native developers at any level
  • Engineers working with JavaScript frameworks or custom components
  • Anyone writing HTML and CSS for public- or internal-facing digital products
  • Anyone creating native mobile applications
  • Teams building or maintaining UI components
  • Developers interested in inclusive, human-centered coding practices

Course Contributors

Headshot of Susana Pallero

Susana Pallero

Susana, CPWA, is a recognized digital accessibility professional with over a decade of experience, combining a technical and human-centered approach to building more accessible and inclusive digital environments. She has worked as a consultant for more than 20 Fortune 500 companies, contributing to the development of accessible solutions, inclusive product design, and training specialized accessibility teams.

Headshot of Jaunita Flessas

Jaunita Flessas

Jaunita, CPWA, ADS is an internationally-recognized digital accessibility leader with over 7 years of specialized expertise and 12 years of program management experience. As the Head of Technical Accessibility at Navy Federal Credit Union, she leads a team of 12 employees and oversees an Accessibility Task Force of 55+ volunteers while championing enterprise-wide accessibility initiatives.

Reviewer Acknowledgment

This training was reviewed by the following individuals, whose expertise and feedback were invaluable:

  • Dr. Monica Duhem - Director of the Global Advisory Center at G3ict
  • Beatriz González - Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion Central Europe, Atos
  • Nicolas Sandoval - Editor

Frequently Asked Questions

Do IAAP Members need to pay for the course? 

No, the course is free for active IAAP Members. Please contact iaapsupport@accessibilityassociation.org to be enrolled. Each IAAP member is eligible to take the course once. The course can not be reset, but learners are welcome to review the material as many times as they like while enrolled.

How long will the course take to complete? 

The course is self-paced, providing you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. The course will take about 5 hours to complete start to finish. Once enrolled, you will have one year to complete the course and receive your Certification of Completion.

Is this course eligible for IAAP Continuing Accessibility Education Credits (CAECs)?

Yes, if you currently hold the CPACC IAAP Certification this course could be used to earn up to 6 CAECs. If you complete this course prior to sitting for your exam, CAECs will not be awarded.

Will I receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course?

To receive a Digital Knowledge Badge, you are invited to take the Accessible Development Overview knowledge base test at the “Test Your Knowledge Website.” You must pass with an overall grade of 85% to be eligible for a Digital Knowledge Badge. The test costs US$ 25 for IAAP members and US$ 50 for professionals referred to us by our training partners.

I am having an issue accessing or navigating the course, who can I contact?

Please send a detailed e-mail to iaapsupport@accessibilityassociation.org outlining the issue you have found in the course. Our team will work as quickly as possible to have it resolved. The course discussion boards are not regularly monitored, so adding issues there will not prompt a quick response.

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.

See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.

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