Summary
Deque U is a self-paced learning resource for digital accessibility, which can help you produce documents (Microsoft Word docs, spreadsheets, PDFs, etc) that are easier to use. The learning materials go beyond information about requirements to explain how one can make one's documents work better for all users.
Getting Access to Deque U
Access to Deque U is underwritten by SUNY. You can get an account by browsing to "DEQUE UNIVERSITY AT SUNY" on the SUNY Center for Professional Development website, and clicking 'Request A Deque Account.' (Accounts are created on a weekly basis, so plan ahead to request access before you need it.)
Once you've been notified that you have access, you can log in at Deque University. Your username will be your GCC email address. You will need to keep track of your own password - Deque does not use GCC's or SUNY's single-sign-on.
Using Deque U
Getting Started
For most users, the best place to start is with one or more of the courses in the "Fast Track" curriculum. (Deque U is organized as 'courses' which are part of a 'curriculum.') Browse the 'Fast Track' curriculum on your member landing page and look for the courses most appropriate for your role.
(If you are in a student- or public-facing role, you may find it helpful to complete the 'Customer Service for People with Disabilities' curriculum.)
We suggest not completing the PDF course until after you've taken one or more courses for the software you normally use. Note also that the Editing and Accessibility Testing features in Acrobat may not be available in the version of Acrobat installed on your workstation. Installing the full version of Acrobat may entail cost to your department. If you have a work need to edit PDFs for accessibility conformance, you should discuss the need with your supervisor and request a license for Acrobat Professional.
Using Deque U as a Reference
No one expects you to memorize accessibility rules or solutions on your first pass through the course materials. For that reason, we suggest treating Deque U as a reliable reference for creating more accessible and usable documents.
If you find yourself facing a new task (for example, ensuring that the PowerPoint deck you're creating will be accessible by users with visual disabilities), you can log in to Deque U to review the course on PowerPoint accessibility.
Completion Tracking and Evaluation
Deque keeps track of which courses you've completed, and offers basic evaluations you can use to test knowledge.
Evaluations are non-mandatory, and GCC does not at this time look at results or track your completion status. They are offered as a way for you to improve your own accessibility and office software skills.
However, successful completion of evaluations allows you to share a completion certification, suitable for sharing on LinkedIn.
Professional Accessibility Certifications
If you choose, you can use Deque U resources to study for exams offered by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). (Note that GCC does not at this time have a policy regarding whether you can be reimbursed for the cost of IAAP certification. If you wish to pursue IAAP certification as professional development, you should discuss it with your manager. For more information, see the IAAP Certification Quick Guide.)