Accessibility in Government: Getting Started

Explore the basics of accessibility with Government Digital Service

Learn how to create more accessible and inclusive public services. This two-week course covers key principles, legislation, and real-world practices for designing accessible government services.

Through case studies, you’ll learn to recognise common barriers to accessibility, and discover actionable ways to foster equality and inclusion in your organisation.

Understand accessibility fundamentals in government

Build a solid foundation in accessibility concepts and UK standards relevant to public service. Learn why digital accessibility is essential and how it underpins the effectiveness of government services for all.

Explore the principles behind inclusive service design and legislation and see how common barriers affect people’s experiences.

Apply inclusive design to services and policies

Develop key skills to recognise exclusion in digital, physical, and policy environments. You’ll assess and redesign services so that everyone, including disabled and neurodiverse users, can access them with ease.

Through new practical frameworks, you’ll implement inclusive design across teams and projects. With guidance on how to involve users in testing, gathering feedback, and refining services for real-world accessibility.

Build a culture of inclusion in the public sector

Examine how workplace attitudes and behaviours shape accessibility outcomes. Discover new ways to identify steps leaders and staff can take to embed inclusion across teams, programs, and departments. With these new strategies, you’ll create sustainable, inclusive practices in all aspects of government work.

Whether you work directly on digital products, service delivery, or policy, you’ll build confidence applying accessibility standards and inclusive design to deliver services that empower everyone.

Open to all backgrounds, this course is ideal for anyone working in or with the government who wants to enhance accessibility and inclusion in their services, policies, or workplace.

Open to all backgrounds, this course is ideal for anyone working in or with the government who wants to enhance accessibility and inclusion in their services, policies, or workplace.

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the key principles of accessibility
• Demonstrate awareness of different disabilities and access needs and how to adapt content to enable digital accessibility
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of accessibility legislation and legal requirements