Designing Learning for Accessibility

Practical approaches to accessible, engaging and inclusive learning design

Tuesday 9 June, 10.00–4.00 (with a one-hour lunch break) | Online via Zoom | £149

Designing Learning for Accessibility is a practical, reflective course for anyone who designs or delivers learning and wants to create environments where more people can participate, engage and succeed.

Many educators, facilitators and managers recognise the frustration of seeing learners disengage, struggle quietly, or hold back because something in the learning environment isn’t working for them. This course is designed for those who want to address that: not through guesswork or one-size-fits-all solutions, but through thoughtful, accessible learning design.

The course offers a clear framework for understanding learners’ emotional, cognitive and social needs in order for them to participate fully. Participants explore how accessibility, engagement and wellbeing are closely connected, and how small, intentional design choices can remove barriers before they appear.

Throughout the day, participants will work with well-established learning and wellbeing frameworks and translate them directly into their own practice.

In this course, you will:

• Explore what accessibility means in practice, beyond compliance
• Identify emotional, cognitive and environmental barriers to learning
• Design learning that supports confidence, autonomy and motivation
• Scaffold learning for groups with different starting points and needs
• Build flexibility into learning activities so people can engage in different ways
• Understand how wellbeing and psychological safety support learning
• Design learning environments that feel supportive, engaging and purposeful

Key frameworks explored include:

• Maslow – psychological safety, belonging and motivation
• Vygotsky – scaffolding and social learning
• Kolb – experiential and reflective learning
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – designing for variability
• PERMA – wellbeing and flourishing in learning

These frameworks are used as practical guides to support real design decisions, rather than as abstract theory.

Why attend

This course supports participants to think more clearly and confidently about learning design, particularly in creative, cultural and heritage contexts where groups, settings and access needs are often diverse. It offers practical ways to create learning environments that are accessible, engaging and responsive to the people in the room, whether that’s a workshop, classroom, training session or online space.

Participants will leave with greater clarity about how to design learning that supports participation, wellbeing and meaningful engagement, and with practical approaches that can be applied immediately in their own context.

Ideal for

Educators, facilitators, trainers, managers and anyone responsible for designing or delivering learning. This course is suitable for people working in education, training, community, cultural or workplace settings who want to create learning that feels welcoming, purposeful and human.

This course is developed by Artswork Professional Development and is designed with creative, cultural and heritage contexts in mind. While examples reflect these settings, the learning is relevant to a wide range of professional environments.

Cost: £149 per person
When: Tuesday 9 June, 10.00–4.00, Online via Zoom, with a lunch break

Career Development Support:

We understand that funding training opportunities can be challenging, especially during defining moments in your life or career.

At Artswork, we believe in investing in the future of our sector, and we want to support those who are passionate about safeguarding and cultural development. That’s why we offer our Career Development Support pricing.

We have reserved three places on each course at a 25% discount for individuals who could use a little extra financial support. If you feel this applies to you, please contact us at training@artswork.org.uk to explain your situation and receive the next steps.

All of our training courses are delivered using Zoom.

If you require further information or would like to discuss your needs in advance of the session, please contact us at training@artswork.org.uk

Can this training be delivered specifically for our organisation?

Yes! All of our training courses can be delivered either online or in person at a time and date that works best for your team. We’re happy to adapt the content to ensure it aligns with your organisation’s needs and priorities.

If you’d like to learn more or discuss your requirements, please get in touch with us at training@artswork.org.uk

*Read our course terms and conditions here.Important Notice:

Please note that any discounts must be applied at the checkout. They cannot be redeemed retrospectively once the transaction is complete.