Microcredentials earned from UMBC can be integrated into Sites. Learn more about how to embed a microcredential integration here, and visit microcredentials.umbc.edu to learn more about microcredentials in general.
Below are the Digital Accessibility badges available from completing trainings on Silktide!
Silktide Foundations
Silktide enables website owners and editors across the university to identify, understand, and address accessibility issues, in line with UMBC’s commitment to inclusive digital experiences and compliance with federal accessibility standards.
By completing two Silktide Academy modules, Getting Started with Silktide and The Accessibility Module, learners gain familiarity with the platform’s core features and concepts, including automated and assisted accessibility checks, issue prioritization, report interpretation, and ongoing monitoring of website improvements. Participants also learn how to assign and annotate accessibility tasks, use the Inspector tool, and initiate on-demand testing for their UMBC webpages.
This microcredential demonstrates that the earner can navigate the Silktide platform, interpret accessibility findings, and explain how these tools support compliance with WCAG 2.2 and Title II of the ADA. Completion of this training is required to unlock full access to Silktide reports and dashboards for assigned UMBC websites.
Accessible Web Content Essentials
This microcredential recognizes foundational knowledge of digital accessibility principles and practices for creating inclusive web content. Through engaging, easy-to-follow modules from Silktide Academy, including Intro to Web Accessibility, What in the World is WCAG, and the Don’t Be Afraid Of… series, learners explore how people of varying abilities navigate the web and how thoughtful content design improves usability for all.
Participants gain a working understanding of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) and how these principles, Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust, translate into everyday content creation. Topics include writing clear and semantically structured text, crafting effective alternative text, designing accessible links and forms, and ensuring appropriate color contrast and visual hierarchy.
This microcredential demonstrates that the earner can identify common accessibility barriers, explain core accessibility standards, and apply recognized best practices when producing or editing content on UMBC’s digital platforms. Completion of this badge supports UMBC’s ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It serves as a prerequisite for access to website editing within the Sites@UMBC platform.