About Community Learning

The Community Learning service delivered by HeakeSpeak includes the Accessible Literacy and Community Resilience projects, which focus on community preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as workshops to improve digital and customary literacy. By combining accessibility and resilience efforts, we aim to help communities build the capacity to withstand and recover from disruptions, strengthening their long-term resilience.

We are currently evaluating the following LMSs: Google Classroom, Docebo, and Canvas. The LMS's accessibility and the vendor's level of support will be the deciding factors for us. Note that courses will be created based on demand. If you have a course you would like to see created, please send email to George@heakespeak.org.

The tentative courses offered are as follows:

Digital Inclusion and Literacy Objective: To build community members' skills in navigating digital environments and improve digital accessibility for all.

  • Introduction to Digital Inclusion and Barriers

  • Basic Digital Skills and Internet Safety

  • Overview and Use of Assistive Technologies

  • Creating Accessible Digital Content

  • Strategies for Improving Digital Literacy

Inclusive Design Thinking Objective: To foster inclusivity in design by applying the principles of inclusive design to all design fields. Introduction to inclusive design principles and practices through practical applications in architecture, urbanism, and digital design. Hands-on experience, case studies, collaborative work with multiple stakeholders, and practical strategies for applying inclusive design principles in community settings.

Cultural Competency and Awareness:

  • Build knowledge of diverse cultures and their effect on accessibility.

  • Introduction to cultural competency and diversity

  • Cultural influences on accessibility and communication

  • Workshops on cultural awareness and overcoming biases.

  • Culturally capable communication strategies with individuals with disabilities and their advocates

  • Best practices for incorporating cultural competency.

Crisis Communication Strategies Objective: To provide the community with the ability to communicate succinctly and effectively during a crisis. Progression: Succinct. Accessible tools and techniques. Accessible crisis communication plans. Practical training, scenario exercises, assessment, and evaluation of communication strategies.

Advocacy and Policy Education: The objectives of this module are to help participants understand advocacy and public policy, design inclusionary policies, and represent their community. Areas covered include advocacy fundamentals, policymaking, legislation, strategic advocacy and mobilization, lobbying and working with policymakers, and policy briefs.

Community engagement and participation Objective:

  • Support the active participation of marginalized communities in local decision-making.

  • Introduction to community engagement and barriers

  • Tools and processes to ensure inclusive engagement

  • Building leadership and participation skills

  • Easing inclusive decision-making

  • Sustaining long-term community engagement

Objective for inclusive disaster preparedness and resilience training:

  • Overview of disaster risks and preparedness process. Inclusive disaster preparedness planning and community involvement.

  • Building resilience of the most vulnerable Accessible disaster communicators and evacuation plans , monitoring and evaluation of inclusive disaster preparedness and resilience-building actions