Disability Inclusion in Public Health: How We Can Strengthen Workforce Capacity

I had the pleasure of watching the recent NACCHO webinar “Embedding Disability Inclusion in Public Health: Strategies to Strengthen Systems and Workforce Capacity.”

Their Health and Disability team conducted a landscape analysis to identify systems-level strategies that help local health departments (LHDs) build workforce capacity and embed disability expertise into core public health practices.

Today, I’m sharing key takeaways and resources from the webinar, along with their applications to my work in public health instructional design, with a special interest in accessibility.

Professional Development, AdvocacyLeah RomanAugust 12, 2025accessibility, disability, Public health, webinar, Professional DevelopmentComment

New Podcast Interview Drop: How to Make Online Learning Accessible

I’m happy to share my new interview on The Public Health Joy Podcast: How to Make Online Learning Accessible.

Podcast InterviewLeah RomanAugust 1, 2025accessibility, Teaching, e-Learning, Podcasts, Public healthComment

Why I Removed GIFs From My E-Learning Instructional Design Portfolio

Earlier this year, I conducted an accessibility audit on my own instructional design portfolio. I initially created the online content a few years ago, and like many people, I thought the inclusion of Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)s would be fun and engaging for visitors.

However, when I revisited the portfolio with an accessibility lens, I had multiple concerns about the GIFs and removed them. Visit today’s post to learn why!

RPH Services, EducationalLeah RomanMay 13, 2025Public health, e-Learning, Instructional Design, Portfolio, accessibilityComment

The Tools You’ll Find on My Desk for an Instructional Design Accessibility Audit

I recently completed an instructional design accessibility audit for one of my clients. This type of audit assesses how well online educational resources line up with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, which makes content more accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities.

As I dove into the project, I laughed at the growing pile of reference tools and documents on my desk. So, I thought it would be fun to share my “Go To” resources!

RPH ServicesLeah RomanMarch 12, 2025accessibility, Instructional Design, e-Learning, Public healthComment

Three Tips for Writing Effective Alt Text in your Online Learning Content

A few weeks ago I posted about Alternative Text (Alt Text) on LinkedIn. I included a poll where I asked my connections and followers: “How well do you/your organization use Alt Text in your online learning and communication efforts?”

One hundred percent of respondents told me that they do not consistently use Alt Text.

So I thought this would be a great topic for a blog post!

EducationalLeah RomanFebruary 11, 2025Public health, Instructional Design, e-Learning, accessibilityComment

Accessibility Summer Camp: Key E-Learning Takeaways and Resources

I’ve been pretty jealous of my kids so far this summer. They are enjoying all kinds of amazing camps, including sports broadcasting, theater, pickleball, and nature and hiking camps.

Thankfully, I got to attend my own day of camp last month! Accessibility Summer Camp is a free conference hosted by Wichita State University (WSU Tech) and organized with help from educators and business professionals from around the state of Kansas.

I had the pleasure of attending three sessions and want to share some of the key takeaways and resources that I will be integrating into my instructional design and e-learning work.