Accessibility Guidelines and Resources

ADA Compliance Introduction Guide for Faculty

Student Accessibility Services

Accessible Announcements, Discussions, Videos, and Course Resources

Other Considerations (not related to Student Interaction)

• • • Keep descriptors for locating content consistent when creating alternate versions. Script button should always be in the same place on the screen. The script should have the same format.

    • A script is included when end users (e.g. students, instructors) can upload content, allow and facilitate alternatives for non-text content, or an alternate assignment needs to be created, such as podcasting.

    • Use tables only when necessary and merged cells are not allowed.

    • No drag and drop activities.

    • If the image represents a control or a link, the link is provided in text form.

    • A descriptive text transcript OR audio description audio track is provided for non-live, web-based video and all other multimedia projects.

    • Keep descriptors for locating content consistent when creating alternate versions. Script button should always be in the same place on the screen. The script should have the same format.

    • Hyperlink text should provide a clear description of the link destination instead of providing only the URL.

    • Interactive pieces must be able to be navigated with the arrow keys along with or as an alternative to using the mouse. Any Multimedia activities that are navigated using only the mouse are prohibited. For example, drag and drop activities cannot be completed with keyboard alternatives.

This checklist is also available as a Google Doc Resource (https://bit.ly/3aQtYQa). 

Level AA requirements are:

• • • Contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.

    • Contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for large text.

      • • Large text is defined as 14 point (typically 18.66px) and bold or larger, or 18 point (typically 24px) or larger.

    • Contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for graphics and user interface components (such as form input borders). 

    • Text or images of text that are part of an inactive user interface component, that are pure decoration, that are not visible to anyone, or that are part of a picture that contains significant other visual content, have no contrast requirement.

    • Logotypes: Text that is part of a logo or brand name has no contrast requirement.

Use the following site to check the color contrast of your text.  Make sure it passes WCAG AA compliance.

• • • Color Contrast Checker (https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/) 

© WebAIM

The Color and Contrast Guidelines are also available as a Google Doc Resource (https://bit.ly/2Xhf41I). 

Screen Reader Resources

Screen reader technology is a vital tool that enables individuals with visual impairments to access and interact with digital content. It works by translating text and interactive elements on a computer or mobile device screen into audio or touch feedback. Screen readers are particularly beneficial for people who are blind or have limited vision, but they can also assist individuals with learning, motor, or cognitive disabilities. These tools read aloud the content on the screen and allow users to navigate through websites and applications via speech output or a Braille display. Three of the most commonly used screen readers are NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver.  

Accessibility Presentations