Web Accessibility

Connect with a broader audience and improve the overall experience through accessible digital content delivery.

Basic Accessibility Practices

To improve usability and ensure inclusive access to digital content, we recommend the following accessibility practices:

Text Formatting

Use structured heading styles to organize content clearly.
Use bulleted or numbered lists to present information in a readable format.

Descriptive Content

Write clear, descriptive text that is easy to understand.
Use meaningful link text that describes the destination or purpose of the link (avoid phrases like “click here”).

Images

Provide alternative (alt) text for images so screen reader users can understand visual content.

Color and Contrast

Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background for readability.
Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning or information.

Tables

Use tables only for presenting data.
Include header rows and/or columns so assistive technologies can properly interpret the table structure.

Audience with Accommodations

Visual impairments: Compatibility with screen readers, meaningful alternative text, and audio descriptions for visual media.

Hearing impairments: Captions, transcripts for audio and video content, and support for sign language interpretation when applicable.

Speech impairments: Compatibility with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and assistive technologies.

Mobility impairments: Full keyboard navigation and functionality without requiring the use of a mouse.

Cognitive and learning disabilities: Flexible content presentation, including options to control, simplify, or hide/show content to support focus and comprehension.

Digital Accessibility Quick Guide for Faculty and Staff

Creating accessible digital content helps ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and community members can access and engage with information. The following practices support inclusive learning and communication across digital platforms.

Web Content

Use structured headings to organize pages and help users navigate content with assistive technologies.
Write clear and descriptive link text (avoid phrases such as “click here”).
Provide alternative (alt) text for images so screen readers can describe visual information.
Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background.
Do not rely on color alone to communicate meaning (for example, include labels or icons in addition to color).

Documents (Word, Google Docs, PDFs)

Use built-in heading styles to structure documents.
Add alt text for images, charts, and graphics.
Ensure tables include header rows or columns.
Export documents as tagged PDFs when sharing final versions.
Use clear fonts and readable font sizes.

Presentations (PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Use slide layouts rather than manually formatting text boxes.
Provide alt text for images, diagrams, and charts.
Ensure sufficient contrast between text and slide backgrounds.
Avoid placing large amounts of text on slides; keep content clear and readable.

Video and Multimedia

Provide captions for videos.
Include transcripts for audio content when possible.
When necessary, provide audio descriptions for key visual information.

Navigation and Interaction

Ensure content can be accessed using keyboard navigation.
Provide clear labels for buttons and form fields.
Organize content so users can easily scan and understand information.

Continuous Improvement

Digital accessibility is an ongoing process. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review their content regularly and apply accessibility best practices to improve the experience for all users.

Citations

World Wide Web Consortium. (2018). Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG
Accessibility and ePortfolios, 2022-10-25 Accessibility workshop, participant copy, Peter McLellan, PhD (Oxford College of Emory University), Kevin Kelly, EdD (San Francisco State University)

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