Universal Design

Styles and Headings

Using the title, heading, and sub heading styles on your text makes it possible for people using adaptive technology such screen readers to navigate your site.

Google Sites: You can access the styles menu by highlighting text and using the dropdown tab on the left of the text toolbar.

Alt text

Alt text, or alternative text, is a short description added to images on a website. It is included so that screen readers, which are used by people who are blind or have low vision, read the alt text aloud so they can understand what the image is about. However, alt text can also provide context and clarify what an image represents, which can be helpful for all users, not just those with disabilities. 

If the image doesn't load properly, the alt text will appear in its place, giving users an idea of what was supposed to be there. Lastly, search engines can't "see" images, but they do scan for alt text. Adding alt text helps search engines understand the content of the images, which can improve your website's visibility in search results.

Google Sites: Once an image is inserted on Google Sites, alt text can be added to an image by clicking on the kebob menu, selecting "Alt text," and filling in a description of the image. A non-essential image can be marked as "decorative" and screen readers will skip this content.

Colour and Contrast

Color choice and contrast on a webpage are important for readability. High contrast between text and background makes it easier to read. For example, black text on a white background is much easier to read than light gray text on a white background. Good contrast ensures that people with visual impairments, including color blindness, can read and understand the content. If the colors are too similar, it can be difficult for them to distinguish text and important elements.

Pleasant and effective color combinations make the website more attractive and enjoyable to use. Poor color choices can strain the eyes and make the site look unprofessional. Using different colors can help draw attention to important information, buttons, or links, making it easier for users to navigate and find what they need.

Google Sites: When adding a banner image, Google Sites will automatically darken or lighten the image so that your text is legible. Try toggling the "Adjust for readability" setting in bottom-right hand corner of the banner image to see the difference.

Hyperlinks

Incorporating hyperlinks on a webpage in an accessible way involves a few key practices to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily use and understand them:

• Descriptive Link Text: Use clear and descriptive text for hyperlinks. Instead of "click here" or "read more," use text that describes the link's destination, like "Learn about our services" or "Download the user manual."

• Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that links can be accessed and activated using a keyboard alone. Users should be able to navigate through links using the Tab key and activate them with the Enter key.

• Avoid Using Only Color to Indicate Links: Links should be distinguishable by more than just color. Underline links or use a different font style to ensure that users who are colorblind or have low vision can identify them easily.

• Meaningful Context: Place links within a context that makes sense. For example, instead of "click here for more information," you could write "click here for more information about our accessibility policies."

Links to  transcripts

Including a transcript for a video on a website is important for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Transcripts make video content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They can read the text to understand the audio content.

• Improved Comprehension: Some people find it easier to understand content when they can read it as well as watch it. This can include non-native speakers of the language in the video or people with learning disabilities.

• Convenience: Users might be in situations where they can't watch a video, such as in a quiet place without headphones or in a location with poor internet connectivity. A transcript allows them to access the information without needing to play the video.

• Content Repurposing: Transcripts can be used to create other content, such as instructions, articles, or social media updates, extending the reach of the original video content.

• Legal Compliance: In Ontario, providing accessible content, including transcripts for videos, is required by law to comply with accessibility standards and regulations.