Accessibility FAST
FAST Accessibility Check
When creating or updating content consider these questions.
Function
Ask:
Is the content written with the audience in mind? Does the content work on multiple devices and without using a mouse?
Best practices:
- Avoid PDFS.
- Use readability scores to gauge reading level.
- Use a read aloud tool like Word Read Aloud or TextAid to ensure content is read as intended.
Appearance
Ask:
Is the font easy to read?
If I printed this in black and white, would content retain meaning?
Best Practices:
- Use sans-serif or basic serif fonts, of at least 11 point in documents, 16 point on webpages, and 18 in presentations.
- Ensure colour contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
- Information cannot be conveyed by colour alone.
Structure
Ask:
Were lists, headings, and columns created using built-in tools?
Are tables only used for data?
Best practices:
- Ensure headings are both visual (larger, bolded font) and coded (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.).
- Use numbered lists are used for steps in a process and bulleted lists for groupings of items.
- Tables must have a header row or column.
- Tables should not be used for layout.
Text Equivalents
Ask:
If someone cannot see or hear content, would they perceive all essential information?
Best Practices
- Use descriptive link text, not bare URLs.
- Add alternative text and image captions.
- Include accurate closed captions on videos.
- Provide accurate transcripts of audio.
Moving forward…
Focus on creation and revision, not remediation. When you create new content or update existing material, focus on incorporating accessibility best practices. Do not worry about ‘fixing’ each one of your old documents. Aim to improve as you move forward.
