Digital Accessibility
Digital Accessibility
Quick Start Guide
For initial accessibility checks, ensure content has:
Readable fonts
For readability prefer sans-serif fonts like Aptos, BC Sans, Helvetica or Open Sans.
Use plain serif fonts like Cambria, Sitka, or Times New Roman.
Layout and structure
Use built-in tools for:
- Headings
- Lists
- Tables
- Titles
Appropriate use of colour
Use dark text on light backgrounds and light text on dark backgrounds.
Do not use colour alone for meaning.
Descriptive link text
Write unique, descriptive text of link destinations and use built-in tools to create hyperlinks.
Do not include bare URLs.
Text equivalents for images, videos, and audio
- Briefly describe the information in an image via alternative text or figure captions.
- Use Kaltura or OneDrive to generate captions and edit for accuracy.
- Provide text transcripts of audio recordings.
Been evaluated by an accessibility checker
Use tools, such as accessibility checkers in Office programs and Brightspace, to check for common accessibility issues.
Many platforms have tools and features that were designed to create accessible material by default. When used as intended software like Word, PowerPoint, and Brightspace create content that is accessible with no additional steps, hacks, or workarounds required.
Prefer formats such as HTML, Docx, and EPUB that allow user customization, as opposed to rigid formats like PDF or images of text. The greatest affordance for individuality is customization.
