Fonts and Readability

  • Choose fonts that are easy to read, such as our university sans-serif font, Arial, and avoid font sizes smaller than 9pt.
  • Use simple, easy-to-understand language to make your message scannable. Avoid jargon or acronyms.
  • Reserve underlines for links.

Headings and Structure

  • Titles and headings make content more accessible to screen reader users and readers with cognitive disabilities.
  • Provide a brief, descriptive title for all pages, documents and media.
  • Use headings to divide and label sections of content. Lists help to break up large blocks of text.
  • Titles, headings and lists should be added using the platform's built-in tools to ensure they are properly structured for screen readers.
  • Headings should be structured in proper reading order, with heading levels descending numerically. Never skip a heading level (e.g., jumping from H1 to H3).

Links

  • Don't "click here!" Links should describe their destination and make sense even without the surrounding text. Example: "Learn about creating accessible links" is better than "Click here to learn about accessible links."
  • Links should open in the same window except in rare cases when following a link would interrupt a process, such as a link that would take the user away from a webform they are filling out.
  • Links to files/media should indicate the file type within the linked text, as in Practices & Tips for Digital Accessibility [Open Captioned Video] [6:25 min].
  • Use standard link formatting to ensure links are distinguishable from regular text.

Images

  • Alternative text (or "alt text") is a short written description of an image that explains what the image shows. It helps people who cannot see the image understand its content and purpose.
  • Keep alt text concise (1–2 sentences).
  • Alt Text should not start with "Image of..." or "Photo of..." as screen readers already announce that it is an image.
  • If an image is purely decorative, mark it as decorative so screen readers ignore it.
  • Alternative text is not just for websites. Add alt text to any meaningful images in PDFs, Microsoft and Google Docs, social media posts, presentations, etc.
  • For complex visuals like charts, diagrams and infographics, include a full text description in the form of an image caption or other text alternative.

Color

  • Use contrasting colors for the text and background. You can use a contrast checker to make sure the colors you've chosen are accessible (e.g., 4.5:1 for regular text).
  • Don't rely solely on color to convey information. Use symbols or text alongside color coding to ensure that color blind users can get the same information.

Captions and Audio Descriptions

  • Video and audio content can be used to enrich and deliver online experiences. Video and audio content must include text-based alternatives so all users can access the information.
  • Videos must have captions. Videos also need audio descriptions if they convey information visually that is not described in the captions.
  • Audio-only content, such as audio recordings or podcasts, must have a transcript.
  • Review captions for accuracy and to ensure synchronization. Always provide a transcript upon request.

Note: Many platforms (Zoom, YouTube, etc.) now use AI captions. These automatic captions are a starting point and must be manually edited for accuracy, especially for names and technical terms.

Tables

  • Use tables for data, not for layout/design.
  • Tables must include "Header Rows" so screen readers can associate cells with their labels.