Accessible Websites

As the digital front door to our University, it's important that everyone is able to access the information they need. Once you understand the small steps we can all take to ensure that no person is ever excluded from our content, you will start to see that making our content more accessible actually provides a better user experience for all.

Here is a checklist for creating online content and styling pages. Creating accessible content for websites doesn't require extensive technical knowledge. If you are not sure about the accessibility of your content reach out.

1. Headers are used to create logical reading order and not for styling text. See Quick Tip 3 about headers.
2. Tables are properly used to present tabular data and contain accurate text-based descriptions. They are not used for layout. 
3. Content is presented as a webpage whenever possible, posted documents are in an accessible format 
4. Hyperlinks are provided using appropriate and accurate descriptive text, not "click here" or "learn more." See Quick Tip #1 about links.
5. Images have minimal to no text on them and include appropriate and accurate text-based descriptions using alt text or on the website alongside the image. See Quick Tip #2 about alt text.
6. Posted videos and other digital media are captioned to 99% accuracy.
7. Forms are provided using an accessible forms tool and fillable PDF forms are checked for accessibility prior to posting
8. Any customized website apps should be checked for accessibility before posting on the website, and any issues remediated prior to publication 

 

 

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Notes on Accessibility Overlays

Javascript or AI accessibility overlays

The CSU-ATI, along with many accessibility and legal experts, DO NOT RECOMMEND use of accessibility overlays. The crux of the problem with these overlays is that they are a bolt-on solution whose promise is greater than its delivery. You can’t truly fix most accessibility errors by changing a line of code. And what’s more, these overlays actually create barriers in most cases that make access even harder for the users (namely screen reader users) for whom they’re intended to help. Accessibility needs to be baked in, considered from the start in order to ensure a truly usable and accessible experience for webpage visitors. These overlays sidestep that approach.

• Overlay Fact Sheet
• Attorney Lainey Feingold statement on ADA and quick-fix solutions
• Haben Girma video clip on quick-fix solutions (opens in new window)
• Statement from National Federation of the Blind