Accessibility

A teal background with various icons representing web accessibility, including a desktop, mobile devices, a world map, tools, money, a shopping cart, and different interface elements. The words "WEB ACCESSIBILITY" are prominently displayed in the center.

When developing documents and websites, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical priority. Here are three key considerations/modifications to ensure accessibility:


1. Use of Alt Text for Images

Alt text describes images or graphics used in documents and websites for individuals who rely on screen readers. The alt text provides a verbal description, allowing users with visual impairments to understand the content that a sighted person would glean from an image. To make this modification:

   - Ensure that every image includes descriptive alt text.

   - For more complex images like graphs or charts, consider including long descriptions.

 

2. Proper Heading Structure:

Headings organize content hierarchically and assist users who rely on screen readers to navigate through a document. By creating a clear heading structure:

   - Use built-in styles in document software (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2).

 

3. Color Contrast and Text Readability:

People with visual impairments, such as color blindness, rely on strong contrast between text and background to read content easily. Modifications include:

   - Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background colors, using tools like the WebAIM contrast checker to meet WCAG 2.1 guidelines (AA or AAA level).

   - Use readable fonts and ensure the text size can be easily adjusted without breaking the layout.

 

Resources for Developing Accessible Web-Based Resources:

 

1. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI):

The W3C WAI is the leading international standard for web accessibility guidelines. It provides comprehensive resources, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), tutorials on developing accessible web content, and evaluation tools (Initiative (WAI), n.d.).

 

Banner image with a blue background. On the left, W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) logo in white and yellow. On the right, text reads "Strategies, standards, resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities" in white.

  

2. WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind):

WebAIM offers practical advice and tools for making websites accessible to people with disabilities. It covers topics like screen reader compatibility, color contrast, and web form accessibility. Their contrast checker and accessibility evaluation tools are highly recommended (WebAIM: Contrast Checker, n.d.).

 

Logo of WebAIM, featuring the text "WebAIM" with "AIM" in red, and the tagline "web accessibility in mind" below. On the right side, there is a silhouette of a human head with a cog inside, indicating focus on web accessibility.


3. National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM):

   - AEM provides resources focused on educational accessibility. Their website includes a rich library of guidelines for creating and using accessible educational materials and technologies in learning environments (AEM Center - National Center on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST, n.d.).

A logo with a smooth rectangular shape containing three colorful, wavy fields in purple, orange, and green. Next to it, the text reads, "National Center on Accessible Educational Materials.

4. JAWS (Job Access with Speech):

JAWS is one of the most widely used screen readers globally, designed to provide accessibility for individuals with vision impairments. JAWS enables users to interact with a computer using both speech and Braille output. It facilitates access to various applications, allowing users to perform tasks such as navigating websites, writing documents, reading emails, and creating presentations—essential functions for daily life, education, and work (JAWS® – Freedom Scientific, n.d.).

A blue, stylized shark logo with an open mouth and sound wave symbols coming out. Below the shark, the word "JAWS" is written in bold blue letters. The overall design is simple and modern, using minimalistic shapes and lines.

These resources offer comprehensive guidance on creating accessible documents and web content, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with various disabilities.

 

References:

AEM Center—National Center on Accessible Educational Materials at CAST. (n.d.). AEM Center. from https://aem.cast.org/

Initiative (WAI), W. W. A. (n.d.). Home. Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). https://www.w3.org/WAI/

JAWS® – Freedom Scientific. (n.d.). https://www.freedomscientific.com/Products/software/JAWS/

WebAIM: Contrast Checker. (n.d.). from https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/

 

 

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