Crash Course in
Digital Accessibility

The following videos will give you a quick introduction to what Digital Accessibility is, why it matters, and some common elements discussed with talking about Digital Accessibility.  The resources are not meant to make you an expert on digital accessibility but get you comfortable with the elements commonly discussed in Digital Accessibility.

Note: Some videos are time stamped to start and stop at relevant sections that apply to what you may encounter.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Accessibility in Higher Education

Common Elements of Digital Accessibility

  1. Headings
  2. Hyperlinks for URLs
  3. Color Contrast
  4. Captions
  5. Audio Descriptions
  6. Image Descriptions or Alternative Text
  7. Tables
  8. Document Accessibility

Headings

Part 1: Explanation of Headings

Part 2: A Dive More into Headings

Return to Common Elements

Hyperlinks for URLs

Part 1: Explanation and Tips for Hyperlinks

Part 2: Tips about Hyperlinks

  • – URLs hyperlink to meaningful and descriptive text
  • – If a URL is present, it is unlinked and within brackets [ ]
  • – The phrase “click here” is not present in the descriptive text for hyperlinks
Return to Common Elements

Color Contrast

Part 1: Explanation of Color Contrast

Part 2: Resources about Color Contrast

Return to Common Elements

Captions

Part 1: Caption Explanation

Part 2: Tips for Creating Captions

Return to Common Elements

Audio Descriptions

Part 1: Audio Description Explanation

Part 2: Tips for Creating Audio Descriptions

Return to Common Elements

Image Descriptions or Alternative Text

Part 1: Alternative Text Explanation

Part 2: Resources about Alternative Text

  • – Keep it simple, avoid using decorative and unnecessary images
  • – Keep images inline with text
  • – Review the WebAIM Accessible Images and the WebAIM Alternative Text resources. Both will provide you with information on how to write alternative text.
  • – The DIAGRAM Center offers more extensive information and practice on simple and complex images.
Return to Common Elements

Tables

Part 1: Document Accessibility Guide

Part 2: Resources about Tables

  • – Is a table your only option? Tables are difficult for assistive technology to navigate. Only use tables when essential!
  • – Always have a table title and an overview caption for learners
  • – Avoid blank or merged cells
  • – Avoid using tables as a way to layout content…tables are for data or information
  • – Always have a header row
  • – Use the WebAIM Creating Accessible Tables resource for additional guidelines
Return to Common Elements

Document Accessibility

Part 1: Document Accessibility Guide

Part 2: Resources about Document Accessibility

Return to Common Elements

Where Can I Go For Help?

Do you still have questions? Click the button below to email our Digital Accessibility Team.

Email Digital Accessibility