Creating Accessible Resources and Content

Accessible platforms are only part of the effort to create an equitable experience. Content must also be created and captured in ways that commit to accessibility in both cognitive and technical ways. Here are some ways in which all of us can contribute to accessibility:

Creating Web Content

Navigation

  • Use headers properly to indicate categories of content.
  • Ensure focus order / navigation logic to support keyboard tabbing.
  • Expand actionable area to support linking (make the image actionable, not just the text).
  • Use multiple indicators for changes or actions (color and symbols).
  • Use breadcrumbs and other indicators of user location.

Visibility

  • Use standardized font sizes (16 px.)
  • Ensure proper color contrast ratios (4.5:1)
  • Provide alt text for all non-decorative images (and identify images that are purely decorative).
  • Procedures are visually clear, simple, and incapsulated.
  • Avoid images of contextually important content (equations, formulas, etc.).

Writing

  • Ensure voice and tone of content matches the expected audience.
  • Avoid figurative speech, jargon, or cultural phrases.
  • Write descriptive text for links (avoid “click here” or “more…”)
  • Procedural instructions are complete and avoid leaps of logic or assumptions of the users’ understanding.
  • Provide captioning, and when content is prerecorded, review and correct written captions.

Recognition

  • Use familiar icons or symbols.
  • Provide wayfinding reminders so users aren’t required to rely on remembering content from screen to screen of from the top of a long page at the bottom of the page.
  • Avoid stress-inducing indicators (Unnecessary timers or anything that makes the user feel observed).
  • Remove unnecessary movement and other distractions.
  • Make help functions easily identifiable and actionable.

Collaboration

  • Repurposing existing resources when possible (accessible maps, online form platforms, etc.).
  • Seek out accessibility offices / officers for advice / support.
  • Find like-minded partners and team up for success.
  • Extend trust and acknowledge expertise.
  • Unsure of an answer? Ask your users! User experience practices integrate the end-user into the design/development process.