Core Topics: Digital Accessibility
Creating inclusive digital content is essential for ensuring accessibility for all users regardless of their abilities or disabilities. To achieve this, adhering to best practices for accessibility is crucial.
Creating accessible digital content that complies with the federal regulations of WCAG 2.1 is not hard. Here are five Core Topics that align with best practices to help improve digital accessibility:
1. Font Size:
Fonts should be at least 12 points and easy to read. Small fonts and fancy fonts should be avoided. Spacing should also be adequate for the text size.
• Example of fancy and small: VCSU Viking Pride!
• Example of a clean font: VCSU Pride!
2. Color:
Improper use of color can be difficult to see. Especially when it is like the color behind it. For some with color blindness, it may be impossible to tell them apart.
• Example of insufficient contrast, (i.e.: orange on yellow): VCSU Viking Pride!
• Example of Sufficient contrast, (i.e.: black on yellow): VCSU Viking Pride!
Do not use color as the only way of conveying information. Be sure that another way to identify the information is available:
• Example of color only: Students that are enrolled are in red: Jenna, Kyle, Troy.
• Example of color only: Students that are enrolled are in red and have an asterisk: Jenna, Kyle*, Troy.
When showing graphs and charts, be sure to include text or texture to break up and describe colors.
• Instead of using just color, use data labels and/or patterns to make your graph easier to understand:
3. Alt Text:
Using Alt text (alternative text) helps when your recipient cannot see the images in your content. Screen readers (VoiceOver, Narrator) cannot read images, and without alt text on an image, a person who is blind would not even know that the image exists. Alt text is required for:
- Pictures and images.
- Shapes, Clip Art, and Word Art.
- Text Box and Lines.
- Embedded images with fixed text. *Another way to share information in a fixed image would be to type the message directly into the document space.
- Logos. *If the image (or logo) is purely decorative you would use the Alt text option "mark as decorative".
- Social Media posts.
- Headshots.
- Infographics.
Please note, that there is no need to write "image of" or "picture of" before an image. The screen reader will announce what the graphic file is before reading the description. Also, be sure to name the file properly, and not generic such as "image1234.jpg".
4. Link text:
Descriptive hyperlink text helps recipients understand where the link will take them. Replace any link text that may be generic. It is best practice to have the link open in a new window and to alert the user of the new window.
• Instead of: Click here to read more.
• Use descriptive text: Read the VCSU accessibility policy, which opens in a new window.
5. Structure and Headings:
Headings are the main way users navigate documents and allow users to jump to each section. Bold and italics do not allow for this feature and are not recommended for the use of headings. It is best to use all built-in structure and style features.
- Use heading styles H1 - H6 for a clear order of navigation and to break up content into chunks.
- Heading 1 should only be used once as the page title.
- Keep your headings in order and do not skip headings.
- Write descriptive headings to easily search content.
For more information or to schedule a training appointment, please contact:
Debra Dramstad, CPACC
Web Accessibility & Applications Specialist
Technology Services | Valley City State University
debra.dramstad@vcsu.edu | 701.845.7344